Jesus's story was prophesied centuries before His birth, foretold through ancient prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel. They describe a coming Messiah - an anointed deliverer King like David who would bring salvation and establish an eternal kingdom. Their prophecies tell of His humble birth, miraculous works, betrayal, suffering, and ultimate triumph. The people of Israel cling to these hopeful promises during years of oppression under foreign rule.
The Roman Empire now reigns, imposing ruthless authority upon the land. In the small village of Nazareth lives a young Jewish girl named Mary, engaged to be married to Joseph the carpenter. One day, an angel appears and declares Mary will give birth to the promised Messiah, conceived by the Holy Spirit! She will call Him Jesus.
Months later, Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem where Jesus is born in humble surroundings. Visited by shepherds and magi bearing gifts, this child is marked for greatness. But soon, the tyrant King Herod threatens the baby's life, so the family flees to Egypt for safety until Herod's death.
Once the threat of Herod subsides, the family returns and Jesus humbly grows up in Nazareth. The people of Israel still long for the day when God will send a Deliverer. Years go by, Jesus turns thirty, and a wild prophet named John the Baptist announces that the kingdom of heaven is near! Even crazier, John is the cousin of Jesus!
John baptizes Jesus in the Jordan River, and a voice from heaven exclaims, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17). Jesus’s public ministry is about to begin!
Jesus begins preaching repentance and the arrival of God's Kingdom, backed by miraculous signs like healing the sick, calming storms, and casting out demons. Great crowds flock to Him, including outcasts and sinners. Jesus teaches with authority, sharing radical messages through parables, like loving your enemies, seeking the lost, and storing up treasures in heaven.
Jesus calls twelve disciples - ordinary men like impulsive Peter, introspective John, and pragmatic Matthew. They follow Him wholeheartedly, witnessing His miracles firsthand and soaking in His wisdom.
As Jesus’s fame grows, opposition mounts from the religious elite who resent His influence. But Jesus knows His earthly life is short. At His last Passover meal with the disciples, He initiates new symbols of bread and wine, representing His broken body and shed blood - establishing a new covenant. He washes their feet, modeling humility and service.
That night, Jesus is betrayed by Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, for 30 pieces of silver and is arrested. Jesus endures an unjust trial and brutal torture. Nailed to a cross between criminals, Jesus cries, “Father, forgive them!” and breathes His last breath (Luke 23:34). His limp body is laid in a donated tomb, as all hope seems lost.
But death could not contain the Son of God! On the third day, Jesus rises triumphantly from the grave, appearing to His overjoyed disciples and convincing them that He is alive. Jesus commissions them to take His message to the nations before ascending back to the Father.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Jesus's followers begin preaching the gospel throughout the world, performing miracles and planting churches. Though persecuted at first, Christ's message continues spreading like wildfire. His resurrection offers eternal life and hope to all who put their faith in Him.
Jesus's story has been transforming hearts ever since, changing the course of history. Today millions of people follow Him, finding redemption, purpose, and identity through faith in their resurrected Lord. His teachings illuminate the path to love, righteousness, grace, and humility. Though Jesus ascended long ago, He lives today in the hearts of believers, and promises one day to return and establish His everlasting kingdom of peace and justice. This inspiring story points to a future day when every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!
~Cameron Frye
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