Jesus Christ Is the Central Figure of Christianity Who Was Born in Bethlehem, Judea

sometime between 8 BC and 29 AD. The name "Jesus" is derived from a Greek rendering of the Hebrew name Joshua, while "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew mashiakh or Messiah, which was a title that was later made part of Jesus' proper name. Christians traditionally believe that Jesus is the incarnate Son of God, who was divinely conceived by Mary, wife of Joseph, a carpenter of Nazareth. He is also believed to have died on the cross and then resurrected.

Since the primary source about Jesus and his teachings, The New Testament, was written in the latter part of the first century AD when most of the people who knew Jesus first hand had died, there is some debate about the historicity and nature of Jesus. However, most secular as well as religious scholars are in agreement that Jesus was a historical figure.

According to the mainstream Christian tradition, the object of Christ's mission to the world was to save all mankind from their sins; he was sent by God to proclaim His love for humanity and as the one and only Mediator between God and men; he gave himself as ransom for atonement of the sins of all humanity, and all those for whom Jesus died shall be saved.

Jesus' teachings during his lifetime were in line with this mission. He preached non-violent resistance, stressed the infinite love of God for the humble and weak, and promised pardon and eternal life in heaven to the most hardened sinners provided their repentance was sincere. Jesus also sought to heal the sick and poor through divine power, preached forgiveness of sin, life after death, and resurrection of the body.

As his teachings disturbed the status quo, the authorities considered him a dangerous influence on the masses and condemned him to death.

Modern day Palestine

Jesus' teachings, according to the Gospels, lasted between 1 to 3 years when he was about 30 years old.