What Christians believe about ... Jesus

The Christmas story tells us of how Mary was visited by an angel and became pregnant with God's son
(The Bible, Luke chapter 1 verses 26 - 38)

Jesus himself spoke of his relationship with God. The men who spent three years following Jesus, listening to him, and witnessing the things he did became convinced that he was the Son of God.
( The Bible, Matthew chapter 16 verse 16.)

• Other men have come back to life - consider Lazarus, who Jesus raised to life after being dead in the tomb for four days.
• Other men have died for their beliefs.
• Other men have been killed, even though they were innocent of the crimes of which they were charged.
• Other men have performed marvellous feats, even 'miracles'.

But Christians believe Jesus is unique - not just another man but the Son of God, who took on human form to come to earth and live among men (The Bible, John chapter 3 verse 16). They believe he lived a life of perfect unity with God his Father (The Bible, John chapter 14 verse 10), performed miracles, even showing power over the elements of the wind and waves (The Bible, Matthew chapter 8 verses 23 - 27). And even though he is the creator of the universe, he chose to come to earth as a poor carpenter, to spend three years of his life telling and showing people how to live God's way. He chose to submit to death on a cross in order that people who believe in Him could be forgiven by God.

That is unique.

For Christians, Jesus is many things:

• Saviour - the one who died in our place
  (The Bible, Hebrews chapter 7 verse 25)
• Lord - if we allow him to reign in our lives!
• Friend - someone we can have a relationship with
  (The Bible, John chapter 15 verse 14)

The big question was asked by Jesus:
"Who do you say I am?" (The Bible, Mark chapter 8 verse 29)