Jesus

Jesus (Hebrew/Aramaic: Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ); Greek: Ἰησοῦς; Arabic: ʿĪsā (عيسى); Modern Hebrew: Yeshu (ישו); c. 6–4 BC – c. AD 30–33), also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Joshua, and in Christian tradition, Jesus Christ (Greek: Ἰησοῦς Χριστός), is a historical figure that serves as the central figure of [[Christianity]]. Christian writings and other historical sources describe Jesus as a first-century Jewish itinerant preacher from Galilee in Roman [[Judea]], who was also regarded as a healer and teacher (often identified as a rabbi), and whom Christian writings also portray as a descendant of King David. These accounts further portray him as a figure whose teachings and actions brought him into significant conflict with elements of the Jewish religious establishment. Traditions about his life and teachings—including his baptism by John the Baptist, public ministry of teaching and healing, gathering of disciples, and crucifixion under the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem—became foundational to the Christian movement. He is worshiped by Christians and Messianic Jews as the Messiah and Son of God; he is also highly regarded as a prophet, not as God, in Islam and is significant in Rabbinic Judaism (though regarded very negatively), with his birth commemorated at Christmas and his resurrection at Easter. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is traditionally venerated as the site of his crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.

The nativity accounts appear only in Matthew and Luke. Both describe Jesus' birth in Bethlehem to the virgin Mary, betrothed to Joseph, a Davidic descendant, fulfilling Micah 5:2's prophecy of a Messiah there. Matthew mentions wise men following a star, Herod's infant massacre, and flight to Egypt until Herod's death. Luke cites a census under Quirinius drawing the family to Bethlehem, with angels announcing to shepherds and Jesus in a manger. The accounts differ greatly beyond Bethlehem, Davidic ties, and virgin birth, which draws from Isaiah 7:14's Septuagint rendering of "parthenos" (virgin) for Hebrew "almah" (young woman). Both Gospels trace Joseph's Davidic lineage for messianic claims, but diverge after David: Matthew (1:1–17) uses three 14-generation sets from Abraham to Jesus via Solomon; Luke (3:23–38) lists 77 generations to Adam via Nathan. Early life details include Luke's notes on circumcision, Temple presentation, and recognition by Simeon and Anna; Matthew describes settlement in Nazareth after Egypt; Luke's childhood story (2:41–52) shows 12-year-old Jesus debating Temple teachers.

No extra-biblical sources confirm the star, magi, massacre, or census timing. Scholars propose the birth around 6–4 BC based on Herod's reign; December 25 lacks Gospel support and arose later. Theories for genealogical differences, such as Matthew for Joseph's royal line and Luke for Mary's, remain unverified; the genealogies prioritize theology over history, lacking independent confirmation. Early life details fit legendary development, stressing divine favor and prophecy, with Nazareth upbringing unverified contemporaneously. Second-century apocryphal tales of boyhood miracles hold no historical weight. The Gospels refer to Jesus and his legal father Joseph as τέκτων (tekton). In Mark 6:3, local residents ask of Jesus, "Is not this the tekton (ὁ τέκτων), the son of Mary?" while Matthew 13:55 phrases it as "Is not this the carpenter’s son?" (referring to Joseph as the tekton). The Greek term τέκτων, commonly rendered as "carpenter" in English translations, more accurately denotes a craftsman, artisan, or master builder in the first-century context. In rural Galilee, where wood was scarce and stone abundant, this trade likely involved general construction, repair work, and working with various materials rather than specialized woodworking alone.