Jesus: The Central Figure of Faith and Redemption

When exploring the foundation of Christianity, one cannot overlook the person of Jesus. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture speaks of Him. Whether through prophecy, fulfillment, or divine intervention, Jesus is the thread weaving the Bible into one complete story. In fact, books like The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel and Jesus Calling by Sarah Young help modern readers understand His significance today.

The Prophecies Foretelling Jesus

The Old Testament laid a foundation for Jesus’ arrival. Prophets such as Isaiah declared, “For unto us a child is born… and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Throughout the Torah and prophetic writings, we find shadows and promises of the coming Messiah.

Scholars, such as Michael Rydelnik in The Messianic Hope, affirm that the Old Testament is saturated with hints of Christ’s coming, reinforcing the divine plan for redemption.

Echoes of Jesus in the Torah

The Torah, the first five books of the Bible, contains types and foreshadows of Jesus. Adam points to Christ as the “second Adam” (1 Corinthians 15:45). The sacrificial system instituted through Moses anticipates Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.

Furthermore, the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12) is a vivid portrait of Jesus as the Lamb of God, as confirmed by John the Baptist in John 1:29.

Jesus in the Apostles Creed: A Confession of Faith

The Apostles Creed succinctly summarizes the core truths about Jesus. It boldly declares belief in “Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,” highlighting His divinity, virgin birth, suffering under Pontius Pilate, crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.

Historian Jaroslav Pelikan states in Credo that the Apostles Creed acts as a “compass of orthodoxy,” grounding believers in apostolic faith centered on Jesus.

Here’s a traditional version of the Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
He descended into hell;
on the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from there He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen.

A few notes:

“holy catholic Church” here means “universal church” — not specifically the Roman Catholic Church, but all believers in Christ.
It was used early on to prepare people for baptism and to protect the faith against false teachings.

Why the Apostles Creed Still Matters

In a world of shifting values, the Apostles Creed reminds believers of the unchanging truth about Jesus. It roots faith not in fleeting emotion but in the historic reality of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

Jesus in the Old Testament Shadows

The stories of Joseph, Moses, David, and even Jonah each reveal characteristics of Jesus. Joseph’s betrayal and later exaltation mirror Christ’s journey from rejection to glory. Moses foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate Deliverer (Deuteronomy 18:15).

Moreover, David points to Jesus as the eternal King, fulfilling God’s covenant that David’s throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16).

Jesus’ Life: Fulfillment of Prophecies

The New Testament documents Jesus’ life through eyewitness accounts. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John offer detailed perspectives on His ministry, death, and resurrection. Lee Strobel, in A Case for Christ, uses investigative journalism to argue for the historical reliability of these accounts.

A Case for Christ: Investigating Jesus

In A Case for Christ, Strobel interviews scholars and historians, building a compelling case for Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. Archeological evidence, manuscript reliability, and eyewitness testimonies all affirm the credibility of the Gospel narratives.

Jesus’ Teachings: Living by “WWJD”

Jesus’ teachings set an unparalleled ethical and spiritual standard. The popular acronym WWJD (“What Would Jesus Do?”) challenges believers to model their lives after Christ’s teachings.

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) sets forth radical principles: love your enemies, turn the other cheek, forgive seventy times seven times. His message was revolutionary then—and remains so today.

How WWJD Inspires Modern Christians

WWJD reminds Christians to think and act with Christ’s compassion, justice, and humility in every situation, embodying His love daily.

1. In Conflict:

Situation: Someone insults you at work.
WWJD thought: Instead of lashing out, you stay calm and respond with kindness or just walk away — because Jesus taught forgiveness and turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39).

2. In Helping Others:

Situation: You see a homeless person asking for help.
WWJD thought: You take a moment to offer food, some help, or even just a kind word — because Jesus cared for the poor and the marginalized (Matthew 25:35-40).

3. In Making Decisions:

Situation: You’re tempted to cut corners on a project or be dishonest for personal gain.
WWJD thought: You choose to be honest, even if it’s harder — because Jesus valued truth and integrity (John 14:6).

4. In Relationships:

Situation: A friend betrays your trust.
WWJD thought: After dealing with the pain, you work toward forgiveness and reconciliation — because Jesus forgave those who hurt Him (Luke 23:34).

5. In Everyday Small Moments:

Situation: A neighbor needs help moving furniture.
WWJD thought: You offer your help cheerfully — because Jesus taught us to serve others (Mark 10:45).

WWJD isn’t about being “perfect,” but about trying to live a life that reflects Jesus’ love and character day by day.

Sacred Heart of Jesus: Embracing Divine Love

The Sacred Heart of Jesus devotion focuses on Christ’s profound love for humanity, often depicted with His heart encircled by thorns. It reflects His immense compassion and willingness to endure suffering for our salvation.

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, who promoted this devotion, recorded Jesus’ promise that those who honor His Sacred Heart would receive abundant graces.

Jesus’ Prayer Life: Model of Communion with God

Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated a life steeped in prayer. He often withdrew to solitary places to commune with the Father (Luke 5:16).

The Power of the Jesus Prayer

The Jesus Prayer—”Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner”—originated among early Christians and monks seeking to live in constant awareness of Jesus’ presence. It encapsulates humility, repentance, and trust.

Jesus’ Disciples: From Followers to Leaders

The Jesus disciples—Peter, James, John, and others—were ordinary men transformed by extraordinary encounters with the risen Christ. Their bold preaching after Pentecost birthed the Church of Jesus Christ.

As noted by N.T. Wright in The Resurrection of the Son of God, the sudden emergence of a fearless, resurrection-centered movement is best explained by the reality of Jesus’ resurrection.

He Gets Us: Jesus’ Empathy with Our Struggles

Modern campaigns like He Gets Us emphasize Jesus’ understanding of human suffering. Jesus wept at Lazarus’ tomb (John 11:35). He was betrayed, abandoned, and crucified—experiences that connect Him intimately with human pain.

Hebrews 4:15 confirms, “We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses.”

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Journey to Christ

In Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, Nabeel Qureshi shares his emotional journey from Islam to Christianity. His intellectual and spiritual quest led him to embrace Jesus as Lord.

This gripping story illustrates Jesus’ universal call, inviting all people—regardless of background—into relationship with Him.

Salvation Prayer: The Gateway to New Life

The salvation prayer offers a personal invitation to accept Jesus as Savior. Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Countless testimonies across history recount the transformative power unleashed by a sincere salvation prayer.

How to Pray a Salvation Prayer

A sample prayer could be:
“Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I receive You as my Savior. Come into my heart. Amen.”

Jesus Listens and Jesus Always: Daily Devotional Companions

Sarah Young’s devotionals Jesus Listens and Jesus Always continue to inspire millions. Her reflections, written as if Jesus is speaking directly to the reader, encourage daily surrender and trust.

Jesus Himself invited all to come to Him, promising rest for weary souls (Matthew 11:28–30).

The Passion of the Christ: A Cinematic Reflection of Jesus’ Sacrifice

The Passion of the Christ, directed by Mel Gibson, vividly portrays Jesus’ final hours. Drawing from Gospel narratives, it highlights the depth of His suffering and His unwavering love for humanity.

Viewing this film often leads to renewed awe and gratitude for the price Jesus paid.

The Church of Jesus Christ: Continuing His Mission

The Church of Jesus Christ exists to glorify Him, spread the Gospel, and serve as His hands and feet on Earth. It began at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit empowered Jesus’ followers.

Today, millions worldwide gather in His name, fulfilling His commission to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).

Conclusion: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

In every book of the Bible, in every corner of history, and in every human heart longing for truth, Jesus stands at the center. He is not merely a teacher, prophet, or martyr—He is the Savior, the Son of God, the risen King.

Resources like The Case for Christ, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, Jesus Calling, and many more help believers and seekers alike understand and experience the life-changing reality of Jesus.

As Hebrews 12:2 urges us, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”