Life of Christ
Life of Christ is an overview of the life of Jesus, from the Incarnation and his birth through his public ministry, Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension. Catholic faith understands his whole earthly life in relation to the saving mystery of his death and Resurrection.[1]
Infancy and hidden life
Matthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2 recount the infancy of Jesus. Luke describes his birth at Bethlehem, circumcision and naming, presentation in the Temple, and family life at Nazareth. Matthew recounts the visit of the Magi, the flight into Egypt, and Herod’s massacre. The finding in the Temple is narrated by Luke when Jesus is twelve.[2] The topics below follow the broad course of his life; their grouping does not settle every question about the sequence of the two infancy narratives.
- Annunciation
- Visitation
- Nativity of Jesus
- Circumcision of Jesus
- Presentation of Jesus
- Adoration of the Magi
- Flight into Egypt
- Massacre of the Innocents
- Return of the family of Jesus to Nazareth
- Finding in the Temple
- Holy Family
Baptism, temptation, and calling
The baptism in the Jordan marks the beginning of Jesus’ public life. The Father’s voice and the descent of the Holy Spirit reveal his identity and mission. His victory over temptation expresses his obedience to the Father.[3]
Public ministry
Jesus announces the Kingdom of God through his teaching, parables, and miracles, and gathers disciples around him.[4]
- Ministry of Jesus
- Sermon on the Mount
- Parables of Jesus
- Miracles of Jesus
- Transfiguration of Jesus
- Triumphal entry into Jerusalem
Passion
At the Last Supper, Jesus gives the Eucharist and anticipates his sacrifice on the cross. His Passion culminates in his freely offered death for the salvation of humanity. Catholic teaching rejects collective blame of the Jewish people for his death.[5]
- Last Supper
- Agony in the Garden
- Arrest of Jesus
- Sanhedrin trial of Jesus
- Pilate's court
- Crucifixion of Jesus
- Burial of Jesus
Descent, Resurrection, and Ascension
The Creed’s descent into hell means Christ’s descent to the dead, where he freed the just who awaited the Redeemer.[6] The Church confesses his bodily Resurrection and his glorification at the Father’s right hand in the Ascension.[7][8]
See also
- Life of Jesus — a fuller survey of the Gospel narratives
- Jesus — the person of Jesus Christ
- Incarnation — the Word made flesh
- Pentecost — the gift of the Holy Spirit and the apostolic mission after the Ascension
References
- Back to citation Catechism of the Catholic Church, 571–573.
- Back to citation Gospel of Luke, chapter 2; Gospel of Matthew, chapters 1–2.
- Back to citation Catechism of the Catholic Church, 535–540.
- Back to citation Catechism of the Catholic Church, 541–550.
- Back to citation Catechism of the Catholic Church, 597–598, 609–611.
- Back to citation Catechism of the Catholic Church, 632–635.
- Back to citation Catechism of the Catholic Church, 638–658.
- Back to citation Catechism of the Catholic Church, 659–667.