Jesus: Man of History, Figure of Faith

Jesus: A Man of History, Figure of Faith. Has there ever been a more influential figure in human history? As we look back at the two millennia since His birth, is it even possible to trace the astonishing range of ways in which His existence has left its mark? He has been represented in music, and art, in prose and poetry, on stage and screen, and, of course, in prayer and praise. As one would expect with a figure of such universal renown, He has been a subject to multiple interpretations. For some he was a revered prophet, a man to be honored, but a man nonetheless, with no special claim to divinity. For Christians who honor him around the globe, of course, he was much more than that. For those of us who believe, Jesus is Savior, the man in whom the light of God shone more brightly than in any other figure in human history. In prayer his name is invoked, his love is felt, and his presence is experienced. In churches all over the globe, through services both formal and casual, in ritual and song and word, Jesus is worshipped as the Son of God, Light of Light, a source of strength and comfort and hope. Join us as we present this figure of faith in historical context, to travel back, as best we can from our distant vintage point, to the first century, to the culture of the Mediterranean world, the politics of a Roman protectorate, and the religion of Galilee and Judea, where one Jewish peasant launched a movement that would shake the world. We'll begin with a look at the nature of life in first-century Palestine and an examination of the most important sources scholars have used to re-create Jesus's world; then we will tell the Biblical story of Jesus's life, illustrating it along the way with unforgettable works of art and vivid photography. Finally, we will add a few thoughts on the many and varied ways in which Jesus as Christ has been understood in the millennia since His birth. The story of Jesus - what He did, what He said, who He was - remains as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago.