Jesus of Nazareth: the most influential figure in human history

Stories about the life and times of Jesus of Nazareth have been consistently told again and again across continents and generations, and across traditions and cultures. His life and teachings, and the impact they have had on the contemporary world, have largely remained unparalleled over the centuries. Yet, for many who deeply believe in him, he remains an enigmatic figure, shrouded in spiritual reverence and historical ambiguity. The fact about the life of Jesus is that it is not just a religious narrative, it is a story that intersects with history, culture, and the very fabric of human civilization. To truly understand Jesus is to know him both as a historical figure and as the central character in Christianity, a man whose influence continues to infectiously shape the world today.

To understand the person of Jesus of Nazareth more, we will have to study aspects of his life that make us able to relate to him as a human being on the one hand, and on the other hand, still see him as an extraordinary divine personality. We will examine his historical landscape, his human experiences, and the unique qualities that elevate him to a social status no other individual in human history has attained. By understanding these untold narratives of Jesus, we can begin to grasp why he is considered by many, not only as the Son of God, but also as the Saviour of the World, and why his life and teachings have continued to inspire billions of people around the world, even as we speak.

One of the first things we need to do in getting to know Jesus better is to recognize and relate to his humanity. Often, in the practice of Christianity, Jesus is so highly revered by his followers that his human qualities are overshadowed by his divine nature. We must not take this for granted. It is important to understand Jesus as a human being born naturally by a woman because that understanding is critical to our appreciation of his life and message. Born in Bethlehem, a small town in Judea, around 4-6 B.C., to Mary and Joseph, his birth is celebrated worldwide every year on 25 December, known as Christmas Day, and always a global bank holiday.

Interestingly, the story of his birth is one of humility, as he was born in a manger which symbolises his very modest beginnings. This aspect of his life highlights his connection with the ordinary people of his times, showing that he did not come into the world blanketed with the trappings of power and wealth, but rather in a most humble of circumstances. As a child, Jesus grew up in Nazareth, a town in Galilee. He experienced the same stages of development as any other child, learning from his parents and the community around him. The Gospels provide glimpses into his early life, such as the scene in the temple where, at the age of just 12, he was seen discussing religious matters with the Pharisees and Teachers of Law. This incident reminds us of his early awareness of the unique mission he came for, and his deep understanding of spiritual matters.

Jesus' adulthood was marked by his work as a carpenter, a trade he learned from his father, Joseph. This period of his life highlights his connection with the working class people of his time, and his experience of the challenges and responsibilities that come with everyday life. It is important to remember that Jesus lived in a time and place where life was difficult and survival often depended on hard labour. His familiarity with this sort of lifestyle made him able to relate with ordinary, everyday people, many of whom would later become his followers.

The humanity of Jesus was what made him able to relate with people across all walks of life. Like all of us, he experienced joy, sorrow, anger, compassion, and every other emotion that humans go through. The Bible recounts an instance where Jesus wept at the death of his friend Lazarus as many of us would do if we lost our dear ones. It demonstrated that he was not immune to the pain of loss, and the suffering of other people. His anger at the money changers in the temple showed that he was passionate about justice and the sanctity of worship. These emotions and experiences made Jesus a figure that people could connect with on a personal level.

While the humanity of Jesus made him able to relate to people, it was the extraordinary aspects of his life and legacy that set him apart from any other historical figure. These unique qualities distinguished and elevated Jesus to a high level of spiritual reverence and worship, not only within Christianity but across various cultures and religions. One of those notable aspects of Jesus' ministry was his ability to heal the sick and perform miracles. The Gospels recount numerous instances where Jesus healed people suffering from various ailments, from leprosy to blindness. These acts of healing were not just physical, they were spiritual, which was why Jesus often forgave the sins of those he healed, and offered them a path to salvation.

The power of healing that Jesus possessed drew large crowds and garnered him a significant following. People from all walks of life sought him out, hoping to experience his miraculous touch. These healings were more than just displays of power. They were acts of compassion that demonstrated Jesus' deep care for humanity. They also served as a testimony of his divine nature, setting him apart from other religious leaders of his time. Moreover, Jesus was not just a healer, he was also a great teacher. His teachings, often delivered in the form of parables, were simple yet profound. They offered both moral and spiritual guidance that transcended cultural barriers and national boundaries to his disciples. The Sermon on the Mount, one of his most famous discourses, captures much of his ethical teachings, emphasizing love, humility, forgiveness and the pursuit of righteousness.

As a matter of fact, Jesus' teachings have had a lasting impact on the world over the centuries. They have continued to influence not only religious thought but also philosophy, ethics, and law. His message of love and compassion, epitomised in the commandment to "love your neighbour as yourself," has continued to resonate with people of all faiths and backgrounds over centuries.

When we look at the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, we see that they are central to Christian belief. They are events that have also continued to shape the course of global history. Jesus' crucifixion is commemorated every year on Good Friday, another global bank holiday, while his resurrection is celebrated every year on Easter Sunday. These events are unique not only because of their spiritual significance but also because they have become fundamental to the Christian faith. The crucifixion of Jesus is seen as the ultimate act of love and sacrifice, where he gave his life for the redemption of humanity. The resurrection, on the other hand, is viewed as a victory over death and sin, the offering of hope of eternal life to all who believe in him. These events which distinguish Jesus from any other religious figure are the anchor of Christian theology today. No other personality in the entire history of humanity has been able to attain this level of having three global bank holidays to his name. And this is one reason the life of Jesus will remain unparalleled for centuries to come.

Another remarkable aspect of Jesus' legacy was the global influence he continued to wield over centuries. No other personality in human memory has had such a profound and lasting impact on the world because even the birth of Jesus marked an important turning point in history. The world's most widely used calendar, the Gregorian calendar, became based on his birth. The BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini) system, which divided history into two eras, is a testimony of the central role that Jesus played in shaping the world we know today.

Today, this calendar is used for official purposes in most countries, highlighting the global recognition and the significance of Jesus' birth and life. The BC-AD system was introduced by a monk named Dionysius Exiguous in the 6th century as a way to establish a Christian chronology. Before this, various other systems were used to mark the passage of time, but none had the universal appeal and acceptance that the Gregorian calendar eventually achieved. The adoption of this calendar by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 further solidified its place in history, and today, it is the standard by which time is measured globally.

Beyond the religious and historical impacts, Jesus also left an indelible mark on culture, particularly on music. Throughout history, songs are normally written to celebrate the achievements of great individuals. Among them, no one else has been the object of more songs than Jesus of Nazareth. From hymns and spirituals to contemporary Christian music, the name of Jesus has inspired countless compositions that continue to resonate with people of various persuasions worldwide. Yet, his cultural influence is not limited to music. The life and teachings of Jesus have inspired countless works of art, literature, and film. His story has been depicted in countless paintings, sculptures, and literary works, making him one of the most globally represented figures in art history. This influence of Jesus on culture is a testimony of his enduring relevance and the universal appeal of his message.

The influence of Jesus extends even into the economic and educational spheres. His name has provided millions of people with employment opportunities, from clergy and religious leaders to educationists and academicians. Schools, universities, and similar educational institutions have been established in his name and they have been offering education and guidance to generations of students. The economic impact of Jesus is also evident in the vast number of industries that have developed around his teachings and the institutions that bear his name. From publishing and media to tourism and retail, the name of Jesus has become a significant driver of economic activity worldwide.

While Jesus was fully human, he was also fully divine. This dual nature is what set him apart from other religious figures. The divinity of Jesus was evident in his teachings, his miracles, and his resurrection, all of which pointed to his unique relationship with God and his role in the divine plan for humanity. So, the divine nature of Jesus was not just a theological concept, it is a reality that has had a profound impact on the lives of billions of people throughout history. For many, Jesus is not just a historical figure, he is a living presence who continues to guide, inspire, and transform lives.

The role of Jesus in the salvation of humanity was another aspect of his divinity that is central to Christian belief today. According to Christian doctrine, Jesus' death on the cross was a sacrificial act to atone for the sins of humanity and offer redemption and hope of eternal life to all who believe in him. This concept of salvation has drawn countless people to Jesus over the centuries. His message of forgiveness, grace, and redemption continues to resonate with people who are in search of meaning and purpose in their lives. Indeed, it is this belief in Jesus as the saviour of humanity that gives Christianity its unique identity and made it one of the world's largest and most influential religions.

Getting to know Jesus of Nazareth is a journey that involves exploring both his humanity and his divinity. It is about understanding him as a historical figure who lived a life of humility, compassion, and wisdom, and as a divine being who continues to influence the world in ways that are both poignant and far-reaching. The legacy of Jesus is one that transcends time, culture, and nationalities. His teachings inspire movements for social justice. His name provides hope and comfort to millions. His life has been a beacon of light to a world that is often enveloped with darkness. The impact of Jesus on the world has remained unparalleled. His message of love, forgiveness, and redemption continues to resonate with people of all faiths and backgrounds.

As we come to know Jesus more deeply, we begin to understand why he is revered as the "King of kings" and the "Name above all names." His life is a testimony to the power of love, the importance of compassion, and the potential for transformation that exists within each of us. In knowing Jesus, we come to know ourselves better, and we are inspired to live lives that reflect the values he embodied. We then begin to understand why one of the most common attributes of Jesus was his reference as the "Son of God." We begin to appreciate that this understanding is not merely a statement of his divine nature, it is a reflection of his unique relationship with God and his deep understanding of the divine.

In the Christian tradition, Jesus is seen as the mediator between God and humanity, because he is the only one who knows the "in and out" of God. When he is referred to as the "Son of God" it is often misunderstood as a literal description of Jesus' parentage. But that is not right. It is a metaphorical usage that signifies Jesus' special relationship with God and his role in revealing God's will to humanity. Just as the Arabs are called the "sons of the desert" because of their intimate knowledge of the desert, so is Jesus called the "Son of God" because of his intimate knowledge of God. Jesus alone is the one who knows the "in and out" of God. In John 14:6, Jesus himself confesses: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." This statement captures the essence of Jesus' mission and his role as the bridge between humanity and God. It is through Jesus that people come to know God and experience the fullness of life that God has to offer.

To know and accept Jesus of Nazareth as our friend, our brother, our spiritual father and mentor is not just about understanding his life and teachings. At the end of the day, it is about experiencing the transformative power of his presence in our lives. Whether we see him as a historical figure, a divine saviour, or both, the influence of Jesus on the world and on our individual lives is undeniable. He was and still is real, and his legacy continues to shape the course of history and the lives of billions of people around the globe. Unarguably, Jesus remains the most influential figure in the history of humanity. And I challenge anyone to prove me wrong.

* Emeka Asinugo is a London-based, British-Nigerian veteran journalist, author and publisher of ROLU Business Magazine (Website: https://rolultd.com). He is married to Rev. Christiana Asinugo, Vicar of All Saints' Church of England, Goodmayes, London.