Who is Jesus?
First things first: Jesus or Yeshua?
The difference between "Jesus" and "Yeshua" is mainly one of language and transliteration. "Yeshua" is the original Hebrew and Aramaic name, while "Jesus" is the English form derived from the Greek "Iēsous." Essentially, they refer to the same person. "Yeshua" is the more historically accurate pronunciation, while "Jesus" is the form that has become widely used in English.
Yeshua which is a shortened form of "Yehoshua" (Joshua), meaning "Yahweh is salvation." This is the name Jesus would have been called during his lifetime.
As the name traveled through languages, it evolved: from the Hebrew "Yeshua" to the Greek "Iēsous," then to the Latin "Iesus," which eventually became "Jesus" in English. Over time, "Jesus" became deeply intertwined with theological interpretations, the development of Christology, and the Europeanization of his image.
While they refer to the same being, "Yeshua" roots him in his historical and Jewish context, whereas "Jesus" carries layers of later interpretation. Some prefer "Yeshua" to reclaim his Jewish heritage and historical authenticity, while others embrace "Jesus" as the universalized, transcendent Christ.
Who was Jesus?
Jesus, also referred to as Jesus Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, or simply Christ, is a central figure in Christianity and an important prophet in other religions.
As one of the most influential spiritual figures in history, with Christianity being the world's largest religion, there's extensive literature about him. Scholars, mystics, novelists, and people from all walks of life have been fascinated by Jesus. He holds a complex and multifaceted position in various religious and historical contexts. Over the centuries, different traditions have interpreted him in diverse ways, shaping distinct beliefs about his identity, mission, and significance.
A Historical Perspective
From a historical perspective, Jesus was a Jewish preacher and reformer who lived under Roman rule in first-century Palestine. Scholars generally agree that he was a real historical figure who gathered followers, taught about the "Kingdom of God," and was crucified by the Romans. Some view him as a radical social revolutionary, others as an apocalyptic prophet expecting an imminent transformation of the world.
Christianity: Son of God, Messiah, and Savior
Most Christian denominations believe Jesus is the Son of God and part of the Holy Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit). They see him as both fully divine and fully human, the incarnation of God.
Christians believe his death and resurrection atoned for humanity’s sins, offering salvation and eternal life. While the Trinitarian view is the most common, some non-Trinitarian groups hold different beliefs about his nature.
Islam: A Prophet, Not the Son of God
In Islam, Jesus (known as Isa in Arabic) is honored as a great prophet and messenger of God, born of the Virgin Mary (Maryam) and granted miracles. However, Islam does not consider him divine or the Son of God. The Quran rejects the Trinity and the crucifixion, stating that Jesus was not killed but was raised to God. Islamic eschatology holds that Jesus will return at the end of time to defeat the Antichrist (Dajjal) and restore justice.
Judaism: A Jewish Teacher, Not the Messiah
From a Jewish perspective, Jesus was a Jewish teacher or rabbi who lived in first-century Palestine. While some view him as a reformer or even a prophet-like figure, Judaism does not recognize him as the Messiah or the Son of God. Traditional Jewish teachings hold that the Messiah has not yet come and that Jesus did not fulfill the messianic prophecies.
Hinduism: An Enlightened Being or Divine Incarnation
Some Hindus regard Jesus as a great teacher, a yogi, or even an avatar (divine incarnation) of God. Figures like Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda have spoken of Jesus as a realized master, akin to Hindu sages. Hindu perspectives on Jesus vary widely, with no single doctrinal stance.
Buddhism: A Wise Teacher or a Bodhisattva
From a Buddhist viewpoint, Jesus is often seen as an enlightened teacher, someone who embodied wisdom and compassion. Some compare him to a bodhisattva, a being who seeks enlightenment for the benefit of others. However, since Buddhism does not recognize a creator God or a personal savior, Jesus is understood more as a moral guide than as a divine figure.
Mystical and New Age Interpretations: A Cosmic Christ or Universal Teacher
Mystical and esoteric traditions often view Jesus as an enlightened being, a spiritual master, or a symbol of divine consciousness. The idea of the "Cosmic Christ," explored by thinkers like Teilhard de Chardin and Richard Rohr, sees Jesus as a universal, eternal principle of divine love and wisdom beyond religious boundaries. Some esoteric traditions associate him with ascended masters, presenting his teachings as part of a broader universal truth.
The Baháʼí Faith considers Jesus a manifestation of God, one in a progressive series of divine messengers.
Jesus and the Christ: A Distinction in Christian Mysticism
In Christian mystical theology, particularly within the teachings of theologian and Franciscan friar Richard Rohr, a distinction is made between Jesus and the Christ. This framework helps illuminate the difference between the historical person and the universal spiritual presence recognized in many Christian traditions.
Jesus (Yeshua) refers to the historical figure from Nazareth, a first-century Jewish teacher who lived within a specific cultural and historical context.
The Christ refers to the universal presence of God in all creation. This concept is rooted in early Christian theology, particularly in the Gospel of John, which describes Christ as the Logos, or Divine Word, present from the beginning of time.
Rohr emphasizes that “Christ” is not the surname of Jesus, but a mystical title pointing to the divine pattern and presence imprinted in all things.
According to this view:
Christ existed before Jesus, as the eternal and cosmic presence of God.
Jesus embodied this presence in human form, making the invisible visible and the divine tangible.
This teaching invites a broader understanding of Christ as:
Present in all people, all creatures, and the natural world.
An indwelling presence of God that transcends religious boundaries.
A model for living in conscious union with the divine, as exemplified in the life of Jesus.
This perspective is part of a rich tradition of Christian mysticism that explores the intersection of the historical and the eternal, the human and the divine.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
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“Jesus and the Disinherited” by Howard Thurman
A powerful reflection by an African-American mystic and theologian on Jesus as a liberator of the oppressed. Centered on Jesus’ message for those “with their backs against the wall.”“Jesus Before Christianity” by Albert Nolan
A historical and spiritual portrait of Jesus that emphasizes his radical compassion and resistance to religious and political power.“The Hidden Gospel: Decoding the Spiritual Message of the Aramaic Jesus” by Neil Douglas-Klotz
Explores Jesus’ original Aramaic teachings as vibrational, mystical instructions for living in union with God.“The Gospel of Thomas” (Nag Hammadi Texts)
A collection of Jesus’ sayings that emphasize inner knowing and divine union, widely appreciated in interspiritual and contemplative circles.“The Universal Christ” by Richard Rohr
Centers Jesus as a universal expression of divine presence, available in all of creation, not limited to Christianity.Islamic: The Muslim Jesus by Amadou Hampâté Bâ
An important West African Sufi perspective on Jesus (Isa), honoring him as a revered prophet and carrier of divine light. Based on oral tradition and Qur’anic interpretation.Buddhist: Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hanh
A gentle and insightful exploration of the deep resonance between Jesus and the Buddha. Thich Nhat Hanh reflects on mindfulness, love, and spiritual presence as shared paths toward awakening.Buddhist: “Resurrecting Jesus: Embodying the Spirit of a Revolutionary Mystic” by Adyashanti
A nondual teacher explores Jesus as a being of awakened consciousness, focusing on his inner realization rather than outer religion.Hindu: The Second Coming of Christ by Paramahansa Yogananda
A metaphysical and yogic commentary on the teachings of Jesus from a Hindu perspective. Yogananda interprets Jesus' life and message through the lens of Indian spirituality, seeing Christ consciousness as a universal reality.🎬 Films & Documentaries
“The Chosen” (TV Series)
A humanized, intimate portrayal of Jesus and his early followers. Warm, accessible, and rich in relational insight.“Jesus of Nazareth” (1977) by Franco Zeffirelli
A classic and reverent cinematic portrayal of the life of Jesus. Long-form and scripturally faithful, though viewed through a Western lens.“The Gospel According to St. Matthew” by Pier Paolo Pasolini
A raw and poetic black-and-white film directed by an atheist Marxist who was deeply moved by Jesus’ teachings.“The Last Temptation of Christ” by Martin Scorsese
A controversial yet deeply human exploration of Jesus’ inner struggles, based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis.“The Passion of the Christ” by Mel Gibson
A visceral and intense depiction of Jesus’ final hours, focusing on the physical suffering of the crucifixion. Highly influential and deeply emotional, though debated for its theological and cultural interpretations.
