Questions About Jesus and His World
Browse questions about Jesus' identity, the people he encountered and the events the Gospels describe. Explore his teaching, historical setting and the JESUS film's reconstruction.
Showing 12 of 39
- 01Identity and authority
What did it mean to call Jesus the Messiah?
Calling Jesus the Messiah identified him as God's chosen deliverer. Understanding that claim involves anointing, hopes for a king, and the Christian understanding of his suffering and reign.
- 02Birth and beginnings
What happened when Mary learned she would give birth to Jesus?
Luke 1:26–38 tells of an unexpected greeting, a promised child, Mary's question and her response.
- 03Birth and beginnings
What do the Gospel accounts tell us about Jesus' birth?
Matthew and Luke tell the events surrounding Jesus' birth, with different attention to the people who received and responded to its announcement.
- 04Birth and beginnings
What did Simeon recognize when Jesus was brought to the temple?
Luke records Simeon recognizing the infant Jesus as the Messiah he had been promised he would see (Luke 2:26–32). His praise names salvation for the nations and glory for Israel.
- 05Birth and beginnings
What happened when the twelve-year-old Jesus stayed behind in the temple?
Luke describes a Passover visit that brought anxious searching, astonishment at Jesus' understanding, and a question about his Father's house (Luke 2:41–49).
- 06Birth and beginnings
How did John the Baptist prepare people for Jesus?
John called people to turn back to God, receive baptism and live out their repentance. He also directed their attention to Jesus.
- 07Birth and beginnings
How did Jesus respond to temptation in the wilderness?
After his baptism and before his public ministry, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where the devil tempted him during his forty-day fast.
- 08Teaching and encounters
Why did Jesus' message in Nazareth provoke rejection?
GotQuestions interprets Luke's account as hometown skepticism turning into a violent response to Jesus' message (Luke 4:14–30).
- 09Places and historical setting
Why was Capernaum important in Jesus' ministry?
Explore the town's place in Jesus' teaching, encounters with disciples and care for the sick.
- 10Disciples and companions
Who were the twelve apostles Jesus chose?
Jesus chose twelve apostles from among his many disciples. Luke records their appointment after a night of prayer (Luke 6:12–16).
- 11Disciples and companions
How did Simon Peter's relationship with Jesus develop?
Peter's relationship with Jesus developed through a call to follow, growing recognition of Jesus' identity, painful failure and renewed responsibility.
- 12Teaching and encounters
Why did Jesus welcome tax collectors?
Matthew's calling and Zacchaeus's response reveal how Jesus treated people whose occupation made them unwelcome company.
