Culture & Lifestyle • Religion

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the name most Christians use for Jesus of Nazareth, a 1st-century Jewish preacher and religious leader in Roman Judaea.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jesus Christ is the name most Christians use for Jesus of Nazareth, a 1st-century Jewish preacher and religious leader in Roman Judaea. He is the central figure of Christianity, and most Christian traditions regard him as the Messiah and the incarnation of God the Son. The word “Christ” is a title meaning “the Messiah,” not a family name.

Historical background

Jesus was a Jewish preacher active in the early 1st century in Roman Judaea. Scholarly and religious sources commonly place his birth around 6–4 BC and his death around AD 30 or 33, though exact dates are uncertain.

Name and title

“Jesus” is the Greek form of a Hebrew name related to Joshua. “Christ” is a title, not a surname, meaning “the Messiah” or “anointed one,” and became attached to Jesus in early Christian usage.

Role in Christianity

In Christianity, Jesus is the central religious figure. Most Christian traditions teach that he is the Son of God, the Messiah promised in scripture, and the saviour of humanity.

Sources and historicity

Information about Jesus comes mainly from the New Testament, especially the Gospels, along with later historical and religious scholarship. His exact life details are debated, but his existence as a historical figure is widely accepted.

Key facts

Jesus is commonly identified by Christians as Jesus of Nazareth.
He is considered the central figure of Christianity.
Most Christian branches teach that he is the Messiah and the incarnation of God the Son.
The title “Christ” comes from the Greek word for “anointed one” and corresponds to “Messiah.”
Christian belief holds that his life, death, and resurrection are foundational to the faith.

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Canadian context

Jesus Christ is highly relevant in Canada because Christianity has historically been one of the country’s major religions, and many Canadian churches and holidays are rooted in beliefs about Jesus.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jesus Christ?

Jesus Christ is the name Christians use for Jesus of Nazareth, a 1st-century Jewish preacher regarded as the central figure of Christianity.

Is “Christ” Jesus’ last name?

No. “Christ” is a title meaning “the Messiah” or “anointed one,” not a family name.

When did Jesus live?

Most sources place Jesus in the early 1st century, with a birth around 6–4 BC and a death around AD 30 or 33.

What religion is Jesus associated with historically?

Jesus was Jewish and lived within the context of Second Temple Judaism.

Why is Jesus important in Christianity?

Christians believe his life, death, and resurrection are the basis of salvation and the Christian faith.

Is Jesus the same as Jesus of Nazareth?

Yes. “Jesus of Nazareth” is a common way to identify Jesus Christ and distinguish him from others with the name Jesus.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus
Supports: General identification of Jesus as Jesus Christ, 1st-century Jewish preacher, and central figure of Christianity.
Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesus
Supports: Birth and death estimates, religious significance, and Jesus as a religious leader revered in Christianity.
Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/christ-jesus
Supports: Meaning of Christ, Jesus as historical figure, and Christian doctrine concerning the Trinity.
World History Encyclopedia — https://www.worldhistory.org/Jesus_Christ/
Supports: Meaning of the names Jesus and Christ and early Christian usage of the title.
Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/Jesus-Christ
Supports: Concise definition of Jesus Christ as the man Christians believe is the Son of God and basis of the Christian religion.