Jesus Christ is unquestionably the greatest teacher the world has ever known and the most recognized figure in human history. The Bible tells us, “And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes,” (Matthew 7:28-29). No figure has been more frequently mentioned, painted, written about and sung to than Him. Jesus was also the greatest help to mankind the world has ever known, and yet He was misunderstood, persecuted and finally crucified. Despite being the most famous figure in our history, many people still don’t know much about Him, except the fact that He lived in Nazareth, was baptized by John the Baptist, walked on water, performed miracles, walked on water, was crucified on a cross and then rose from the dead. But there was a lot more to Jesus. Even devoted Christians are not always as familiar with His life and surprised when they learn something new about Him. Here are six shocking things you probably didn’t know about Jesus Christ.
Jesus Preached as a Child
Jesus was a preacher as an adolescent. The Bible describes a time when Jesus was 12 years old and was found by His parents, preaching in the temple to adults. The Bible tells us, “When His parents saw Him, they were astonished. His mother said to Him, ‘Son, why have You treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.’ ‘Why were you searching for me?’ He asked. ‘Didn’t you know I’d be in my Father’s house?’ But they did not understand what He was saying to them.”
This is the only story in the gospels about Jesus between His infancy and His public ministry as a man. The main teaching of this passage from Luke is that Jesus now recognizes His unique sonship to God, and that His mission will require of Him a devotion of God’s purposes so great that it takes precedence over family ties. He must follow His calling, even if it brings pain and misunderstanding. In this way, Luke sets the stage for the adult ministry of the Son of God.
Jesus Didn’t Begin His Earthly Ministry Until He Was 30
While Jesus was incredibly wise for His age, Jesus didn’t truly begin His earthly ministry until age 30. This is the age of spiritual maturity in Scripture and in the Judaic culture of Jesus’ day. Thirty was the age at which a man would be fully recognized as a rabbi. Thirty was also the age at which the Levites entered into work; the age in which it was lawful for scribes to teach. Thirty is the age when the Jewish community felt like individuals were ripe for leadership. Most of the time when the number 30 is mentioned, it is in reference with some significant event or responsibility.
Jesus Was Fully Human
Too often, as Christians, we get caught up in the deity of Jesus that we forget about the humanity of Jesus. Jesus was born as a human being while still being completely divine. The concept of the humanity of Jesus co-existing with His deity is difficult for our mind’s to comprehend, but Jesus’ nature – wholly man and wholly God – is biblical fact. There are those that reject these biblical truths and declare that Jesus was a man, but not God. There is also the view that Jesus was God, but not human. Both viewpoints are unbiblical and false.
The fact that Jesus was born as a human being is important for several reasons. Galatians 4:4-5 says, “But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.” Only a man could be born under a law. No animal or angelic being is “under the law.” Born under the law of God, all humans are guilty of transgressing that law. Only a perfect human – Jesus Christ – could perfectly keep the law and perfect fulfill the law, thereby redeeming us from that guilt. Jesus accomplished our redemption on the cross exchanging our sin for His perfect righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). The humanity of Jesus enables Him to relate to us in a way the angels and animals never can. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).
Jesus Had a Sense of Humor
Most of us think of the nature of Jesus as being serious. We are used to only think of Jesus in the context of His ministry and deity, but what a lot of people don’t realize is that Jesus had a sense of humor. While it’s true that Jesus suffered, crucified and wept (John 11:35), this doesn’t mean that Jesus never had a lighthearted moment, or He never laughed. The Bible says that Jesus was fully human (John 1:14). He got tired, He got hungry, and He got thirsty. The fact that Jesus felt a full range of emotions indicates that He laughed too. A glimpse of Jesus’ sense of humor can be found in Matthew 7:3-5: “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Taken literally, these verses seem funny and silly. Just imagine a man with a big piece of wood in his eye. Of course, this is humor with a purpose, but regardless this is still humor.
Jesus Paid Taxes
While most of us hate taxes and believe the tax system is unfair, the Bible commands us to pay our taxes. In Romans, 13:5-7, Paul made it clear that it is necessary to submit to authorities, not because of possible punishment, but also because of conscience. If you owe taxes, you pay taxes. What many people don’t realize is that Jesus paid taxes during His time on Earth. In the Gospel of Matthew, when the tax collectors came to Peter in Capernaum and asked Him if His teacher pays the temple tax, he replied, “Yes, He does.” There was also another account told in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke when the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus in His words, and find a reason to accuse Him. Jesus, knowing of their evil intent, said, ‘You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.’ They brought him a denarius, and He asked them, ‘Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?’ ‘Caesar’s,’ they replied. Then He said to them, ‘Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’ When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left and went away” (Matthew 22:18-22). The Gospels leave no doubt that Jesus taught His followers not only in words, but by example, to give to the government any taxes that are owed.
Jesus Wasn’t Born in a Stable
The first scene we think of when we imagine the place Jesus was born is a stable or barn with three wise men and farm animals. But is this really what the Bible says? Most of us have a difficult time imagining a place that is so unfamiliar to us; so the tendency when we read a Bible or any story is to rely on the words written to picture the scene that is being described. This is the reason why when we read Luke 2:7 “and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him a manger…” we naturally assume a barn or a stable because of the word ‘manger.’ But according to research, Jesus wasn’t born in a stable. Bible archaeological experts, Jesus was probably born in the house of relatives because of the Greek word karaluma which was used in Scripture means inn or guest room. In fact, Luke uses the same word when referring to the place where Jesus and His disciples observed the Last Supper.
While we can learn a lot about Jesus’ life and ministry through Scripture, there are surprises to be found hidden within the Gospels, even for devout Christians. With advances in historical research and archaeological studies, more is known about his life and times. If we claim that we are Christians, it’s important that we know who Jesus is. Do you know Jesus Christ? Do you know Him personally? Always remember that Jesus died and rose again, not just to start a spiritual movement but because He loves you and wants to provide a way for you to know Him.