Among the influences that shaped Western Civilization, there’s probably no story more significant than the “Jesus Story.” Even for religious skeptics, the historical influence of Jesus of Nazareth is the result of arguably the most influential life ever lived.
But why…?
Jesus was raised in humble Jewish surroundings in Roman-controlled Judea and Galilee, he never traveled more than 200 miles from his birthplace, he had a small group of simple followers, and he was killed for violating the religious laws of his own people. He never received political power, he never raised an army, and he never conquered territory. By historical standards, Jesus didn’t cut it as an influential figure in political, economic, or military power.
So, why the powerful influence — even today?
Why does about a third of the world call themselves his followers about 2,000 years later?
There must be something more to the story surrounding the historical influence of Jesus…
Who is Jesus of Nazareth?
Setting aside religious assumptions, what do historians really know about the “Jesus Story?” What does history tell us about Jesus of Nazareth?
Jesus was born in Bethlehem about 2,000 years ago. For his first thirty years or so, he lived a traditional Jewish life in Nazareth, working with his father as a tradesman. During this period, all of Israel was under Roman control.
When Jesus was about 30-years-old, he started his public ministry around the Sea of Galilee. He was known for powerful teaching and a series of recorded miracles. Over the next three-plus years, his reputation spread throughout the region, although he tried to keep a low profile. The Roman rulers of the Jewish provinces and the religious leaders of the Jewish people kept an eye on him. But why…? It seems his main teachings in public were:
- God loves us.
- Love each other.
- People have unique value.
- The Kingdom of God has come to earth.
- God will judge us in the end.
- God forgives those who ask.
For some reason, Jesus became more and more of a perceived threat to the “organized religion” of the day.
As a result, the Jewish leaders asked the Roman leaders – who were in control at the time — to execute him. There were official trials, but the Romans determined that Jesus was innocent of any crime against Rome. The religious leaders persisted with political arguments and ultimately persuaded Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of the area, to approve the execution.
Jesus was mocked, tortured, and hung on a wooden cross just outside Jerusalem. His simple followers scattered. Three hours later, he was dead.
Historical Influence of Jesus
It would seem that the historical account of Jesus – and any long-lasting historical influence – should end right there… with his death.
… But, it didn’t.
We know that something happened – something caused his scattered followers to reconnect – reengage — spread the word about Jesus again.
Within a couple months, there were thousands in and around Jerusalem that became his disciples. Within a couple centuries, there were hundreds of thousands in the Mediterranean region that called themselves “Christians” – or followers of Jesus Christ. In 325 AD, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Emperor Constantine. Within 500 years, Greek temples to pagan gods were being converted to Christian churches all over the Roman world.
What could have happened to cause such a powerful movement in the name of one simple man?
Growth of Jesus’ influcence
Indeed, about one-third of the world is considered “Christian” today. That’s a pretty staggering number – that’s a pretty influential life after nearly 2,000 years. Yes, some religious institutions have confused and cluttered the original message of Jesus over the centuries, but his simple life and powerful words still speak for themselves.
That’s why we spent over two years producing this series of Drive Thru History. We returned to the original texts – the Gospels – and the original landscape – Israel – and take the time to explore the history, geography, and culture surrounding the life of Jesus. The question, “Who is Jesus?” obviously still matters. Against all odds, the historical influence of Jesus continues to expand throughout the world.
“The Gospels” introduction video
Randall acts as the lead writer for ColdWater’s Drive Thru History® TV series and Drive Thru History® “Adventures” curriculum.
Thomas Vaga says
Excellent and entertaining to faith and reason. God bless you in Jesus as you continue in your movie ministry.
Rev Thomas Vaga,bishop Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Eesti Synod.
David Coonradt says
Thank you!
Debbie Larkin says
DTH is the absolutely BEST resource for learning about Biblical history, geography, anthropology and more! Dave is fun, engaging and real! The video graphics are SO helpful to remember dates and places, and I keep wondering “how do they do that?” And the GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD is told with depth and poignancy, instilling a hunger to know the LORD Jesus deeply and personally. (No one asked me to write this, I truly believe this is an anointed series and I pray that more and more people will watch and grow deeply in their spiritual walk with the incomparable LORD Jesus.)
Thank you, DTH Team, Thank you for your dedication to honoring and sharing the Word of God with multi-sensory excellence and especially that it is appropriate and appealing to all age levels! Your entire team definitely deserves the praise, “Job WELL DONE!” The LORD bless you as you have blessed others!
David Coonradt says
Thank you so much for this fantastic endorsement! Can we use your review in some of our marketing materials?
Gloria says
One thing was left out. You wrote that Jesus died. But my dear He resurrected (Matthew 28:6). That made Him become more influential and told the disciples, His followers, (Acts 1:4-11), to wait on the Holy Spirit to empower them and to be able to do what He had done and even more: what a great love! That He wanted His followers to even be capable to do more than what He did. And that Holy Spirit is still moving in us.
Ascension day shows that Jesus went to heaven. If not, why is it then an international holiday that even shops close? Because everything about Christ is relevant and He is the ultimate centre of everything! Amazing He is and He lives forever and ever. If it wasn’t so, His body would’ve been found a long time ago and history wouldn’t focus on making Him the centre saying 500 years before Christ or 200 years after Christ. God bless you
Randy J McDowell says
I love Drive Through History, The Gospels and I hope you expand this to include all the books of the New Testament…….!
Cara Johns says
They did a series called “Acts to Revelation” that covers the rest of the New Testament (that covers the journeys of the followers of Jesus, and the Letters.)
Linda says
Jesus’s left side kind of looks like Keanu Reeves.
Woben Patton says
Very helpful!
Thank you!
Lawrence Driscoll says
The literal path of Jesus throughout His life (temporally/chronologically), and throughout the Holy Land, and environs (spatially), is a fascinating story, and is one that unfortunately is not told in much detail, with the exception of the Gospel accounts, which we each must piece together into a single continuous thread from start to finish.
Having said this, I hope someone qualified person will undertake this challenge, so we can come to know our Lord and Savior in a much more personal way.
Those of us who love geography, i.e. visual learners, could learn a lot from such an account.
P.S. I will search for the DTH series mentioned above to learn how close it comes to what I envision. Thank you.
Sincerely in Christ,