Ministry of Jesus explained to kids

Jesus was a first-century Jewish preacher and religious leader. He is the central figure of Christianity. Most Christians believe he is the incarnation of God the Son and the awaited Messiah (Messiah is Hebrew for "anointed one") prophesied in the Old Testament. Jesus was a Galilean Jew who was baptized by John the Baptist and began his own ministry. His teaching was sometimes controversial, and he attracted a large following of both admirers and opponents. His ministry culminated in his crucifixion by the Roman authorities in Jerusalem about 30 AD, an event which his followers believe he foretold. After his death, his followers believed he rose from the dead and his birth is celebrated annually on December 25 (Christmas) as a holiday (called the Nativity of Jesus). Christians believe Jesus has a "unique significance" in the world. Most historians agree that Jesus was a Jewish teacher from Galilee, crucified in Jerusalem on the orders of the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate. Jesus debated fellow Jews on how to best follow God, engaged in healings, taught in parables and gathered followers. He was arrested and tried by the Jewish authorities, turned over to the Roman government, and crucified on the orders of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. After his death, his followers believed he rose from the dead, and his birth is celebrated annually on December 25th (Christmas) as a holiday.