Jesus

Jesus Christ, also known as Jesus of Nazareth, was a Jewish preacher and religious leader of the first century. He is the central figure of Christianity, the most widely practiced religion in the world, and his influence has marked a before and after in the history and culture of humanity.

To explore his figure, it is divided into three fundamental aspects:

Historical Context: He lived in the ancient Roman province of Judea (present-day territories of Israel and Palestine) between 6 B.C. and 30 A.D. approximately. Historically, he is recognized as a preacher who traveled the region teaching and was eventually sentenced to death by crucifixion under the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate.

Christian Perspective: According to the New Testament (the four Gospels) and the Christian faith, He is the Son of God made man, the Messiah foretold by the Old Testament prophets, and the Savior of mankind. His followers consider him the "Anointed One" (meaning of the word Christ) and the perfect example of life and redemption.

Global Impact: His figure has given rise to thousands of churches, has inspired countless works of art and is the starting point of the Gregorian calendar (which divides the time before and after his era).

Its Main Teachings: Radical Love: Command to love God and neighbor, including enemies.

The Kingdom of God: A spiritual concept of justice, peace, forgiveness and acceptance of the marginalized.

The Beatitudes: An ethical code that exalts the poor, the humble and the suffering.

Use of parables: Simple stories with profound moral lessons (like the Good Samaritan).

sins mainly in two great lists: the seven deadly sins (which are the root of the other vices) and the distinction by their gravity (mortal and venial).

The 7 Deadly Sins: Pride: Excessive pride, believing oneself superior to others or to God. (It is fought with Humility).

Greed: The anxious and uncontrolled desire to possess wealth and material goods. (It is fought with Generosity).

Lust: The desire or disordered pursuit of sexual pleasure. (It is fought with Chastity).

Anger: Uncontrollable anger, hatred and the desire for revenge. (It is fought with Patience).

Gluttony: The excessive and unnecessary consumption of food, drink or any substance. (It is fought with Temperance).

Envy: Resentment or sadness for the well-being, success or goods of others. (It is fought with Charity/Love).

Laziness: The lack of desire or carelessness to fulfill spiritual or daily obligations. (It is fought with Diligence).

Classification according to their severity: Venial Sins: These are minor faults that weaken the relationship with God and with others, but do not completely break it (for example, a small white lie or a complaint of impatience).

Mortal Sins: These are serious faults that completely break the spiritual relationship with God.

For a sin to be considered mortal, the Catholic Church teaches that it must meet three conditions at once: Grave matter: That the action itself is very destructive (e.g., murder, grand theft, or treason).

Full knowledge: That the person knows perfectly well that what he is going to do is wrong.

Full consent: That he does it with total freedom, wanting to do it for real.

The Last Supper: The Dinner Menu: Contrary to what many imagine from the paintings, they did not eat a large modern banquet. It was a traditional Jewish Passover meal:

Unleavened Bread (Unleavened): It represented the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt.

Wine: Symbol of joy and the new covenant.

Roast lamb: The traditional sacrifice.

Bitter herbs: To remember the suffering of slavery.

2. The Gossip of Betrayal (The Dramatic Moment): In the middle of dinner, Jesus drops a bombshell: "Truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me." All the disciples looked at each other and began to murmur. Judas Iscariot had already accepted the 30 pieces of silver. Jesus knew perfectly well who he was, but he still served him food.

3. The Institution of the Eucharist: It is the moment where Jesus takes the bread and wine, blesses them and says: "This is my body and this is my blood, do this in memory of me". From this is born the Mass and Christian communion.

The astronomical theory: Jesus is the Sun: In the painting, Jesus is exactly in the center, static and with open arms, representing the Sun.

The 12 Apostles are the 12 Signs: The disciples are divided exactly into 4 groups of 3 people. Theorists say that each group represents a season of the year and each apostle represents a zodiac sign according to their gestures. The most famous examples of the painting:

Judas is Scorpio: It represents betrayal, darkness and secrecy. In the painting, he is crouched in the shadow holding the bag of money.

Pedro is Sagittarius: He represents impulsivity and action. In the painting, he is seen holding a knife behind his back, ready to react.

Thomas is Virgo: He represents doubt, analysis and intellect. He's pointing his finger upwards, questioning what's going on.

Group 1: Spring (Aries, Taurus, Gemini) They are on the far left. They represent the energy of the beginning of the astronomical year.

Bartholomew (Aries): He is the first on the left. He's leaning hurriedly on the table, ready to jump into action.

James the Less (Taurus): The middle one in this group. He is firm, earthy and with a solid posture.

Andrew (Gemini): Raises his hands showing both palms, a gesture that represents the typical duality of Gemini.

Group 2: Summer (Cancer, Leo, Virgo) They are just to the right of the previous group (to the right of Jesus at the table, but to our left as we look).

Group 3: Autumn (Libra and Sagittarius)They are just to the left of Jesus (to our right when looking at the painting).

James the Elder (Libra): He opens his arms demanding justice and balance at the news of the betrayal

Group 4: Winter (Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces) They are on the far right of the painting. They represent the signs of air and cold water, those that close the cycle

Matthew (Capricorn): He has his back to Jesus but looking at him out of the corner of his eye, debating the matter with logic and structure.

Thaddeus (Aquarius): With an open posture, he seems to be analyzing the situation intellectually with his partner.

Simon the Zealot (Pisces): He is the last on the right. His hands are extended to the front, closing the table with the fluidity and delivery of the sign of the fish.