Jesus of Nazareth was a Jewish preacher and religious leader who lived in the 1st century CE in the region of Judea. He is widely recognized as the central figure of Christianity, which believes him to be the Son of God and the awaited Messiah. His teachings focused on love, compassion, and forgiveness, and he often used parables to convey his messages. Jesus is known for performing miracles, such as healing the sick and feeding the hungry. His life and teachings are documented in the New Testament, particularly in the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. His crucifixion and subsequent resurrection are foundational events in Christian belief.