Who was Jesus, and why does he matter?

Christians believe that God came to earth in the person of Jesus. They believe that Jesus was truly human, while also being truly divine. Others regard him as a prophet, a wise teacher or a moral example, while some believe he was simply an ordinary man.

The accounts of Jesus describe someone who taught people to love God and one another, forgive others, turn away from wrongdoing, and live with mercy, humility and justice.

Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. They believe his resurrection shows that there is life after death and that he has opened the way to eternal life with God.

For Christians, Jesus matters because they believe he reveals what God is like, makes forgiveness and reconciliation with God possible, and shows how human life should be lived. They believe that through him they can know God personally, receive new life, and have the hope of eternal life with God.

How can I understand who Jesus was, why Christians believe he matters, and whether he could matter to my life?