What does the Bible Teach About Jesus?
The Bible shares the parables and miracles of Jesus, highlighting the significance of His life. As a flawless example for us to follow, the scriptures guide us to know and love Jesus deeply.
Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, is often referred to as the Son of God and the Savior in the Bible. His life and teachings, documented primarily in the New Testament, have profoundly influenced billions of people worldwide. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, performed numerous miracles, and preached messages of love, forgiveness, and redemption.
His crucifixion and resurrection are cornerstone events in Christian theology, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s sins and the promise of eternal life. Understanding Jesus’ role in the Bible is essential for grasping the foundations of Christian faith and its impact on history and culture.
How is Jesus Described in the Bible?
The 11 Greatest Questions about The Jesus of the Bible
Is Jesus God?
Who is Jesus?
What did Jesus teach?
Where was Jesus born?
What miracles did Jesus perform?
Why was Jesus crucified?
Did Jesus really rise from the dead?
What is the significance of Jesus’ resurrection?
What is the historical evidence for Jesus?
What are the prophecies about Jesus in the Old Testament?
How does Jesus’ life impact Christians today?
What is The Jesus Bible?
Is the Bible Jesus God?
Is Jesus God? This profound question has been central to Christian theology for centuries. The belief that Jesus is God is rooted in several key pieces of evidence found in the Bible and affirmed by Christian tradition.
- Biblical Declarations:
- John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This verse identifies Jesus (the Word) as God.
- John 10:30: Jesus states, “I and the Father are one,” suggesting a divine unity.
- Colossians 2:9: “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,” emphasizing Jesus’ divine nature.
- Jesus’ Own Claims:
- John 8:58: Jesus declares, “Before Abraham was born, I am!” His use of “I am” echoes God’s self-identification in Exodus 3:14, aligning himself with God.
- John 14:9: “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” Jesus implies that seeing him is equivalent to seeing God.
- Miracles and Authority:
- Jesus performed numerous miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, and calming storms, showcasing his divine power.
- He forgave sins (Mark 2:5-7), an authority that, according to Jewish belief, only God possesses.
- Resurrection:
- Jesus’ resurrection is a cornerstone event supporting his divinity. The resurrection demonstrates victory over death and divine nature (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
- Early Church Beliefs:
Pro Tip – The belief in Jesus as God is supported by scriptural evidence, Jesus’ own claims, his miraculous deeds, and the early Christian worship practices. These elements collectively affirm the divinity of Jesus, making a compelling case for this foundational Christian belief.
Who is Jesus?
Pro Tip – By delving into the biblical accounts and reflecting on Jesus’ profound impact, we can appreciate the enduring legacy of this extraordinary figure.
What did Jesus teach?
What did Jesus teach? This question delves into the core of Christian doctrine and ethics. Jesus Christ, through his teachings and parables, imparted timeless wisdom and guidance that form the foundation of Christian faith. His messages focused on love, forgiveness, humility, and the Kingdom of God, offering a pathway to spiritual fulfillment and eternal life.
The Greatest Commandments
When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus summarized the entire law in two key principles:
- Love God: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37).
- Love Your Neighbor: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).
These commandments underscore the centrality of love in Jesus’ teachings, encompassing both divine devotion and interpersonal relationships.
The Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is one of Jesus’ most comprehensive teachings, encapsulating his ethical and spiritual principles. Key elements include:
- The Beatitudes: Jesus pronounces blessings on the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those persecuted for righteousness’ sake (Matthew 5:3-12).
- The Lord’s Prayer: A model prayer that emphasizes reverence for God, seeking his will, daily provision, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil (Matthew 6:9-13).
- Golden Rule: “Do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12), summarizing the ethic of reciprocity and love.
Parables of Jesus
Jesus often taught in parables, using simple stories to convey profound truths. Some notable parables include:
- The Parable of the Good Samaritan: Highlights the importance of compassion and helping others, regardless of societal divisions (Luke 10:25-37).
- The Parable of the Prodigal Son: Illustrates God’s boundless mercy and forgiveness towards repentant sinners (Luke 15:11-32).
- The Parable of the Sower: Explains how different people receive and respond to the message of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 13:1-23).
Teachings on Forgiveness and Mercy
Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiveness and mercy. He taught that we should forgive others as we seek God’s forgiveness: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14).
The Kingdom of God
Central to Jesus’ message was the proclamation of the Kingdom of God. He described it as both a present reality and a future hope. Through his teachings and miracles, Jesus demonstrated the in-breaking of God’s rule on earth.
- Repentance and Faith: Jesus called for repentance and faith in the gospel: “The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15).
- Parables of the Kingdom: Through parables like the Mustard Seed and the Leaven, Jesus illustrated the Kingdom’s growth and transformative power (Matthew 13:31-33).
Jesus’ Commandments to His Disciples
Before his ascension, Jesus gave his disciples the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). This command underscores the missionary aspect of Jesus’ teaching, emphasizing the spread of his message worldwide.
Pro Tip – Jesus’ teachings encompass a wide range of ethical, spiritual, and practical instructions aimed at guiding humanity toward a life of love, righteousness, and spiritual fulfillment. His messages, deeply rooted in love for God and neighbor, forgiveness, mercy, and the proclamation of God’s Kingdom, continue to resonate with believers and shape Christian life and practice. By studying and embodying Jesus’ teachings, individuals find a pathway to personal transformation and eternal life, reflecting the profound and enduring impact of his message.
Where was Jesus born?
Where was Jesus born? This question is central to the nativity story celebrated by Christians around the world. According to the Bible, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a small town in Judea. This event is detailed in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, which provide rich narratives of the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth.
Prophecies Foretelling Jesus’ Birth
The birthplace of Jesus was foretold by ancient prophecies in the Old Testament. The prophet Micah predicted that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem:
- Micah 5:2: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
This prophecy set the expectation that the awaited Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, connecting Jesus’ birthplace with divine providence.
The Journey to Bethlehem
The Gospel of Luke provides a detailed account of how Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph, came to be in Bethlehem.
- Luke 2:1-5: “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world… And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.”
The census decreed by Caesar Augustus required Joseph and Mary to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, as Joseph was of the house and lineage of David. This journey fulfilled the prophecy and set the stage for Jesus’ birth.
The Birth of Jesus
In Bethlehem, Jesus was born under humble circumstances.
- Luke 2:6-7: “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”
Due to the crowded conditions, Mary gave birth in a stable, and Jesus was laid in a manger. This humble beginning underscores the themes of humility and simplicity that characterize much of Jesus’ life and teachings.
The Visit of the Shepherds
Luke also recounts the visit of the shepherds, who were among the first to hear of Jesus’ birth.
- Luke 2:8-12: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'”
The shepherds went to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus lying in the manger, as the angel had described. Their visit and proclamation of the angel’s message highlight the significance of Jesus’ birth as a moment of divine intervention and joy for all people.
The Visit of the Magi
The Gospel of Matthew provides an account of the visit of the Magi (wise men) from the East.
- Matthew 2:1-2: “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'”
Following the star, the Magi arrived in Bethlehem and presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the newborn Jesus. This event underscores Jesus’ recognition as a king and the Messiah, even by those from distant lands.
Pro Tip – The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, as detailed in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, fulfills ancient prophecies and marks the beginning of a life that would profoundly impact the world. Bethlehem, a small and humble town, becomes the setting for the arrival of the Messiah, emphasizing themes of humility, divine fulfillment, and universal significance. The nativity story, celebrated by Christians worldwide, remains a testament to the profound and enduring legacy of Jesus Christ.
What miracles did Jesus perform?
What miracles did Jesus perform? This question delves into the numerous supernatural acts attributed to Jesus Christ during his ministry, as documented in the New Testament. These miracles serve as profound demonstrations of his divine power and authority, reinforcing his teachings and inspiring faith among his followers. Here is an overview of some of the most notable miracles performed by Jesus.
Miracles of Healing
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Healing the Blind
- John 9:1-12: Jesus healed a man born blind by making mud with his saliva, applying it to the man’s eyes, and instructing him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. The man regained his sight, demonstrating Jesus’ power over physical ailments.
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Cleansing Lepers
- Matthew 8:1-4: Jesus healed a man with leprosy, a condition that rendered individuals ritually unclean. By touching the leper and declaring him clean, Jesus not only restored his health but also his social and religious standing.
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Healing the Paralytic
- Mark 2:1-12: When a paralyzed man was lowered through a roof to reach Jesus, he forgave the man’s sins and commanded him to take up his mat and walk. The man was instantly healed, showcasing Jesus’ authority to forgive sins and heal.
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Raising the Dead
- John 11:1-44: Perhaps one of the most dramatic miracles was the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb after four days, demonstrating his power over life and death.
Nature Miracles
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Calming the Storm
- Mark 4:35-41: While Jesus and his disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee, a violent storm arose. Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves, and the storm ceased immediately. This miracle illustrated his control over the natural elements.
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Walking on Water
- Matthew 14:22-33: Jesus walked on the water towards his disciples’ boat during a storm. Peter attempted to walk towards him but began to sink when he doubted. Jesus rescued him, further proving his divine nature.
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Feeding the Multitudes
- Matthew 14:13-21: In the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed a vast crowd, with twelve baskets of leftovers. This miracle highlighted Jesus’ ability to provide abundantly.
Exorcisms
- Casting Out Demons
- Mark 5:1-20: Jesus exorcised a legion of demons from a man in the region of the Gerasenes. The demons entered a herd of pigs, which then rushed into the sea and drowned. This act demonstrated Jesus’ authority over evil spirits.
Restorative Miracles
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Healing the Woman with an Issue of Blood
- Mark 5:25-34: A woman suffering from chronic bleeding for twelve years touched Jesus’ cloak in faith and was immediately healed. Jesus commended her faith, affirming that it was instrumental in her healing.
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Restoring Sight to Bartimaeus
- Mark 10:46-52: Blind Bartimaeus called out to Jesus as he was leaving Jericho. Jesus restored his sight, emphasizing the importance of faith and persistence in seeking divine intervention.
Miracles Over Food and Drink
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Turning Water into Wine
- John 2:1-11: At a wedding in Cana, Jesus transformed water into wine, marking his first public miracle. This act revealed his divine glory and inaugurated his public ministry.
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Feeding the 4,000
- Matthew 15:32-39: Similar to the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus fed 4,000 men, plus women and children, with seven loaves and a few small fish, again leaving baskets of leftovers, showing his compassion and divine provision.
Pro Tip – The miracles performed by Jesus, as recorded in the New Testament, highlight his divine authority, compassion, and power over nature, illness, and death. These acts not only authenticated his messianic claims but also provided tangible expressions of his love and concern for humanity. Through these miraculous deeds, Jesus demonstrated that the Kingdom of God had indeed come near, offering hope, healing, and restoration to all who believed.
Bible Study Ideas Related to the Miracles of Jesus
Why was Jesus crucified?
Did Jesus really rise from the dead?
What is the significance of Jesus' resurrection?
Pro Tip – The significance of Jesus’ resurrection cannot be overstated. It validates his identity as the Son of God, fulfills ancient prophecies, and forms the bedrock of Christian hope for eternal life. It empowers believers to live transformed lives and assures them of God’s ultimate justice. Furthermore, it underpins the church’s mission to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. The resurrection is a powerful testament to God’s redemptive plan and his victory over sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe.
What is the historical evidence for Jesus?
What is the historical evidence for Jesus? This question has been a subject of interest for scholars, historians, and theologians alike. While the New Testament provides the most detailed accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings, there is also significant historical evidence outside of Christian scriptures that attests to his existence and impact. This article explores the various sources that provide historical evidence for Jesus.
1. New Testament Writings
The New Testament, particularly the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), is the primary source of information about Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection. These texts were written within a few decades of Jesus’ lifetime and reflect early Christian beliefs and traditions. The letters of Paul, some of which were written as early as 20 years after Jesus’ death, also provide valuable insights into the early Christian community’s beliefs about Jesus.
- Early Date and Proximity: The Gospels and Paul’s letters were written within the first century, close to the events they describe, which lends credibility to their accounts.
- Eyewitness Testimonies: Many New Testament writings are based on the testimonies of eyewitnesses who knew Jesus personally.
2. Roman Historians
Several Roman historians mention Jesus in their works, providing external attestations of his existence.
Tacitus: A Roman historian, Tacitus, writing around 116 AD, refers to Jesus in his Annals (15.44). He mentions that Jesus was executed during the reign of Emperor Tiberius by the procurator Pontius Pilate, confirming the New Testament account.
- “Christus, from whom the name [Christians] had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus.”
Suetonius: Another Roman historian, Suetonius, wrote around 121 AD in his Lives of the Caesars (Claudius 25.4), referring to disturbances caused by “Chrestus” (a common misspelling of Christ) in Rome.
- “Since the Jews constantly made disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus, he expelled them from Rome.”
3. Jewish Historians
Jewish historians also provide valuable evidence about Jesus.
- Josephus: The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, writing in the late first century, makes two references to Jesus in his Antiquities of the Jews. The most significant is known as the Testimonium Flavianum (Antiquities 18.3.3), although its authenticity has been debated and may contain Christian interpolations.
- “Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works…”
Josephus also mentions James, “the brother of Jesus who was called Christ,” in Antiquities 20.9.1.
4. Other Ancient Sources
Additional references to Jesus come from other ancient sources that corroborate aspects of his life and the early Christian movement.
Pliny the Younger: A Roman governor, Pliny the Younger, wrote to Emperor Trajan around 112 AD, seeking advice on how to deal with Christians. He describes their worship practices, indicating the worship of Christ as a deity.
- “They were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god…
Lucian of Samosata: A second-century Greek satirist, Lucian, refers to Jesus in his work The Death of Peregrine.
- “The Christians, you know, worship a man to this day—the distinguished personage who introduced their novel rites, and was crucified on that account.”
5. Archaeological Evidence
While direct archaeological evidence for Jesus is scarce, several findings support the historical context of his life.
- Pilate Stone: An inscription discovered in Caesarea Maritima mentions Pontius Pilate, confirming his role as the prefect of Judea, as described in the Gospels.
- Ossuaries and Inscriptions: Several ossuaries (bone boxes) and inscriptions from the first century have been found that mention names from the New Testament, providing context to the historical period.
Pro Tip – The historical evidence for Jesus is robust, encompassing a range of sources from within and outside the Christian tradition. The New Testament writings, supported by Roman and Jewish historians, and complemented by archaeological findings, provide a multifaceted picture of Jesus as a historical figure. These sources collectively affirm that Jesus of Nazareth existed and had a significant impact on his contemporaries, laying the foundation for the emergence of Christianity.
What are the prophecies about Jesus in the Old Testament?
The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies that Christians believe foretell the coming of Jesus Christ. These prophecies, written centuries before his birth, detail various aspects of his life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Here are ten of the most significant prophecies about Jesus in the Old Testament and their New Testament fulfillments.
1. The Birthplace of the Messiah
- Prophecy: Micah 5:2
- “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
- Fulfillment: Matthew 2:1
- “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem.”
Bethlehem, a small town in Judea, was prophesied to be the birthplace of the future ruler of Israel, which was fulfilled with the birth of Jesus.
2. The Virgin Birth
- Prophecy: Isaiah 7:14
- “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
- Fulfillment: Matthew 1:22-23
- “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).”
The virgin birth of Jesus to Mary is seen as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, highlighting the miraculous nature of his conception.
3. The Lineage of David
- Prophecy: Jeremiah 23:5-6
- “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’”
- Fulfillment: Luke 3:23-31
- Jesus’ genealogy is traced back to David, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would come from David’s line.
4. The Suffering Servant
- Prophecy: Isaiah 53:3-7
- “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain... But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
- Fulfillment: 1 Peter 2:24
- “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
Isaiah 53 vividly describes the suffering and sacrificial death of the Messiah, which Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus’ crucifixion.
5. The Betrayal for Thirty Pieces of Silver
- Prophecy: Zechariah 11:12-13
- “I told them, ‘If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.’ So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said to me, ‘Throw it to the potter’—the handsome price at which they valued me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter at the house of the Lord.”
- Fulfillment: Matthew 26:14-15, 27:3-5
- Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, which he later threw into the temple, fulfilling this prophecy.
6. The Crucifixion
- Prophecy: Psalm 22:16-18
- “Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.”
- Fulfillment: John 19:23-24
- The details of Jesus’ crucifixion, including the piercing of his hands and feet and the casting of lots for his clothing, are seen as the fulfillment of this psalm.
7. The Piercing of the Messiah
- Prophecy: Zechariah 12:10
- “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.”
- Fulfillment: John 19:34-37
- Jesus’ side was pierced by a Roman soldier during the crucifixion, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy.
8. The Resurrection
- Prophecy: Psalm 16:10
- “Because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.”
- Fulfillment: Acts 2:31
- Peter cites this psalm in his sermon at Pentecost, declaring that it refers to Jesus’ resurrection.
9. The Ascension
- Prophecy: Psalm 68:18
- “When you ascended on high, you took many captives; you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious—that you, Lord God, might dwell there.”
- Fulfillment: Ephesians 4:8-10
- Paul quotes this psalm, interpreting it as a reference to Jesus’ ascension into heaven.
10. The New Covenant
- Prophecy: Jeremiah 31:31-34
- “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. … I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
- Fulfillment: Luke 22:20
- During the Last Supper, Jesus speaks of the new covenant in his blood, establishing the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy.
Pro Tip – The Old Testament prophecies about Jesus provide a compelling case for his messianic identity. These prophecies, written centuries before his birth, outline specific details about his life, ministry, death, and resurrection, all of which are fulfilled in the New Testament accounts. For Christians, these fulfilled prophecies affirm the divine inspiration of the Scriptures and the central role of Jesus as the promised Messiah.
How does Jesus' life impact Christians today?
Jesus’ life continues to profoundly impact Christians today in various ways. His teachings, characterized by love, compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness, serve as a model for Christian ethics and behavior. Christians strive to emulate his example in their daily lives, seeking to love their neighbors, care for the marginalized, and live with integrity and humility. Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection provide hope and assurance of salvation, shaping believers’ faith and giving meaning to their existence.
His promise of eternal life inspires Christians to live with courage and purpose, knowing that their ultimate destiny is secured in him. Furthermore, Jesus’ call to discipleship challenges Christians to actively participate in God’s kingdom work, spreading the message of love and reconciliation to all corners of the world. In essence, Jesus’ life continues to be a source of inspiration, guidance, and transformation for Christians as they navigate the complexities of modern life.
The Jesus Bible
The “Jesus Bible” serves as a unique and cherished resource for Christians, offering a comprehensive exploration of Jesus’ life, teachings, and impact within the broader context of Scripture. This specialized Bible places a particular emphasis on the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—which provide detailed accounts of Jesus’ birth, ministry, miracles, teachings, death, and resurrection.
It also highlights the Old Testament prophecies fulfilled by Jesus and the New Testament letters that expound upon his teachings and their significance for believers. The Jesus Bible not only deepens understanding of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity but also serves as a guide for discipleship, inviting readers to encounter Jesus afresh and to follow him wholeheartedly. Through its holistic approach to Scripture, the Jesus Bible inspires and equips Christians to live out their faith in alignment with the teachings and example of Jesus, making it an invaluable resource for spiritual growth and transformation.