Why are we still talking about Jesus of Nazareth?

You could say the 21st century has been largely defined by rapid technological advancement, the advent (no pun intended) of artificial intelligence, and in some ways overwhelming shifts in cultural values.

In the face of this, many people——Christian or not——have asked the question: Is Jesus still relevant in the 21st century?

Our quick and easy answer? A resounding yes.

Though Jesus lived more than 2,000 years ago, his influence continues to be active force shaping religion, ethics, culture, and personal belief systems around the entire world.

Love your neighbor

Despite dramatic changes in society, Jesus remains one of the most influential and controversial figures in human history. Christianity is the world’s largest religion, and Jesus’ teachings continue to guide billions of people in their daily lives.

One reason Jesus is relevant today is the timeless nature of his teachings. “Love your neighbor,” “treat others as you want to be treated,” and caring for the poor and marginalized remain urgent calls to action in the 21st century.

The 21st century is in some ways has been marked by unique mental health challenges, especially for younger generations. Many people have turned to Jesus’ teachings for guidance on finding peace, purpose, and meaning beyond material success and the pursuit of status. His emphasis on inner transformation——and our dependence on God——rather than external status offers a critical counterbalance to our fast-paced, often dishonest image-driven culture.

A light to the nations

Jesus’ relevance is also evident in global culture. Art, music, literature, holidays, and even legal systems have been shaped by Christian thought. From classical paintings to modern films and music, references to Jesus continue to inspire creativity and dialogue across cultures.

It’s important to remember that not everyone views Jesus in the same way. For Christians, he is the Son of God and Savior. Others see him as a moral teacher, philosopher, or historical figure.

Some question his relevance altogether.

However, the fact that Jesus is still widely discussed, debated, and studied in the 21st century demonstrates his ongoing significance, and the ongoing significance of the historically embedded traditions that he represents and Christians believe was the fulfillment of: the Messiah.

Matthew 7:24

So, is Jesus still relevant in the 21st century?

For billions of people worldwide, the answer is yes.

His teachings continue to shape important values, inspire true hope, and offer guidance in an ever-changing world. And in some sense, that’s the whole point.

To “build your house” on rock and not shifting sand.

Whether viewed through faith, history, or philosophy, Jesus remains a central figure in modern conversations.

Ultimately, views on the relevance of Jesus depends on where individuals find themselves. Even among Christians, you may get a variety of answers.

Yet it’s undeniable that spiritually, culturally, and ethically, his influence remains strong. And in a world searching for meaning, connection, and moral grounding, many continue to find Jesus’ life and teachings deeply relevant in the 21st century.