Final answer:
Jesus described himself as 'The Good Shepherd', signifying his spiritual leadership rather than political rebellion. His mission included a new covenant of salvation that diverged from Jewish expectations of a messiah. Early Christians, following Jesus's crucifixion, spread his message, basing their teachings on his life as recounted in the New Testament Gospels.
Step-by-step explanation:
In his actions and teachings, Jesus described himself as 'The Good Shepherd', and those who received him became part of God's one true people, the true Seed of Abraham, the Israel of God. This identification can be found in the Christian New Testament, wherein Jesus uses the metaphor to explain the close and caring relationship he has with his followers.
The Jews in the first century CE had expectations of a messiah who would liberate them from Roman rule and fulfill God's covenant by delivering the Promised Land. Instead, Jesus's message centered around spiritual salvation rather than political liberation, describing a kingdom not of this world. His crucifixion was a result of his challenges to both the Roman authority and Jewish leaders, as opposed to militaristic rebellion. After his death, his early followers, including the apostles, spread his teachings far and wide, establishing the roots of Christianity.
Abraham is a pivotal figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; with his intense commitment to worship, he is seen as a patriarch and a prophet in these Abrahamic religions. Christianity developed out of a Jewish context, where Abraham's legacy played a significant role. The interpretation of Jesus's life and mission has various dimensions, including theological, spiritual, and social, which are reflected in the way he is portrayed in the New Testament Gospels.