Jesus is also called Jesus Christ.
Christ (title) . Jesus came to be called `` Jesus Christ '' ( meaning `` Jesus the Khristós '' , i.e. `` Jesus the Messiah '' or `` Jesus the Anointed '' ) by his followers after his crucifixion and resurrection . Jesus ( [ ˈdʒiːzəs ] ; c. 4 BC -- c. AD 30/33 ) , also referred to as Jesus of Nazareth or Jesus Christ , was a Jewish preacher and religious leader who became the central figure of Christianity . Christians believe him to be the Son of God and the awaited Messiah ( Christ ) prophesied in the Old Testament .