The Truth About Jesus: His Real Name, His Female Disciples, and Who REALLY Killed Him

The Truth About Jesus: His Real Name, His Female Disciples, and Who REALLY Killed Him

1. His Real Name Wasn’t “Jesus.”

The name “Jesus” is the result of centuries of translation and linguistic evolution. Here’s the progression:

• Original Hebrew/Aramaic: Yeshua (ישוע)
  A common Hebrew name, short for Yehoshua, meaning “Yahweh is salvation.”
• Greek Translation: Iēsous (Ιησούς)
  The Greek language, used in the New Testament, didn’t have a “sh” sound, so Yeshua became Iēsous.
• Latin: Iesus
  The Roman Empire used Latin, which borrowed from the Greek version.
• English (post-16th century): Jesus
  The “J” sound entered English much later. Before the 17th century, “Jesus” would have been pronounced more like “Yay-soos.”

So, “Jesus” is a translation. His real name on earth was Yeshua.

2. Jesus Had Female Disciples—An Army of Them

Despite patriarchal interpretations of Christianity through the centuries, the Gospels are clear: Jesus had many female followers, and some played critical, often overlooked roles.

Key Female Disciples:

• Mary Magdalene:
  Not a prostitute, as wrongly labeled by Pope Gregory I in 591 AD, but a devout follower. She was the first witness of the resurrection, which is a foundational Christian truth.
• Joanna, Susanna, and “many others”:
  Luke 8:1–3 says they funded Jesus' ministry from their own resources. They weren’t just tagging along—they were actively involved in spreading the message.
• Martha and Mary of Bethany:
  Friends of Jesus. Mary is depicted sitting at Jesus’ feet learning—a position reserved for male disciples (Luke 10:38–42). This was revolutionary.
• The Women at the Cross:
  While male disciples fled, women stayed. They were there at the crucifixion (Matthew 27:55–56) and at the tomb.

➡️ Jesus shattered social norms by elevating women as equals in spiritual discipleship.

3. Who REALLY Killed Jesus?

The truth isn’t as neat as blaming one group. The real answer involves politics, power, religion, and empire.

Let’s set the record straight:

• The Romans carried out the execution.
  Crucifixion was a Roman method of capital punishment reserved for rebels and traitors. Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, authorized it.
• Jewish religious leaders pushed for his death.
  The high priests (Caiaphas and others) saw Jesus as a threat to their authority and the fragile peace with Rome. They accused him of blasphemy and insurrection.
• The crowd’s role? Complex and debated.
  The Gospels mention a crowd shouting “Crucify him!”—but it’s not clear who exactly was in that crowd or how large it was. It likely didn’t represent the general public.
• Ultimately, Jesus himself claimed his life wasn’t taken from him but given (John 10:17–18).
  From a theological perspective, Christians believe this was part of a divine plan for redemption.

So, who killed Jesus?
Rome executed him. Religious authorities condemned him. But he laid down his life according to Christian belief.

Final Thoughts:

The story of Jesus is often simplified, distorted, or sanitized. But the historical Jesus—Yeshua—was a radical figure who challenged religious elitism, uplifted the marginalized (especially women), and was executed by an empire trying to preserve power.

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Companion Study Guide: Reflection Questions

Section 1: His Real Name Wasn’t “Jesus”

1.     Why do you think the name "Jesus" became the standard over time?

2.     How does knowing his real name (Yeshua) change how you see him?

3.     In what ways does language affect our connection to history and truth?

Section 2: His Female Disciples 4. Why do you think the contributions of Jesus' female disciples were downplayed for centuries? 5. What roles do women play in your faith community today? 6. How can we restore or highlight these overlooked stories in modern faith practice?

Section 3: Who Really Killed Jesus? 7. How does understanding the political and religious dynamics of Jesus’ time affect your view of his death? 8. What dangers arise when we simplify or misrepresent complex historical events? 9. How can Jesus' willingness to give up his life shape our understanding of sacrifice and purpose?

Conclusion: Applying the Truth 10. What surprised you most in this article? 11. How can you share a more accurate, inclusive view of Jesus with others? 12. What personal actions can you take to reflect the truth and love Jesus represented?