WHO IS JESUS?
Who is Jesus? - His Identity
While most acknowledge Jesus as a historical figure, the debate arises over His full identity. Many religions view Him as a prophet, teacher, or exemplary man, but the Bible reveals Him as much more. C.S. Lewis astutely observed that Jesus' claims about Himself leave no room for mere moral teaching; He must be either God, a lunatic, or something worse (Mere Christianity, 1952).
Who is Jesus? - His Claims
Jesus unequivocally claimed to be God incarnate. In John 10:30, He declares, “I and the Father are one,” prompting the Jews to accuse Him of blasphemy for equating Himself with God (John 10:33). Likewise, in John 8:58, Jesus asserts His pre-existence using the divine name “I AM,” leading the Jews to attempt stoning Him (John 8:59).
Other biblical passages affirm Jesus' divinity: John 1:1 declares Him as the Word who is God, and John 1:14 reveals His incarnation. Thomas acknowledges Him as “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28), and both Paul and Peter refer to Him as God and Savior (Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 1:1). Old Testament prophecies also proclaim His deity (Isaiah 9:6).
Why does Jesus' identity matter?
• If Jesus isn’t God, He would be deceitful, rendering His teachings unreliable.
• His apostles would be liars if they propagated His divinity.
• Jesus had to be God to fulfill the prophecy of the “Holy One” and provide a sufficient sacrifice for sin.
• Only as God could His death atone for the sins of humanity.
• Salvation is exclusively through Jesus, who declared Himself the way to the Father (John 14:6).
Jesus had to be both fully God and fully man to mediate between heaven and earth, offering salvation to humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). Faith in Jesus Christ is the sole pathway to reconciliation with God.
While most acknowledge Jesus as a historical figure, the debate arises over His full identity. Many religions view Him as a prophet, teacher, or exemplary man, but the Bible reveals Him as much more. C.S. Lewis astutely observed that Jesus' claims about Himself leave no room for mere moral teaching; He must be either God, a lunatic, or something worse (Mere Christianity, 1952).
Who is Jesus? - His Claims
Jesus unequivocally claimed to be God incarnate. In John 10:30, He declares, “I and the Father are one,” prompting the Jews to accuse Him of blasphemy for equating Himself with God (John 10:33). Likewise, in John 8:58, Jesus asserts His pre-existence using the divine name “I AM,” leading the Jews to attempt stoning Him (John 8:59).
Other biblical passages affirm Jesus' divinity: John 1:1 declares Him as the Word who is God, and John 1:14 reveals His incarnation. Thomas acknowledges Him as “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28), and both Paul and Peter refer to Him as God and Savior (Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 1:1). Old Testament prophecies also proclaim His deity (Isaiah 9:6).
Why does Jesus' identity matter?
• If Jesus isn’t God, He would be deceitful, rendering His teachings unreliable.
• His apostles would be liars if they propagated His divinity.
• Jesus had to be God to fulfill the prophecy of the “Holy One” and provide a sufficient sacrifice for sin.
• Only as God could His death atone for the sins of humanity.
• Salvation is exclusively through Jesus, who declared Himself the way to the Father (John 14:6).
Jesus had to be both fully God and fully man to mediate between heaven and earth, offering salvation to humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). Faith in Jesus Christ is the sole pathway to reconciliation with God.
Prayer Request
