If you've ever wondered about the true identity of Jesus, you're not alone. For centuries, people have debated the question: Is Jesus truly God? This question has huge implications for our faith and how we understand the Bible. So, let’s take a closer look at what the Bible says about Jesus and His divine nature, unpacking key verses that reveal the truth.
The Claim of Jesus’ Divinity: More Than a Prophet
First things first, many people see Jesus as a wise teacher or a prophet, but the Bible presents Him as so much more. The claim that Jesus is God isn’t some modern invention or something that popped up later in church history. It’s deeply rooted in the Bible itself.
John 1:1-3: The Word Was God
Let’s start with John 1:1-3, which says:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made."
Here, John refers to Jesus as the Word (or Logos in Greek), and it’s clear—the Word was God. He wasn’t just with God; He was God. This passage is one of the clearest statements in Scripture that affirms Jesus’ divinity. Not only does it say that Jesus existed with God from the beginning, but it also says that everything was made through Him. That’s pretty powerful!
Jesus Himself Claimed to Be God
Some people might say, "Well, Jesus never directly said, 'I am God.'" While He might not have used those exact words, His claims and actions leave no doubt about His divinity.
John 10:30: “I and the Father are One.”
In John 10:30, Jesus says, "I and the Father are one." The reaction of the Jewish leaders tells us that they understood what He was saying—because they immediately picked up stones to stone Him for blasphemy. They said, “You, a mere man, claim to be God” (John 10:33).
Jesus didn’t backpedal or try to clarify Himself; He stood by His claim, showing that He indeed viewed Himself as equal with God.
John 8:58: “Before Abraham Was, I Am.”
Another powerful moment occurs in John 8:58, when Jesus says, "Before Abraham was, I am." This statement may sound confusing at first, but it's a direct reference to Exodus 3:14, where God reveals His name to Moses: "I Am Who I Am." By using the phrase "I Am," Jesus is identifying Himself with the God of Israel, the same God who spoke to Moses from the burning bush.
Once again, His listeners understood this as a claim to divinity and attempted to stone Him for blasphemy.
The Apostles Affirmed Jesus’ Divinity
The disciples and apostles who followed Jesus were also convinced of His divine nature. They didn’t just see Him as a wise teacher or a miracle worker—they worshipped Him as God.
Colossians 1:15-20: Jesus is the Image of the Invisible God
Paul’s letter to the Colossians provides one of the most beautiful descriptions of Jesus’ divine nature. In Colossians 1:15-20, Paul writes:
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him.”
This passage shows that Jesus isn’t just a reflection of God; He is God in the flesh, containing all the fullness of God.
Philippians 2:6-7: Equal with God
In Philippians 2:6-7, Paul further emphasizes Jesus’ divine nature:
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."
Jesus, although fully God, chose to humble Himself and take on human form. This selfless act is central to His mission and His divine nature.
The Trinity: One God in Three Persons
When discussing Jesus' divinity, it's important to remember the Christian understanding of the Trinity: One God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Bible presents Jesus as fully God and fully human, existing eternally with the Father and the Holy Spirit. While the concept of the Trinity can be difficult to grasp, it's essential for understanding how Jesus fits into the bigger picture of God's plan.
Matthew 28:19: “In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit”
Jesus Himself spoke of this triune nature in His great commission to the disciples. In Matthew 28:19, He commands them to go and make disciples, baptizing "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Notice how Jesus includes Himself as equal with the Father and the Spirit, further reinforcing His divine nature.
Jesus’ Miracles: Proof of His Divine Authority
Another powerful evidence of Jesus’ divinity comes through His miracles. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus performs miraculous healings, raises the dead, and even commands nature itself. One notable example is when He calms the storm in Mark 4:39 by simply speaking to the wind and waves, "Peace! Be still!" The disciples, witnessing this miracle, were terrified and asked, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!" (Mark 4:41).
Only God has control over creation, and Jesus demonstrated that same authority time and again.
Why Does It Matter?
So, why is it so important to believe that Jesus is truly God? Because everything in our faith hinges on this truth. If Jesus were just a man or merely a prophet, His death on the cross wouldn’t have the power to save us from our sins. But because He is God, His sacrifice was enough to cover the sins of the entire world.
Believing in Jesus as God means we are putting our trust in the One who has the power to give us eternal life. John 3:16 sums it up perfectly:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Conclusion: The Truth is Clear
When we examine the Bible, the evidence for Jesus’ divinity is overwhelming. From His own words to the testimony of His followers, it’s clear that Jesus is truly God, the Savior of the world. If you’re still wrestling with this question, I encourage you to continue seeking the truth in Scripture.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). He invites us to know Him, not just as a teacher or prophet, but as God Himself.
If this message resonated with you, share it with someone who may also have questions about Jesus’ true identity. Let’s explore the truth together!