What Was Going On in Jesus' Time?
The first-century world in which Jesus lived was a complex mix of religious, cultural, and political influences. At the center of this world was Jewish monotheism, a belief in one, all-powerful God that shaped every aspect of Jewish life and thought. This belief was so central to Jewish identity that any suggestion of someone else being divine was considered blasphemous.
The One God of Israel – A Belief That Defined Everything
First-century Judaism was firmly rooted in the belief in one God, Yahweh, who had revealed Himself to the patriarchs, Moses, and the prophets. The Shema, a central prayer in Jewish worship, declared, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one" (Deuteronomy 6:4). This monotheistic conviction made the idea of a human claiming divinity almost unthinkable within Jewish society. However, this is precisely the context in which Jesus began His ministry.
Jesus’ teachings and actions raised some eyebrows, to say the least. He performed miracles, forgave sins (which, according to Jewish belief, only God could do), and spoke with an authority that suggested a unique relationship with God. Some of His followers began to see Him not just as a prophet or a teacher but as someone who embodied God's presence in a way that no one else had before
Stirring the Pot in a Monotheistic World
After Jesus’ crucifixion and reported resurrection, His followers faced the task of making sense of who He was and what He had accomplished. Early Christian writings, particularly those of the Apostle Paul, repeatedly refer to Jesus in ways that suggest divinity.
For example, in Philippians 2:6-11, Paul describes Jesus as having "the form of God" and being exalted to the highest place of honor, where every knee should bow to Him—a level of reverence reserved for God alone in Jewish thought.
These early Christian writings show us that the proof of Jesus' divinity was not a later invention but was rooted in the earliest reflections of His followers. They were wrestling with how to fit Jesus into their understanding of God, leading to the development of doctrines that would later become central to Christian theology, such as the Trinity.
Is Jesus God: What The Bible Says
To find an answer to the nature of Jesus (divine, human, or both), we’re going back to the basics. We’ll look at the Old Testament prophecies and certain key passages in the New Testament.
Old Testament Prophecies: Did They Point to a Divine Messiah?
The Old Testament, written centuries before Jesus, contains numerous prophecies that Christians believe point to the coming of a Messiah—a savior who would redeem Israel and bring about God's kingdom. But did these prophecies suggest that the Messiah would be divine?
One of the most frequently cited prophecies is found in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 7:14 mentions a virgin who will conceive and bear a son, and his name will be called "Immanuel," which means "God with us." Christians interpret this as a reference to Jesus, seeing it as an indication that the Messiah would embody God’s presence in a unique way.
Another key passage is Isaiah 9:6, where the Messiah is described as a "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." The titles here are striking, especially "Mighty God," which suggests something more than just a human leader.
However, it’s important to note that these interpretations are not universally accepted. Jewish scholars, for example, typically understand these passages differently, seeing them as referring to events and figures within the context of ancient Israel, not as predictions of a divine Messiah.
God vs Jesus – What Do the Gospels Say?
The New Testament is where the case for Jesus' divinity is most directly made. The four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—each present a biblically accurate Jesus in a way that emphasizes His unique relationship with God. But it’s in the Gospel of John where the strongest claims about Jesus' divinity are found.
John 1:1-14 is perhaps the most famous passage. It starts with, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This passage identifies Jesus (the Word) as being not just with God but actually being God. This is a clear and direct claim that Jesus is divine. Later in the same chapter, John writes that "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us," which Christians understand as the incarnation—God becoming human in the person of Jesus.
The Gospels also record several instances where Jesus performs actions that, according to Jewish beliefs, only God could do. For example, in Mark 2:1-12, Jesus forgives a man’s sins, leading the religious leaders to question, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Jesus’ ability to forgive sins, calm storms, and raise the dead are all signs of His divine authority.
The Titles and Names of Jesus
The names and titles given to Jesus throughout the New Testament also carry significant weight in discussing His divinity. Titles like "Son of God," "Lord," and "Messiah" were not just honorary titles. They held significance.
- Son of God: While others in the Bible are called "sons of God" (like angels or kings), Jesus’ use of this title, especially in the Gospel of John, suggests a unique and intimate relationship with God the Father. John 10:30 records Jesus as saying, "I and the Father are one," which His audience understood as a claim to divinity, as they immediately accused Him of blasphemy.
- Lord: In the Greco-Roman world, "Lord" (Greek: Kyrios) was a title of authority, often used for gods and emperors. The New Testament writers frequently use this title for Jesus, implying that He holds the same divine authority as God. For example, in Romans 10:9, Paul writes that if you "declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
- Messiah (Christ): The term "Messiah" or "Christ" means "anointed one." While this title primarily refers to Jesus as the promised deliverer of Israel, the way it is used in conjunction with the other titles and descriptions in the New Testament reinforces the idea that this Messiah is not just a human savior but a divine one.
These names and titles, combined with the actions and teachings of Jesus recorded in the New Testament, provide a strong foundation for the belief in His divinity among Christians. However, to claim that he is God can be a bit of a stretch for most theologians.
Does It Make Sense to Say Jesus Is Both God and Man?
One of the biggest challenges in Christian theology is the concept of the Incarnation—the belief that Jesus is both fully God and fully human. On the surface, this can seem contradictory. After all, how can one person be both infinite (as God) and finite (as a human being)? How can someone be all-knowing and yet experience human limitations like hunger, fatigue, and even death?
Philosophers and theologians have wrestled with this issue for centuries. One approach is known as "kenosis," based on a passage in Philippians 2:7, which says that Jesus "emptied himself" by taking on human form. Some theologians interpret this to mean that, in becoming human, Jesus voluntarily gave up some of His divine attributes, like omniscience or omnipresence, to experience life as a human fully.
Another philosophical approach is the concept of "hypostatic union," a term from the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) that describes the union of Jesus' divine and human natures in one person. According to this view, Jesus has two distinct natures—one divine and one human—that coexist without mixing or changing. This idea attempts to preserve Jesus's full divinity and humanity without creating logical inconsistencies.
For many Christians, the mystery of Jesus’ dual nature as both God and man is accepted as a matter of faith. The idea that some aspects of God’s nature are beyond human comprehension is a common theme in Christian theology. From this perspective, the incarnation is seen as a divine mystery—something that can be partially understood through philosophy and theology but ultimately requires faith to be accepted fully.
FAQ
Who is Jesus?
Jesus of Nazareth is a central figure in Christianity, believed by Christians to be the Son of God and the long-awaited Messiah (Christ) prophesied in the Old Testament. He was a first-century Jewish teacher and preacher crucified by the Romans around 30-33 AD. Christians believe that Jesus was resurrected from the dead three days after His crucifixion, affirming His divine nature and mission to bring salvation to humanity.
Where is Jesus From?
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a small town in Judea, which is now part of modern-day Israel. His parents were Mary and Joseph, and He grew up in the town of Nazareth in Galilee, which is why He is often referred to as Jesus of Nazareth.
Is Jesus the Son of God?
Yes, according to Christian belief, Jesus is the Son of God. This title reflects His unique relationship with God the Father, emphasizing that He shares the same divine nature. The New Testament frequently refers to Jesus as the Son of God, particularly in the Gospels and the writings of the Apostle Paul.
Is Jesus God?
Christian doctrine teaches that Jesus is indeed God. This belief is rooted in the concept of the Trinity, which holds that God exists as three persons—Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit—but is one in essence. Various passages in the New Testament, such as John 1:1 ("the Word was God") and John 10:30 ("I and the Father are one"), affirm this belief.
Is God and Jesus the Same Person?
In Christian theology, God and Jesus are not the same person but are distinct persons within the Trinity. The Trinity doctrine explains that God is one in essence but exists in three persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. They are distinct yet fully and equally God, sharing the same divine nature.
What's the Difference Between God and Jesus?
God and Jesus differ in their roles and relationship within the Trinity. God the Father is the source of all creation, Jesus (God the Son) is the incarnate Word who became human to save humanity, and the Holy Spirit is God’s presence and power active in the world today. While they have different roles, they are all equally God, sharing the same divine essence.
Where in the Bible Does It Say Jesus Is God?
Several passages in the New Testament suggest Jesus' divinity. Key verses include:
- John 10:30: "I and the Father are one."
- Philippians 2:6: "[Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage."
- Colossians 2:9: "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form."
These and other passages form the basis for the belief in God and Jesus as one.
How Does the Bible Describe Jesus?
The Bible describes Jesus in various ways, reflecting His character, mission, and divinity. He is called the "Son of God," "Son of Man," "Messiah," "Lord," "Savior," and "the Word made flesh." The Gospels portray Him as a compassionate teacher, a miracle worker, and a sacrificial savior who came to reconcile humanity to God.
Why Is Jesus Called the Son of Man?
The title "Son of Man" is one that Jesus frequently used for Himself. It has roots in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Daniel (Daniel 7:13-14), where "one like a son of man" is given authority and an everlasting kingdom by God. By using this title, Jesus was identifying Himself with this prophetic figure, emphasizing both His humanity and His role in God's plan of salvation.
