Who Is Jesus? Understanding His Divinity and Role as Savior
When we talk about Jesus, it's important to understand who He truly is according to the Bible. Many people believe in Jesus as a great teacher or even a prophet, but the Bible reveals so much more about Him. One of the most crucial things we can grasp is that Jesus is not just a created being or a high-ranking angel—He is God Himself in human form.
Jesus Is the Word
The Gospel of John begins with a powerful statement about Jesus’ identity:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1).
This verse makes it clear that Jesus, referred to as "the Word," existed from the very beginning and is fully God. He was not created; He always existed. John 1:14 goes on to say, "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us," confirming that Jesus, as God, took on human form to dwell among us.
Jesus Is Worshiped
Throughout the New Testament, we see that Jesus was worshiped by His followers. After His resurrection, when He appeared to the women, "they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him" (Matthew 28:9). Thomas, one of His disciples, upon seeing the resurrected Jesus, declared, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). In these examples, Jesus accepted worship, something reserved only for God.
If Jesus were merely a created being, accepting worship would be wrong. Yet, He never rebuked those who worshiped Him, further affirming His divine nature.
Jesus Forgives Sins
One of the clearest signs of Jesus’ divinity is His authority to forgive sins. In Mark 2:5-7, Jesus tells a paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven." The religious leaders were shocked, thinking to themselves, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" They were right in recognizing that only God has the power to forgive sins. Yet, Jesus demonstrated this authority, confirming His identity as God.
Jesus Is the Only Way to the Father
Jesus’ role as Savior is also rooted in His divinity. In John 14:6, Jesus makes a bold statement: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me." This claim would be impossible for a mere human or created being to make. Only God can provide the way to eternal life, and Jesus, being fully God, is that way.
Jesus' Sacrifice Has Eternal Value
Understanding Jesus’ divinity is essential when we consider His sacrifice on the cross. If Jesus were not God, His death would not have the power to save humanity from sin. But because He is God in the flesh, His sacrifice has infinite value, capable of atoning for the sins of the entire world.
Conclusion
The Bible consistently shows that Jesus is more than just a good man or a powerful angel—He is God Himself. He is the eternal Word, worshiped by His followers, able to forgive sins, and the only way to eternal life. Grasping the full identity of Jesus helps us understand the depth of His love and the power of His sacrifice. His divinity is not just a theological point; it’s the foundation of our salvation and relationship with God. As we reflect on who Jesus is, let us embrace the truth of His nature and the life-changing impact it has on our faith.
Fifty years ago, I committed my life to serving the Lord. I hold an associate degree in Christian Education and a bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling. I live by 1 Corinthians 9:16, Ephesians 3:7-8, and Colossians 1:28-29. In my retirement, I focus on studying and teaching God’s Word. Besides writing this Blog I maintain 3 Facebook pages dedicated to spreading the Word of God. Email: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com