Did Jesus Ever Claim to be God?

For centuries, the question of Jesus’ claims to divinity has sparked passionate debate. Did Jesus truly claim to be God, or are these ideas mere misinterpretations? Was He merely a wise teacher, or was He something more? Join us as we unveil the scriptural evidence that reveals the profound truth of Jesus’ divine identity. Let’s dive into the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) to see if we can discover compelling reasons not only to believe Jesus did claim to be God, but also that Jesus’ claims to divinity were well attested.

Jesus: The “I Am” Who Walks Among Us Remember Exodus 3:14, where God reveals Himself to Moses as “I Am Who I Am?” Well, the Gospels showcase Jesus using the powerful “I Am” identity for Himself. When Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35), “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), and “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58), it’s more than metaphor. These pronouncements hint at a unique identity and authority reserved for God Himself. The Gospel of John tells us these pronouncements weren’t lost on the Jewish audience. In fact, they understood Jesus was claiming divinity. They immediately picked up stones to throw at Him, accusing him of blasphemy (John 8:58).

In John 18, we witness a profound moment where Jesus, confronted by those who sought to arrest Him. He asks them who they’re looking for. When they tell Him they’re looking for Jesus of Nazareth, He responds with the simple yet powerful declaration, “I am”. This response, echoing the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, causes the soldiers to recoil and fall to the ground. This incident underscores the inherent power of the “I am” and the voluntary nature of Jesus’ sacrifice. He didn’t have to lift a little finger to protect Himself if He wanted to. In being led to the cross, He was no helpless victim of a human plot, but rather, was laying down His life of His own free will.

The Son of Man: A Title Laden with Divine Implications Jesus also refers to Himself as the “Son of Man.” If He were indeed God, shouldn’t He have said He was “Son of God?” critics argue. Well, that’s because they don’t know the backstory. In Daniel 7, there’s a vision of a “Son of Man” who receives eternal dominion. The ‘Son of Man’ in Daniel’s vision is not just a figure of authority; He is a celestial being with an everlasting kingdom. Jesus, by using this title, draws a connection between Himself and this powerful, divinely appointed figure. He’s hinting at His unique role as One who is fully human and yet, fully God.

Forgiving Sins: A Divine Prerogative Throughout the Gospels, Jesus exhibits powers traditionally reserved for God alone, such as authority over nature, illness, and even death. However, perhaps the most striking example of His divine authority is His claim to have the ability to forgive sins. In Mark 2:1-12, Jesus forgives the sins of a paralysed man, an act that infuriated some religious leaders, as they believed only God could grant such forgiveness. In response, Jesus heals the man, demonstrating His divine authority to reconcile humanity with God. This act of forgiving sins and healing the paralytic suggests these were tantamount to claiming deity.

Accepting Worship: The Tacit Confirmation of Divinity Jewish tradition clearly states worship is reserved for God alone. Yet, the Gospels depict Jesus receiving worship from His followers. The most impactful example is Thomas’s exclamation, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28) on witnessing the resurrected Jesus. Significantly, Jesus doesn’t rebuke Thomas. Instead, He affirms this recognition of His divinity. In a culture where worship was exclusively God’s due, Jesus’ acceptance of worship is a silent yet thunderous affirmation of His divine status. Thomas’s proclamation is not just a moment of personal revelation but a testament to Jesus’ fulfilment of God’s redemptive plan.

Miracles: An endorsement of His claims Jesus’ miracles, particularly His ability to raise the dead, provide compelling evidence for His claims to be God. While He never explicitly said, “I am God,” His actions spoke volumes. For instance, in John 10:30, Jesus declared, “I and the Father are one,” prompting outrage from the Jews who understood His assertion. In John 8:58, He boldly stated, “Before Abraham was born, I am!” invoking the divine name revealed to Moses. These miracles, such as raising Jairus’ daughter, the widow of Nain’s son, and Lazarus, demonstrate His authority over life and death. They foreshadowed His own resurrection, which conquered sin and death for all believers. These extraordinary acts vindicate Jesus’ claims and reveal His unique role as the Saviour of humanity .

Now Consider This: Who Else but God Can Do These?

• Send Out the Prophets: In Matthew 23:34, Jesus states, “Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city.” This implies that Jesus existed before His birth and had the authority to send prophets, a role attributed only to God. Jeremiah 25:4 confirms that God (YHWH) sends prophets. Therefore, if Jesus sent the prophets, He must be God.
• Answer Prayer: In John 14:13-14, Jesus says, “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” This indicates that Jesus receives and answers prayers, a role ascribed solely to God in the Old Testament (e.g., 1 Samuel 1:11). For Jesus to answer prayers, He must possess divine attributes such as omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence, confirming His deity.
• Send and Own Angels: In Matthew 13:41, Jesus declares, “The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness.” This statement shows that Jesus owns and commands angels, roles reserved for God. Daniel 6:22 exemplifies this divine prerogative: “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths.” By claiming authority over angels, Jesus identifies Himself as God.

The Verdict: A God Who Walks Among Us: The scriptural evidence, thus, is compelling and irrefutable, inviting us to recognize and embrace the divine identity of Jesus. His teachings, actions, and the testimonies of His disciples all converge to affirm His divine identity. As we delve deeper into Scripture, and allow the Holy Spirit to open our eyes, we gain a clearer understanding of the profound implications of Jesus’ divinity for our faith and salvation. Embracing Jesus as Lord and God transforms not only our beliefs but also our lives, ushering us into a deeper relationship with the Creator and Saviour.

Related Reads:

• The Virgin Birth: Why Do We Affirm It?
• Stop the Search: Jesus is The Promised Messiah
• Exploring the Historicity of Jesus: Facts and Evidence
• Five Eyewitnesses of the Resurrection: Their Compelling Testimony
• Types of Christ and His Cross in the Old Testament
• Why do We Affirm Jesus is Fully God and Fully Man?