Who is Jesus? This is a great question, because all of the Bible hinges on the answer. Historians, of course, will debate if there even was a man called Jesus. Some will agree there was a man called Jesus, but that’s the extent of it.
They will say that He was just an historical figure. Yet others know Him as the “Son of God,” the Messiah the one promised by God. Still others believe Him to be a heretic, an evil person who slandered and manipulated the Scriptures.
It gets down to one really important piece of truth—what is the true identity of Jesus of Nazareth?
Jesus certainly existed
The importance of the question intensifies when one examines the accounts of the New Testament and comes to the conclusion that He did in fact exist; that He was considered by many to be the Messiah and that He died on the cross and rose again.
It’s extremely important because if the Bible is accurate and true, then you have to deal with Jesus on a whole new level. If the Bible is not true, then disregard this blog and any other reference to Jesus. He is or He isn’t.
Jesus said “I am the way the truth and the life. Nobody comes to the father except through me.” It is a powerful declarative statement. Taken at face value, at the very least, it implies that He is no ordinary man and someone to be dealt with.
His followers wanted more of Him, the Jewish authorizes wanted to kill him. Even today, there are those to follow closely to their Messiah and those who deny everything the Bible says about Him. He is easily the most controversial person in all of human history.
Jesus both man and God
God promised a savior to the world. He would be called Emanuel (God with us). Made fully man, at the same time He was fully God. As a man, he would be subject to all of the same forces that you and I are subject to. How can a man be God? That was a major question during His time on earth.
The God of the Christian faith is one God, in three persons—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is a difficult concept to explain, but each person of the “Trinity” is clearly evidenced in the Bible. The word “trinity” is not used in the Bible. It is a man-made reference to God in three persons.
Jesus knew that not many would understand or accept his true identity. When some Jewish men questioned Him, they were angry with the response.
Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” (John 10:22-33)
Jesus came to do the will of His father
The many signs and wonders that Jesus displayed were not just about Jesus Himself. He did the will of His Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit. All three persons were involved. Jesus was fully man and men cannot do miracles. Therefore, as a man, He called on His Father to perform the miracle. He would later tell His disciples that they too could do marvelous things.
Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. (John 14:12)
He promised His disciples that He would help to do the things He asked them to do. They would have access to the same power source as Jesus, just as Christians today are given that access.
“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:25-27)
Jesus is above all others
Jesus, the Son of God, is above all ,others, as the Apostle Paul explains.
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)
The Apostle Paul also wrote of Jesus being King of kings and Lord of lords.
…to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:14-16)
The Holy Spirit is with us today!
The Holy Spirit remains with us today. Jesus sits are the right hand of God the Father. In time God the Father will instruct Jesus to return to reign on earth. The true identity of Jesus of Nazareth is He is God the Son, King of kings and Lord of Lords. But the argument continues.