In the 1990’s a popular song asked a poignant question, “What if God were one of us?”[65]  This song expressed the seemingly eternal desire of humanity to connect with God.  It speaks of the aching yearning of humanity for God to meet us on our terms – becoming like us to communicate with us.  When we look to Jesus, we find these longings answered in him.  Consider these quotes from the Bible:

“She [Mary, Jesus’ mother] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’—which means, ‘God with us.’”  (Matthew 1:21-23)

“In the beginning was the Word [a title for Jesus], 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…The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  (John 1:1-3, 14)

“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.”  (John 3:16)

In summary, the Bible tells us Jesus is the Son of God, who became a man, so he could bring both God and humanity together.  The Bible declares, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus…”  (1 Timothy 2:5) 

Jesus – the Son of God

In becoming familiar with Jesus, we find ourselves involved in the mystery of what it means for him to be the Son of God.  The mystery deepens when we consider the Bible teaches there is only one God.  “This is what the Lord says— Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.”  (Isaiah 44:6).[66]  If there is only one God, how could Jesus be the Son of God?

The Bible explains this by proclaiming God is one God in three persons.[67]  The Bible reveals God as Father, Son (Jesus) and Holy Spirit.  This does not mean God uses the concept of Father, Son and Holy Spirit to express himself.  On the other hand, this does not mean there are three Gods.  God is one being, yet three persons.  Each of these persons is both equally and eternally God.[68]  Of course, this is radically different from the human experience, as a human is one being and one person.  Nevertheless, the Bible says God is greater than we can comprehend.  We should not be surprised when we do not fully understand him!

In each of these passages the Father (God), Jesus and the Holy Spirit are spoken of as being equal with God and as being the same as God.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”  (Matthew 28:19)

“For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.  The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.”  (John 3:34-35)

“You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.  And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.  But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.  And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.”  (Romans 8:9-11)

Jesus’ Self Understanding

Do we see this high view of Jesus reflected in his own words and life?  Indeed we do.  When we look at his life, we find the idea of being God’s Son permeated all he said and did.  Consider the following examples:

Jesus Claimed Authority Equal to Scripture

In Jesus’ culture, the Jewish people viewed the Old Testament as being the very words of God.  Jesus shared this same view of Scripture.  Jesus frequently referred to the Old Testament as “the word of God.”[69]

While Jesus shared their high view of Scripture, he held a view no observant Jew would have considered.  Jesus considered his own words on the same level with Scripture.  Six times in his Sermon on the Mount, he said, “You have heard that it was said [in the Old Testament]…But I tell you”[70]  Jesus viewed himself as being able to add to the Old Testament Scriptures.

On another occasion, Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”  (Matthew 24:35)  This is equivalent to what the Old Testament says about the Bible’s eternally enduring nature.  “Your word, O Lord, is eternal…”  (Psalm 119:89)

It is worth noting Jesus’ audience noticed his attitude of authority.  After his Sermon on the Mount, this comment is recorded: “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.”  (Matthew 7:28-29)  Jesus taught with a unique sense of authority – he believed his words were equivalent to God’s words.

Jesus Claimed his Presence Fulfilled Scripture

Another amazing aspect of Jesus’ self understanding is how he saw his presence to be the fulfillment of the Old Testament writings.  He believed the Old Testament was written to testify about himself.

In his inaugural sermon, Jesus preached about himself!  He read a passage from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah and said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”  (Luke 4:21)  In his Sermon on the Mount, he said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”  (Matthew 5:17)  Once, when debating with some who opposed his message, Jesus said, “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life.  These are the Scriptures that testify about me…”  (John 5:39)  After his resurrection, Jesus told his disciples all he had gone through was to fulfill the Old Testament writings.  “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”  (Luke 24:44) 

Clearly, Jesus saw himself as unique – the very fulfillment of Scripture.

Jesus Claimed Authority over the Sabbath

In Jesus’ time, the Jewish people believed it was God’s command they cease all work on the seventh day of the week.  This day was known as the Sabbath.  The Old Testament says, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.  Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.  On it you shall not do any work…”  (Exodus 20:8-10)  The observance of this day of rest was strictly observed.

Yet when Jesus came, he claimed to have authority over the Sabbath.  On one occasion, Jesus’ followers were criticized for violating the Sabbath.  Further, these same people criticized Jesus for not correcting his disciples.  Jesus replied his disciples had done nothing wrong.  Further, Jesus claimed he was the “Lord of the Sabbath!”  (Mark 2:28)  As above, his words reveal a unique sense of authority.  In claiming to be Lord of the Sabbath, he was claiming to be equivalent to the one who had instituted it – God himself.

Jesus Claimed Power over the Nature, Sickness, Life and Death

Repeatedly in the Old Testament, God reveals himself as being in total control of the natural world, health, life and death.[71]  Jesus viewed himself as possessing the same authority – and demonstrated the power he believed he possessed.

Jesus repeatedly verified his control over the natural world.  On one occasion, Jesus and his disciples were crossing a lake in a boat.  Without warning, a powerful storm appeared – threatening to sink the boat and drown all on board.  Jesus had earlier fallen asleep in the stern of the boat.  When events were at their worst, Jesus’ disciples began to panic.  It was then they came, woke him, and begged him to help.  When Jesus saw the situation and their panic, he stood up and said to the storm “Quiet!  Be still!””  (Mark 4:39)  Immediately, the wind and waves became still.

At a wedding, Jesus demonstrated control over the processes that occur in the process of creating grapes and fermenting their juice into wine.  John’s gospel reports Jesus transformed water into a fine aged wine.  (John 2:1-11)   

Jesus encountered no sickness beyond his ability to cure.  The Gospels report Jesus repeatedly cured a wide variety of illnesses – blindness, mental illness, deafness, and leprosy are among some of the conditions he cured.  Some of the strongest authentications of Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God were the miracles he performed.[72] 

Jesus also demonstrated complete authority over death.  Many times Jesus demonstrated his power over death by resuscitating persons who had died – in one case the person had been dead over four days.[73]

Jesus Claimed Authority to Forgave Sin

Another manner in which Jesus demonstrated his unique self understanding was how he claimed the authority to forgive sins.  On one occasion, Jesus was presented with a paralyzed man.  The paralyzed man’s friends had taken great pains to get him to Jesus.  They went to the extreme measure of digging through a roof and lowering the man through the hole – to be placed right in front of Jesus!  The Bible says when Jesus saw their faith, he forgave the man of his sins.  This shocked the crowd – because only God can forgive sin! 

If this was a misunderstanding, Jesus could have corrected those present.  He could have told them they had the wrong idea.  Yet, to further the impression the crowd had of him – that he was claiming to be God – he than healed the man of his paralysis!  (See Mark 2:1-11).  This was not a unique event, as Jesus claimed the authority to forgive sins on many occasions.[74]

Jesus Claimed the Title of “Son of Man”

Jesus also claimed the special title of “the Son of Man.”[75]  This title is found in the Old Testament and is used primarily to describe two persons.  On the first occasion, it is a name used for the prophet Ezekiel denoting his human frailty.  The other occasion for the use of this term is in the book of Daniel, where it refers to a powerful individual whom God gives all power, authority and worship.  “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven.  He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.  He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him.  His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”  (Daniel 7:13-14)

Throughout his ministry, Jesus used this unique title for himself.  Repeatedly, he connects his use of the term with its usage in Daniel 7:13-14.  One example is found in Matthew 26:64 when Jesus said, “Yes, it is as you say.”  “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”[76]

Jesus Claimed to be the Son of God

Jesus also claimed to be God’s Son.  Today, this might be a phrase loosely used in some religious circles.  “We are all,” it is said, “children of God.”  This would never have been said in Jesus’ cultural setting.  The worshipper of God was a servant, slave or at best a friend of God.  The term “Son of God” was simply not used to describe one’s relationship with God.  Further, Jesus claimed far more than like mindedness.  Jesus claimed to be the Son of God by nature as well.  “All things have been committed to me by my Father.  No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”  (Matthew 11:27)

On one occasion, Jesus asked his disciples who the people thought he was.  Most people were guessing Jesus was a prophet like Elijah, Jeremiah or John the Baptist.  Jesus than asked his disciples who they thought he was.  Peter spoke first, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  Jesus replied that Peter was right.  (Matthew 16:16-17) 

Jesus’ belief that he was God’s one and only son is also seen in the language he used in prayer.  Before his crucifixion, Jesus, in prayer, referred to God as “Abba.”  This is an Aramaic term which is best translated “Daddy.”[77] 

Jesus Claimed to be God

Jesus claimed to be God himself.  As with his claim to be the Son of God, the modern person might think nothing is unusual about this.  In our own society, many religions claim we are all part of God.  We need to understand this idea was not part of what Jesus was communicating.  The idea we are all part of God was offensive to the Jewish culture of Jesus’ day.  To the Jewish mind, God is utterly separate from his creatures.  God is totally unique.  No one in that culture would claim to be God – such words would be considered blasphemous.  In claiming to be God, Jesus was claiming to be something utterly different than any other human being had ever claimed – he was the God of the Jewish people, the Lord of all creation.  

In the Old Testament, God revealed his personal name to the Jewish people.  This event is recorded in Exodus 3:14.  God said his name was “I AM.”  Jesus claimed the Hebrew name for God (“I Am”) for himself.  “’I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’”  (John 8:58) 

Other examples are plentiful.  Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.”  (John 10:30)  Jesus also said, “If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well.”  (John 14: 7)  Jesus equated seeing him with seeing God.  “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”  (John 14:9)[78] 

Conclusion – Jesus Understood Himself to be the Son of God

Jesus claimed to be the Son of God – a person totally unique in all of human history.  That Jesus claimed to be God is a fact beyond any doubt.  Either this claim was accurate, or it was not.  If the claim is accurate, than Jesus has an authority unparalleled among religious teachers.  If the claim is inaccurate, than everything else he said must be discounted, for that would make him either a liar or insane. 

When investigated, every aspect of Jesus’ life lends credibility to his unique claim.  Throughout history, the unparalleled moral authority of his teachings has been recognized.  Consider the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), his famous parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), his command to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39) or his command to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-47).

There is the impeccable quality of Jesus’ life to consider.  Jesus told us to pray for our enemies.  When he was crucified Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  (Luke 23:34)  In fulfillment of his command to love our neighbor as ourselves, Jesus continually reached out to others.  Jesus did this in spite of barriers of racial prejudice, gender bias and tradition.  Jesus continually ministered to people in the worst of situations and always improved the condition of the person.  Jesus helped people in various types of need.  These needs could include a basic need for food, offering friendship to the lonely, healing the sick, educating the ignorant, healing relationships or resuscitating the dead.

There are the miracles Jesus performed.  It is important to note Jesus did not perform miracles to verify his identity as the Son of God.  Instead, he performed miracles to help people in need.  In spite of this, Jesus’ miracles point to the truth of his claim to be the Son of God.  Jesus said, “The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me…”  (John 10:25)

There is also Jesus’ death to consider.  The Bible tells us Jesus’ death was unique for several reasons.  First, Jesus claimed he would die by his own choice.  His death was voluntary.  “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.  I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again…”  (John 10:18)

Second, the Biblical record states Jesus was executed by the Roman authorities – even though he was completely innocent of all charges.  The Roman governor, Pilate, said, “As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him…”  (John 19:6)  If there was a charge against Jesus, it was his claim to be the Son of God.  (John 19:7)

Third, Jesus claimed his death would pay the debt every person owes to God for their sin.  He said, “…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  (Matthew 20:28)  “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, [i.e. crucifixion] that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”  (John 3:14-15)

Finally, we must consider Jesus’ resurrection.  What better evidence of the truth of Jesus’ claim could there be than his resurrection?  Jesus said, “No one takes it [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.  I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.  This command I received from my Father.” (John 10:18)

Is Jesus the Son of God?

Each person must arrive at his own conclusion on this matter.  Is Jesus the Son of God as he claimed to be?  The evidence for Jesus’ claim is overwhelming.  What will you decide?  Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God?