Jesus Christ Claimed to be God

Really, who is Jesus of Nazareth? Did he actually claim to be God or is this idea merely an over embellished ancient church tradition? Did Jesus struggle with his identity, or was he transparently clear about himself? While some skeptics feverishly grapple with these questions, the biblical evidence reveals Jesus Christ indisputably claiming to be God through his words, actions, and reception of worship.

First and foremost, Jesus made more than a few irrefutable claims to be God. In fact, such claims thrusted him into the antagonisms of the Jewish leaders and religious authorities. For example, Christ said he had authority to forgive sins (Matt. 9:6), and that he shared the very unique and exclusive glory of God (John 17:5). He also unabashedly claimed “God was his Father, making himself equal with God” (John 5:18; 10:30 KJV). When placed under oath by the high priest during his trials, Jesus spontaneously divulged his identity as the Messiah and Son of the Most High God (Matt. 26:62-66). Then he clairvoyantly predicted his crucifixion and resurrection with brilliant accuracy! Without exception Christ was communicating what he knew to be true of himself in all these instances. One may argue with the legitimacy of Christ’s claims to be God, but it is undeniable he indeed portrayed himself as God.

In addition, Jesus’ verbal claims were amiably strengthened by his astounding miraculous deeds. It is imminently consistent for God to behave uniquely; he alone is adept in distinguishing exploits and prerogatives commensurate with divinity. For instance, Jesus habitually healed the sick, routinely gave or restored sight to the blind, completely cleansed lepers (Matthew 4:23-25), authoritatively exorcised demons, roundly controlled natural forces, and casually strolled on the tempestuous Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:22-33). Though this is quite an impressive resume, it is but a sample of his numerous supernatural and well-documented wonders. Together they explicitly shout his deity. While it is true several human prophets of God performed miraculous deeds, none of them even remotely approached the magnitude, authority, and frequency with which Christ wielded divine power.  

Furthermore, Jesus not only claimed to be God and behaved like God, but he freely received the worship of his disciples; consider two examples. First, they worshipped him after he walked to them on the squally Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:33). On this occasion they openly confessed Jesus as the unique Son of God. Secondly, they worshipped him openly after his glorious resurrection (Matthew 28:9, 17; Luke 24:52). Recall how skeptical Thomas confessed the resurrected Jesus as, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:26-31 KJV). This doubter was overwhelmed with the solid evidence presented to him. These worshipping disciples were not impulsive strangers all too eager to worship whoever made a claim to be God. Nor were they marked by too little insight to know what they were doing. No, these perceptive Jewish men were daily privy to Jesus’ incredible life, and they astutely analyzed him over the course of three years (1John 1:1-4). For two millennia people have adopted their conclusions regarding Christ’s natures and person. Today believers stand in solidarity with them; the man Jesus Christ is also God and worthy of unharnessed passionate  worship!

Transparently, the Bible tells us Jesus Christ incontestably claimed to be God through what he said, what he did, and the worship he received. The preponderance of evidence drives us to a twofold recourse: we must not only believe this truth, but also worship Jesus Christ as God. To be absolutely honest in our assessment of the biblical record, we must bow our heads in worship of His Majesty. Listen to and believe the Christ exalting declaration of heaven, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing” (Rev. 5:12 KJV). Join the heavenly throng and worship Christ Jesus declaring, “Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever” (Rev. 5:13 KJV). Follow the lead of the twenty-four elders who “fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever” (Rev. 5:14 KJV). Bow down in reverence before this Jesus Christ, the supreme Lord of glory, for He is imminently worthy of the most profound adoration of all creation. Just as he accepted the worship of believers down through the centuries, he still receives genuine worship today.