Many of the great religions of the world believe in Jesus. Some believe he was a good man, a saint, a great teacher, a prophet,  or a reincarnation of a deity, but who was he really? Christians have an entirely different take on the subject; they believe He was the Son of God, i.e, co-equal with the Father.

Let’s look at what the Scriptures say: 

“Yet I have set my King on My holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.” Psalm 2: 6-7

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” (Literally, God with us.) Isaiah 7:14

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Child is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

“But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call his name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.’ So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a Son, and they shall call his name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with Us.” Matthew 1: 20 – 23

“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16

Let’s look at who Jesus said He is:

“Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” John 8: 58 (“This is a profound declaration by Jesus claiming his eternal pre-existence and divinity.” Bible Gateway)

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14: 6

Who did his disciples say He was?

“Simon Peter answered and said, ‘ You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16

“And after eight days His disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, ‘Peace to you!’ Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach your finger here and look at my hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.’ And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” John 20: 26-28

As Holy Week approaches, and Christians prayerfully celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, I urge you to look at the claims of  Jesus. Historically investigate who He really is. Don’t just take someone else’s opinion. 

Several atheists have set out to disprove the claims of Jesus and their historical accuracy, and have become Christians after examining the facts. A few have written books about their experience. “More Than a Carpenter” by Josh McDowell and “Evidence Demands a Verdict” by Lee Strobel; are excellent references if you are interested.

When He returns, and He will return to judge the living and the dead, it will be imperative that you know exactly who He is. 

Image by Roger Casco. Courtesy of Pixabay