QUESTION:
DID JESUS CLAIM TO BE GOD?
ANSWER:
The Lord Jesus Christ claimed divinity both directly and indirectly. He was also worshipped in several instances but He did not prevent those people from doing so.
The question of whether Jesus claimed to be God has been a pivotal topic in Christian theology and apologetics. Understanding Jesus’ self-identification is crucial for grasping the core message of the New Testament. This article delves into both direct and indirect claims of divinity made by Jesus, supported by scriptural references, and examines instances where He accepted worship, including being anointed with fragrances—a form of homage in ancient cultures.
For truth seekers, it’s essential to look back in time—examining the traditions and language of that era—to truly understand these things. We must remember that we do not speak the same language or share the same culture as the people who lived during Jesus’ time.
Jesus’ Direct Claims of Divinity
1. The “I AM” Statements
In John 8:58, Jesus declares, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” This statement directly echoes God’s self-identification in Exodus 3:14, where the Lord says to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” By using the divine name “I AM,” Jesus unmistakably aligns Himself with the God of the Old Testament. The immediate reaction of His Jewish audience—attempting to stone Him for blasphemy—demonstrates that they clearly understood this as a claim to divinity.
2. Unity with the Father
In John 10:30, Jesus says, “I and My Father are one.” This assertion of divine unity led the Jewish leaders to accuse Him of blasphemy: “You, being a man, make Yourself God.” Notably, Jesus does not correct or soften their interpretation, further confirming the divine weight of His words.
3. Authority to Forgive Sins
In Mark 2:5–7, Jesus says to a paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” The scribes respond with astonishment, asking, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Jesus then heals the man, demonstrating that He indeed possesses divine authority to forgive sins—something only God can do.
4. Claiming the Divine Title “Son of Man”
During His trial before the Sanhedrin, Jesus affirms His identity as the “Son of Man” who will sit at the right hand of Power and come on the clouds of heaven (Matthew 26:63–64). This reference to Daniel 7:13–14, where the Son of Man is given everlasting dominion and glory, was understood by the high priest as a direct claim to divinity—prompting accusations of blasphemy.
5. Working with the Father
“But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.’”
(John 5:17)
This seemingly simple statement was profoundly bold. By calling God “My Father,” Jesus claimed a unique, personal relationship—not shared by all humanity. He also equated His work with the Father’s, implying shared authority and purpose.
“Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him… making Himself equal with God.”
(John 5:18)
The Jewish leaders clearly understood His words as a direct claim to divinity.
Jesus’ Indirect Claims of Divinity
1. John 14:9 – “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.”
➤ An indirect but powerful claim. He equates knowing and seeing Himself with knowing and seeing God.
2. John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
➤ He places Himself as the exclusive mediator between man and God—a role only God can fulfill.
3. Mark 2:5-7 – (Paralytic healed) “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
➤ The scribes reacted, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
The Lord Jesus did not deny the implication but confirmed His authority to forgive sins—an act only God can rightly perform.
4. Matthew 28:18-20 – “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth…”
➤ He speaks as one with total divine authority, and instructs baptism in “the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” placing Himself within the divine Trinity.
5. John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life.”
➤ He claims power over life and death—something only God possesses.
Instances Where Jesus Was Worshipped
1. The Wise Men Worship Him (Matthew 2:11)
“And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him.”
➤ Even from His birth, the Lord Jesus Christ was honored with worship by the Magi, who recognized His divine kingship.
2. The Leper Worships Him (Matthew 8:2)
“And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.’”
➤ The leper not only believed in His power but also worshiped Him—something no prophet or mere man would have accepted.
3. Jairus Worships Him (Mark 5:22)
“And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet.”
➤ Falling at someone’s feet in reverence is a form of worship—especially in this context of desperation and faith in divine help.
4. The Disciples Worship After Calming the Storm (Matthew 14:33)
“Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God.’”
➤ After witnessing His authority over nature, the disciples bowed and worshiped, affirming His divine sonship.
5. The Blind Man Healed Worships Him (John 9:38)
“Then he said, ‘Lord, I believe!’ And he worshiped Him.”
➤ After receiving sight, both physically and spiritually, the man responded in worship—something the Lord Jesus accepted.
6. Women Worship After the Resurrection (Matthew 28:9)
“And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, ‘Rejoice!’ So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.”
➤ These women were the first witnesses of the risen Christ, and their instinctive response was to worship.
7. The Eleven Disciples Worship Before the Ascension (Matthew 28:17)
“When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.”
➤ In this moment before His final commissioning, worship was the fitting response from those who recognized His divine authority.
8. Thomas Worships the Risen Christ (John 20:28)
“And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’”
➤ This is both a confession of faith and a declaration of worship. The Lord Jesus does not correct Thomas—He receives the title “God.”
Final Thought:
As we examine the life, words, and works of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are faced with a staggering and unavoidable truth: He claimed to be God. Not in riddles or secret codes, but in clear, bold declarations that shook the religious world of His day. When He said, “Before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58), He was invoking the sacred name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush. When He said, “I and My Father are one” (John 10:30), He wasn’t offering a metaphor—He was declaring His eternal oneness with God Almighty.
And the people knew it.
That’s why they picked up stones. That’s why they cried “blasphemy.” In the culture, language, and religious context of first-century Judaism, what the Lord Jesus Christ was saying was crystal clear: He was claiming to be equal with God. Not just a prophet. Not just a good teacher. Not even just the Messiah in a human sense. He claimed to be God in the flesh.
For in-depth explanation, please see: “What is The Significance of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ?
