Who is Jesus?
Everyone has a different idea about who Jesus was. Some believe He was a good and moral teacher. Others think He was a prophet. Still others believe He was a street magician of some sort, a great deceiver.
Let's start at the beginning
Bethlehem was an insignificant city. We only remember her name because of a child born in a dirty barn next to animals. The child’s mother was a scared teenage girl, written off as a loose woman. It was in these humble conditions that Scripture teaches God became flesh. The baby’s parents called Him Jesus, which means “God is salvation.” Jesus grew up in Nazareth in Galilee. People in the surrounding area often joked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” It was a blue-collar town on the wrong side of the tracks. Jesus spent His early life in Galilee swinging a hammer as a carpenter. He never held a political office. He never wrote a book. He never married. He never attended college. When Jesus turned 30, everything changed. Jesus began to travel and minister to people. Great crowds began following Him. No one had ever spoken like Him before. He preached and taught and performed miracles. Religious people hated Him because He set people free from the religious banter and rituals of the day. They killed Jesus when He was 33. He died homeless and poor.
Three years of public life is all Jesus had on His resume. Yet no human has ever accomplished so much in any amount of time. The influence of Jesus has changed our world. We even divide history by His life—BC and AD. More songs have been written about Him, more art commissioned of Him, more books written about Him, and more buildings built in honor of Him than any other person who has ever lived.
Bethlehem was an insignificant city. We only remember her name because of a child born in a dirty barn next to animals. The child’s mother was a scared teenage girl, written off as a loose woman. It was in these humble conditions that Scripture teaches God became flesh. The baby’s parents called Him Jesus, which means “God is salvation.” Jesus grew up in Nazareth in Galilee. People in the surrounding area often joked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” It was a blue-collar town on the wrong side of the tracks. Jesus spent His early life in Galilee swinging a hammer as a carpenter. He never held a political office. He never wrote a book. He never married. He never attended college. When Jesus turned 30, everything changed. Jesus began to travel and minister to people. Great crowds began following Him. No one had ever spoken like Him before. He preached and taught and performed miracles. Religious people hated Him because He set people free from the religious banter and rituals of the day. They killed Jesus when He was 33. He died homeless and poor.
Three years of public life is all Jesus had on His resume. Yet no human has ever accomplished so much in any amount of time. The influence of Jesus has changed our world. We even divide history by His life—BC and AD. More songs have been written about Him, more art commissioned of Him, more books written about Him, and more buildings built in honor of Him than any other person who has ever lived.
What did Jesus say?
Jesus said things that nobody else ever had. These are only a few examples, but it is safe to say that no one has ever claimed the things that Jesus claimed and had any impact on the whole of society. This truly makes Jesus the most unique influencer in history.
Jesus said that he came down from heaven
This is a unique claim. No one has ever said this before in history. Many have claimed they have been taken up to heaven and returned. Many have claimed they have seen heaven via a “near death experience.” No one has ever claimed to have come down from heaven. The religious people were furious because Jesus’ claim meant that He existed before He was born. His claim meant He was God who had come down from heaven to visit mankind as one of them.
John 6:38
John 6:38
Jesus said that he was God
Throughout the history of the world, there have been many who have claimed to speak in the name of God, but no one who claimed to be God. In fact, leaders like Buddha, Krishna, Muhammad, and Gandhi assured their followers that they were not God. Jesus repeatedly and clearly claimed to be God. It’s why the religious leaders killed Him.
Mark 14:61-64; John 8:58-59
Mark 14:61-64; John 8:58-59
Jesus said that he was sinless
Again, this is a unique claim never made by anyone else. All humans sin; it’s why we say things like, “nobody’s perfect.” Yet Jesus was perfect. He never did anything wrong, and He never failed to do what was right. There are many who testify to the sinlessness of Jesus in the Bible, including His friends (1 Peter 2:22), His own brother (James 5:6), His one-time enemy Paul (2 Corinthians 5:21), His betrayer (Matthew 27:3-4), and His murderer (Luke 23:14). Also, Jesus forgave sin. Since sin is ultimately committed against God, to forgive sin was another way that Jesus pronounced His deity (Luke 5:20-21).
John 8:46
John 8:46
Jesus said that he is the only way to heaven
Not only did Jesus claim that He came down from heaven, but He also taught that He is the only way for anyone else to enter heaven. Many claim to know a path to heaven, but Jesus claims to be the path. Jesus’ words further testify that He was God, because heaven belongs to God, and it is God who determines who is granted access.
John 14:6
John 14:6
What did Jesus do?
1
God is good and created everything
When we survey the death, evil, and injustice that plague our world, and then hear that it was made by God, we could rush to conclude that the world reflects the evil nature of God. However, the Bible tells us exactly the opposite, namely that God is holy, without any sin, and only altogether good.
In fact, the holiness of God is His most frequently mentioned attribute in Scripture.
Isaiah 6:3
In fact, the holiness of God is His most frequently mentioned attribute in Scripture.
Isaiah 6:3
2
God made us holy and without sin
Not only is God good, but everything God made was originally good, including human beings, who were made in God’s image and likeness.
Genesis 1:27, 31
Genesis 1:27, 31
3
Sin results in death
Sin means we separate ourselves from God. Because God is the living God and the source of life, sin results in death. This is similar to a piece of technology being unplugged from its power source; it continues to exist, but it is functionally dead. In the same way, the Bible says that because of sin, we are physically alive but spiritually dead. Furthermore, we will all die physically, just as God promised Adam and Eve in the garden.
Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23
Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23
4
Jesus is sinless
One of the things that makes Jesus distinct from and morally superior to everyone who has ever lived, or will ever live, is that He alone is without sin.
1 Peter 2:22
1 Peter 2:22
5
We are sinful
Despite the fact that God made us sinless, everyone but Jesus is a sinner both by nature and by choice. Anyone who says he is not a sinner is proud, and according to the church father Augustine, pride is the worst of sins and was the cause of Satan’s fall from heaven. Our sin includes our words, deeds, thoughts, and motives. Again, even non-Christians agree with the Scripture by using phrases like, “nobody’s perfect.”
Romans 3:10-12; Ezekiel 28:17
Romans 3:10-12; Ezekiel 28:17
6
Jesus became our sin
This point is shocking. On the cross, as our substitute, Jesus was made the worst of what we are. This does not mean that Jesus ever sinned. Rather, it means that He was made sin. Jesus became the ugliest, wicked, and most defiled evil in all creation. On the cross, Jesus exchanged His perfection for our imperfection, His righteousness for our unrighteousness, His intimacy with God for our distance from God, His blessing for our cursing, His life for our death.
Isaiah 53:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21
Isaiah 53:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21
7
Jesus died for us
The fact that Christians celebrate the murder of Jesus as “good news” seems disgusting until we understand the reason why Jesus died. The Bible teaches that Jesus was made to be our sin, and to appease the justice of God, He died for us. The little word “for” has big implications. In theological terms, it means that Jesus’ death was substitutionary. His death was in our place, solely for our benefit, and without benefit for Himself. Just to be perfectly clear, this means that Jesus took the penalty for our sins, in our place, so we do not have to suffer the just penalty ourselves. The wrath of God that should have fallen on us and the death that our sins merit fell on Jesus. This wasn’t something forced on Him. Rather, He took it willingly.
Scripture repeatedly stresses this point:
Isaiah 53:5, 12; Romans 4:25; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3;
1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 2:2; Galatians 3:13
Scripture repeatedly stresses this point:
Isaiah 53:5, 12; Romans 4:25; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3;
1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 2:2; Galatians 3:13
8
Jesus' death and resurrection brings us back into relationship with God
God created us and wants to be in relationship with us. We rebelled against Him, wanting to be our own gods, doing whatever we want to do. God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to die in our place for our sins. When we believe in the work of Jesus on the cross and put our trust in Him, our sins are forgiven and we are brought back into relationship with God that will last throughout eternity in Heaven.
John 3:16
John 3:16
Salvation
There is hope
“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2b
As you are pondering the words written on this website about Jesus, we would be remiss not to mention the fact that there should be a sense of urgency in your processing the Gospel. Your conclusions have extreme eternal consequences, and you have a limited time to make them.
In the days of Noah, God saw fit to punish the sins of mankind by sending a flood to restore the earth. Noah was saved because He believed God. He built an ark as the Lord commanded Him. People must have thought Noah had lost his mind, as they watched him spend years of his life building a boat in the middle of a desert.
However, when the rain began pouring down, God allowed Noah and his family to enter the ark, and God then “shut them in.” God closed the door of the ark and there were those who experienced God’s mercy within the ark… and those who experienced God’s justice outside the ark. Why is this important? Because God has sent His Son, Jesus, to save us. His Gospel has gone out and been heard around the world. It is a witness of God’s gracious mercy and love for His creation…however, justice is again coming, and the doors of salvation will be closed.
Jesus said, “For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will the coming of the Son of Man.” Matthew 24:37-39
God is patient and loving, and He offers salvation to those who believe that Jesus, God’s Son, died for their sin. However, His long wick will eventually burn down and He will send Jesus to bring justice on all the unrighteous (Revelation 23:11; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10). We don’t know when this will happen, as Noah did not know when the rains would begin. Scripture teaches it will be when we least expect it, and it will happen suddenly, like a thief coming in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3). On this day everything will change. There will be no more call to repentance. There will be no more chances. There will only be salvation for those “in Christ” and judgement for those “outside of Christ.” Today you have options; then, you will not. The justice of Hell awaits those “outside of Christ” (Matthew 25:41). The grace of eternity with God in Heaven awaits those “in Christ” (Matthew 25:34).
You may say, “These choices aren’t fair; I don’t want either.” However, you are not the author of this story. It is ridiculous to read Cinderella and complain, “I think the slippers should have been ruby and not glass.” These are not our choices to make, but the author’s. We find ourselves in God’s story, and we were not there giving God counsel when He created all things. We are not the judge of Him… He is the judge of us (Job 38:2-20, 40:8).
Your time is short. You are not promised tomorrow (James 4:13-16; 1 Peter 1:24-25). You are not even promised your next breath. Choose while you can. Choose well.
Our prayer is that you would not be like the “fool who says there is no God” (Psalm 14:1). Please don’t turn from the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, calling it foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18-19). Believe the Gospel, be saved, join a church that teaches the Bible, and watch your faith grow as your understanding grows.
Hell was not made for you. If you end up there, it’s no one’s fault but your own. Jesus Christ is your provision. Turn to Him now while you can.
If you have more questions, please email us and a pastor will contact you to talk through your questions.
As you are pondering the words written on this website about Jesus, we would be remiss not to mention the fact that there should be a sense of urgency in your processing the Gospel. Your conclusions have extreme eternal consequences, and you have a limited time to make them.
In the days of Noah, God saw fit to punish the sins of mankind by sending a flood to restore the earth. Noah was saved because He believed God. He built an ark as the Lord commanded Him. People must have thought Noah had lost his mind, as they watched him spend years of his life building a boat in the middle of a desert.
However, when the rain began pouring down, God allowed Noah and his family to enter the ark, and God then “shut them in.” God closed the door of the ark and there were those who experienced God’s mercy within the ark… and those who experienced God’s justice outside the ark. Why is this important? Because God has sent His Son, Jesus, to save us. His Gospel has gone out and been heard around the world. It is a witness of God’s gracious mercy and love for His creation…however, justice is again coming, and the doors of salvation will be closed.
Jesus said, “For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will the coming of the Son of Man.” Matthew 24:37-39
God is patient and loving, and He offers salvation to those who believe that Jesus, God’s Son, died for their sin. However, His long wick will eventually burn down and He will send Jesus to bring justice on all the unrighteous (Revelation 23:11; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10). We don’t know when this will happen, as Noah did not know when the rains would begin. Scripture teaches it will be when we least expect it, and it will happen suddenly, like a thief coming in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3). On this day everything will change. There will be no more call to repentance. There will be no more chances. There will only be salvation for those “in Christ” and judgement for those “outside of Christ.” Today you have options; then, you will not. The justice of Hell awaits those “outside of Christ” (Matthew 25:41). The grace of eternity with God in Heaven awaits those “in Christ” (Matthew 25:34).
You may say, “These choices aren’t fair; I don’t want either.” However, you are not the author of this story. It is ridiculous to read Cinderella and complain, “I think the slippers should have been ruby and not glass.” These are not our choices to make, but the author’s. We find ourselves in God’s story, and we were not there giving God counsel when He created all things. We are not the judge of Him… He is the judge of us (Job 38:2-20, 40:8).
Your time is short. You are not promised tomorrow (James 4:13-16; 1 Peter 1:24-25). You are not even promised your next breath. Choose while you can. Choose well.
Our prayer is that you would not be like the “fool who says there is no God” (Psalm 14:1). Please don’t turn from the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, calling it foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18-19). Believe the Gospel, be saved, join a church that teaches the Bible, and watch your faith grow as your understanding grows.
Hell was not made for you. If you end up there, it’s no one’s fault but your own. Jesus Christ is your provision. Turn to Him now while you can.
If you have more questions, please email us and a pastor will contact you to talk through your questions.
Who is Jesus to you?
"Who do you say that I am?"
Jesus asked His disciples in Matthew 16:15, “Who do you say that I am?”
This is THE QUESTION.
Everyone has to make a choice about Jesus. There cannot be indifference. Jesus either spoke the truth about Himself, or He did not. He is either who He claims to be, or He is not.
Many want to sidestep a decision and brush Jesus off to the side by trying to find middle ground. Jesus will not allow this. As C.S. Lewis reasoned, you cannot say Jesus was a moral teacher or a good person and get away with it. If Jesus lied about who He is, then He can’t be a moral teacher.
This is THE QUESTION.
Everyone has to make a choice about Jesus. There cannot be indifference. Jesus either spoke the truth about Himself, or He did not. He is either who He claims to be, or He is not.
Many want to sidestep a decision and brush Jesus off to the side by trying to find middle ground. Jesus will not allow this. As C.S. Lewis reasoned, you cannot say Jesus was a moral teacher or a good person and get away with it. If Jesus lied about who He is, then He can’t be a moral teacher.
Jesus is either a Liar, a Lunatic, or
He is Lord.
You survey the evidence of His life. You study the influence that comes from the short time He spent on Earth. Does the evidence suggest Him to be a liar or a lunatic? Does the evidence point to the fact that Jesus, in fact, may be all the things He claimed to be?
What will you do with Jesus?
If you believe Jesus is who He said He is and want to speak with a pastor about your next steps, we are available to you. Please call our office or email one of our pastors or elders. We are here for you, because we believe Jesus is who He said He was.