Did Jesus claim to be the Son of God?

There is a strong argument that Jesus of Nazareth is the most influential figure to ever have walked the earth, but the nature of this man has been debated for centuries. Was he divine? Merely a man? A prophet of some sort? Or was he something else entirely?

A key question, often unconsidered, is who he thought he was. The answer to this question is of utmost importance in understanding the nature of his teachings. It is a topic that has been frequently discussed on Premier Unbelievable, especially in debates with Muslims, such as this discussion between Dr. Abdulla Galadari, author of ‘Quranic Hermeneutics,’ and Dr. Joshua Sijuwade, a Visiting Lecturer at the London School of Theology or other discussions about key differences in doctrine. 

In the New Testament, we are given eyewitness insight into many of Jesus’ sayings, miracles, and interactions with people. In these scenarios, we are given at least three ways in which Jesus placed himself on equal footing with God: his direct claims, power to forgive sins, and confirming miracles.

Direct claims: Jesus Stated His Equality with Yahweh

1. “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30, CSB)

It is fairly unmistakable to see that Jesus referred to himself as being one with God. He did not think that he was merely a prophet or mouthpiece of God. This claim is even further supported by John 14:9, where Jesus says, “…the one who has seen me has seen the Father…” (CSB)

For the Jewish people, Jesus’ claim that he was the Son of God would have been seen as blasphemy. But for Christians, these verses are evidence of his divinity.

2. “Truly I tell you, before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58, CSB)

Jesus was defending his identity against the Pharisees. They appealed to the authority of Abraham, asking Jesus if he supposed himself to be greater. Jesus replied by claiming that Abraham was glad to see the day when the Messiah arrived.

Jesus doubles down by claiming that he was before Abraham. And by using the divine name (I Am), made it unmistakably clear that Jesus was claiming equality with Yahweh.

Jesus Forgave Sins

1. Jesus and the Paralytic (Mark 2:1-12)

When the paralytic came to see Jesus, his friends lowered him down through the roof in order to have him healed by Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man “son, your sins are forgiven.”

The scribes immediately took issue with this. They reasoned that only God could forgive sins. But Jesus doesn’t back down from his claim. He backs it up with a miracle by telling the man to stand up and walk home, which the man proceeds to do.

This story is important because it shows that Jesus not only claimed the authority to forgive sins, but that he also had power to back up his authority.

2. Jesus on the cross between two thieves (Luke 23:39-43)

Hanging on the cross, one of the thieves being crucified beside Jesus taunted him, while the other asked Jesus to remember him when he came into his kingdom.

In response, Jesus said, “today you will be with me in paradise.” This statement shows that even on the cross, Jesus had the power to forgive sins and extend an invitation to join him for eternity.

Read more:

What is Islam and how does it differ from Christianity?

Was Jesus a Muslim or a Christian?

From Muslim to persecuted Christian

A Christian and Muslim response to Secularism

Jesus Confirmed His Claims with Miracles

1. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead (John 11:41 – 42)

Jesus demonstrated power over life and death. Not only did Jesus have power over natural life and death, but he had power over spiritual death as well (John 12:44-50).

It has been rightly said that the greatest miracle of all is the gift of salvation. While it is incredible that God could raise Lazarus and restore his physical life, it is even more miraculous that Jesus can restore broken spiritual lives and extend the opportunity to have a right relationship with the Father.

If Jesus did not think he was God, how could he offer such pardon or demonstrate such power?

2. Jesus multiplies the loaves and fish (John 6:14)

Jesus was, no doubt, a miracle worker. But his miracles were not just for show; they were to confirm that he was who he said he was. In John 14:11, Jesus says “Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me…” (CSB)

Once again, it is apparent that Jesus’ claims were not just empty words. He backed up his words with miracles and took opportunities to demonstrate his power.

An Important Observation

In Matthew 26:63-64, Jesus is on trial for claiming to be the Son of God. The high priest says to him, “’I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.’ ‘You have said it,’ Jesus told him. ’But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (CSB) This is a reference to an Old Testament prophecy that is divine in nature. (Daniel 7:13-14).

It is important to observe that Jesus does not deny the charge at his trial. Even more significantly, Jesus often spoke about his relationship with God in terms that would have been understood by his Jewish audience as claiming equality with Yahweh.

These bold claims are precisely why Jesus was crucified.

One of the most concrete facts in historical Jesus studies is the crucifixion of Christ. Not only is this event historically valid, but the biblical description of the event is consistent with expert medical opinion regarding its effects.

If Jesus was truly crucified, naturally, one must ask, “Why?” With the above context in mind, is it plausible to suggest that Jesus was merely mortal or a divine messenger?

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Objection: Jesus was a Mere Mortal 

Some people argue that Jesus was a mere mortal. They say that his claims to be the Son of God were either misunderstood or deliberately distorted by his followers.

But this claim does not stand up to scrutiny. It seems impossible to take the clear statements of Scripture noted above as anything other than Jesus’ direct claims to the power and authority of God.

Furthermore, there would have been no motive for Jesus’ disciples to distort his claims or make Jesus out to be someone he was not. In point of fact, the disciples did not even understand the mission of Jesus very well and truly thought that his death on the cross was final.

Objection: Jesus was a Divine Prophet or Messenger

Others argue that Jesus was a divine prophet or messenger, but not the Son of God.

This is the prevailing Muslim view of Jesus. In an attempt to support this claim, most Muslims also believe that Jesus did not die at his crucifixion, but merely fainted and was resuscitated once laid in the tomb.

Again, this claim fails to appreciate the statements that Jesus made about himself. Jesus did not seem to think that he was merely a prophet or a messenger from God, and there is no supporting evidence from primary sources that this is the case.

Conclusion

It is clear from the biblical evidence that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. And not only that, but he strove to prove his claims by performing miracles and forgiving sins in a way that only God can do.

His followers acknowledged this reality and reciprocated by offering him worship (a privilege which also rightly belonged only to God), and Jews took his claim so seriously that they delivered him up to Rome for capital punishment.

Given the weight of the evidence, it is clear that Jesus came on a mission to save the world not only as God’s representative—but as God himself.

Steve Schramm is an autodidactic writer, Bible teacher and host of the Bible Nerd Podcast. He’s authored four books, including Truth Be Told: A Believer’s Guide to Sharing Christianity, Overcoming Objections, and Winning More Souls for Christ