Day 1: His Identity

The name of Jesus is known throughout the entire world, and most people understand that he is the central figure in the Christian faith. (In fact, the very name “Christian” means “little Christ,” stemming from Jesus’ call for people to follow him as his disciples.)

Not everyone agrees with all that Scripture says about him, but few argue against his teachings on love, compassion, humility, forgiveness, and avoiding sin (defined as anything contrary to the character of God).

Nevertheless, we cannot embrace these latter parts of his teaching without also considering what he says about his own identity. Indeed, perhaps the most contentious aspect of Jesus’ teaching is what he says about himself.

Let’s begin an exploration of those claims. After exploring his identity, we’ll look at his purpose, his miracles, and his death and resurrection. At the end of this reading plan, we’ll consider his offer of salvation.

Jesus’ Deity

Who is Jesus? A mere mortal? Or the immortal God himself, in human form? Perhaps you have heard some people say something like this: “Yes, Jesus was a man who lived two thousand years ago; he was a great moral teacher and prophet who gave us wise counsel. However, I have trouble accepting the claim that he is God.”

In light of such common skepticism, let’s review Jesus’ own words and see what he says about his relationship to God.

As you will see in today’s Scripture readings, he claims to be the Messiah—the long-awaited deliverer of God’s people, anticipated in the Hebrew Bible (that is, the Old Testament). He also claims to be the Son of God and to be one with the Father.

As C. S. Lewis famously contended in Mere Christianity, someone who makes these kinds of statements cannot be merely a good moral teacher. Rather, he is either a lunatic (a condition which has not been put forth even by his most ardent critics), a liar (something few people would claim based on his good moral teaching), or, if he is telling the truth, the Lord himself.

Jesus’ own statements make it clear that he considered himself not only from God but also (based on certain texts) fully God. The Jewish leaders in Jesus’ day considered some of his statements totally offensive. They were also infuriated by the attention he drew and the challenge he posed to their own power and authority. Thus, they sought to put him to death. So, consider the following passages, and ask yourself: What is he—a lunatic, a liar, or God? There are no other options.

“I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30) This is total heresy to the Jewish leaders, who respond, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God” (v. 33). Clearly, to the Jewish leaders, Jesus is calling himself God. This is very important: Either Jesus is speaking the truth, or he is a madman! These Jewish leaders would have considered this claim (and many of his other claims) outrageous.

“Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9) Again, Jesus is stating that he and the Father are one. The apostle John describes this oneness in the opening chapter of his Gospel as follows: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God” (John 1:1–2). (The term “Word” refers to Jesus in this passage.)

“I who speak to you am he.” (John 4:26) Jesus says this after a Samaritan woman has said, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” In his response, Jesus is affirming that he is truly the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament.

“I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me.” (John 8:42) This is another strong statement from Jesus, offering no ambiguity as to his true origin.

“My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me.” (John 7:16) His words, his works, and his teachings are directly from God, his Father.

“No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.” (John 3:13) The term “Son of Man” is the most common way in which Jesus describes himself. In the Old Testament, Daniel 7:13–14 also uses this term to describe the Messiah.