Have you ever stopped to consider who Jesus really is? Not just what you’ve heard others say, but what you believe about Him? This age-old question remains as relevant and pivotal today as it was 2,000 years ago when Jesus first posed it to His disciples.
In today’s post, we’ll dive deep into this profound inquiry, exploring its significance and the various perspectives people hold about Jesus Christ. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of why your answer to this question matters more than you might think.
Different Views on Jesus: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
Throughout history and even today, people have held various opinions about who Jesus was and is:
- A wise teacher or rabbi
- A moral example
- A prophet
- A revolutionary
- A myth or legend
- The Son of God and Savior of the world
Views of some influential figures on Jesus
Throughout history, influential figures have weighed in on Jesus’ identity. Let’s look at a couple of examples.
- Mahatma Gandhi: In a letter to an American minister, Gandhi wrote he viewed Jesus as “one of the greatest teachers humanity has ever had.” However, he stopped short of acknowledging Jesus’ divinity.
- Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan: India’s former president and renowned philosopher once told a student seeking discipleship: “If you’re looking for a perfect teacher, only Jesus can be that.”
These perspectives, while respectful, fall short of recognizing Jesus as He claimed to be.
Picture this: Jesus and His disciples are in Caesarea Philippi, a region known for its religious diversity. It’s here that Jesus drops a bombshell question: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” (Matthew 16:13)
The disciples have varied responses:
- Some say John the Baptist
- Others claim Elijah
- Still others suggest Jeremiah or one of the prophets
But Jesus doesn’t settle for secondhand opinions. He presses further:
“But what about you? Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15)
This question cuts to the heart of personal faith. It’s not enough to know what others believe – Jesus wants to know what you believe.
Many respect Jesus as a great moral teacher, but stop short of acknowledging His divinity. Others view Him as one of many paths to God. However, these views cannot align with Jesus’ own claims about Himself.
Who Did Jesus Say He Was?
Jesus made several extraordinary claims about Himself. Let’s examine a few:
- “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35).
Jesus isn’t talking about physical sustenance, but spiritual nourishment that satisfies our deepest longings. - “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).
In a world full of moral darkness, Jesus claims to be the guiding light that leads to life. - “I am the gate for the sheep” (John 10:7).
Jesus positions Himself as the sole entry point to God’s kingdom. - “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11).
Unlike hired hands who abandon the flock, Jesus lays down His life for His sheep. - “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).
Jesus claims power over death itself, offering eternal life to those who believe in Him. - “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
Jesus asserts He’s not just a way to God, but the only way. - “I am the true vine” (John 15:1).
Our spiritual vitality and fruitfulness depend on our connection to Jesus. - “I am the Alpha and the Omega” (Revelation 1:8).
Jesus claims to be the beginning and end of all things, emphasizing His eternal nature.
Jesus Christ:
– Claimed authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:5-7)
– Accepted worship (Matthew 14:33, John 20:28)
– Claimed to be one with the Father (John 10:30)
– Stated that He existed before Abraham (John 8:58)
These claims leave us with only three logical possibilities:
- Jesus was lying
- Jesus was delusional
- Jesus was telling the truth
The consistent character, teachings, and actions of Jesus make the first two options highly implausible. This leaves us with the third option – that Jesus is who He claimed to be: the divine SON OF GOD.
These aren’t the claims of a mere moral teacher or prophet. They’re the words of someone claiming to be God incarnate.
Peter’s Confession and Its Significance
When Jesus asked His disciples, “But what about you? Who do you say I am?”, Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:15-16)
Jesus’ response to Peter’s confession is telling:
“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17)
This interaction shows that:
- Recognizing Jesus’ true identity is of utmost importance
- This recognition comes through divine revelation, not human wisdom
- Confessing Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God is the foundation of the Christian faith
What Does the Bible Say?
Why does it matter who Jesus is? The Bible clarifies that understanding Jesus’ identity is directly linked to salvation. Consider these verses:
- 1 John 5:1 – “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.”
- Romans 10:9-10 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
These passages show that acknowledging Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) and Lord is essential for salvation. Merely viewing Him as a wonderful teacher or prophet is not enough – one must believe and confess His divine identity.
The Bible is clear about Jesus’ identity and the importance of acknowledging it:
• “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God” (1 John 5:1)
• “Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ” (1 John 2:22)
• “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9)
These verses underscore that believing in Jesus isn’t just about acknowledging His historical existence or moral teachings. It’s about recognizing Him as the divine Messiah, the Son of God.
Why This Question Matters: The Importance of Identity of Jesus
You might wonder, “Why is this so important? Can’t I just live a good life and call it a day?”
Here’s why your answer to “Who do you say Jesus is?” matters:
If Jesus is who He claimed to be – the Son of God and the only way to the Father – it has profound implications for our lives:
- Salvation: Jesus’ death on the cross becomes the sole means of forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
- Authority: His teachings and commands carry divine weight and should shape every aspect of our lives.
- Relationship: We can have a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe through Jesus.
- Hope: His resurrection guarantees our own future resurrection and eternal life.
- Purpose: Our lives find ultimate meaning in knowing, loving, and serving Him.
Answering the Question Personally
As we wrap up, I want to challenge you to seriously consider this question: “Who do you say Jesus is?”
Is He just a good teacher to you? A moral example? Or is He, as He claimed, the divine Son of God, the Savior of the world?
Remember, this isn’t just an intellectual exercise. Your answer to “Who is Jesus to you?” has eternal consequences. It shapes your relationship with God, your purpose in life, and your eternal destiny. Don’t settle for secondhand opinions or cultural assumptions. Investigate for yourself. And remember, if Jesus is who He said He is, He’s not someone you can be neutral about. He demands a response.
Here are some steps to help you answer this crucial question:
1. Study the Gospels: Read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to learn about Jesus’ life, teachings, and claims.
2. Examine the evidence: Look at historical and archaeological evidence supporting the reliability of the Bible and the reality of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
3. Reflect on your experiences: Has God been at work in your life, drawing you to Himself?
4. Pray for wisdom: Ask God to reveal the truth about Jesus to you.
5. Discuss with others: Talk with mature Christians about their understanding of Jesus and how it impacts their lives.
6. Make a decision: Based on what you’ve learned and experienced, decide who you believe Jesus to be.
As Jesus Himself said:
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)
C.S. Lewis famously wrote:
“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse.” – Mere Christianity
Read more : How to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior
Conclusion
As we’ve explored in this post, the question “Who do you say Jesus is?” isn’t just a theological exercise. It’s a deeply personal inquiry that has far-reaching implications for our lives. This is the most important question you’ll ever answer.
It’s not enough to admire Jesus as a wonderful teacher or moral example. He claimed to be much more – the divine Son of God and the only way to salvation.
As you consider this question, remember that Jesus invites you into a personal relationship with Him. He said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20)
Who is Jesus to you? The answer you give will shape your life now and for eternity.