Basics: Who is Jesus?

Though we often think of Jesus as
being tall, thin, and fair, it's
likely that He looked a lot
like this. You can't believe
everything you hear and see in
the movies! Read more here.

Let’s talk about Jesus Christ. Who is He? You might think the answer is simple. You might be wrong.

Jesus is currently sitting at the right hand of God the Father, seated on His throne, exalted above the angels, upholding all things by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:1-4). He is the Head of the Church and has first place in everything (Colossians 1:18). He has always existed as God of the universe (John 1:1-2).

It’s likely that you’ve heard blasphemous things about Him. You may have heard that Jesus is just a good teacher. Maybe you were told that He came into existence by God’s power before receiving godhood status. Perhaps you’ve been taught that Christ is the brother of mankind who gave men the perfect example to live by, that they may be exalted just like Him in the afterlife.

Let’s scratch all that out of your mind.

God refers to Himself as being triune. That doesn’t mean He’s schizophrenic to the third degree. It doesn’t mean that there are three parts that make up God. It especially doesn’t mean there are three gods. He means that He’s simultaneously singular (Deuteronomy 6:4, James 2:19), plural (Genesis 1:26, Matthew 3:16-17), and equal within Himself (Isaiah 9:6, Psalm 139:7, John 1:1-2, 2 Corinthians 13:14).

In the Old Testament, Jesus is spoken of a lot. He appears through prophecies like Isaiah 53:1-12 and Micah 5:2. He appears by visiting God’s people like in Numbers 22:22-35 and Daniel 3:19-29. Finally, He appears in types, which are just shadows of His coming. These can be seen in places like Genesis 22:1-19 and Leviticus 16.  

In John 10, Jesus said plainly to the Pharisees, “I and the Father are one,” (v. 30). He did not mean just one in purpose, but that they are one in essence. The narrative makes this clear: “The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him,” and they said, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God,” (v. 31-33).  

Jesus Christ always has been and always will be – He’s eternal (John 8:58). He created all things (John 1:3) and all things were created for Himself (Colossians 1:16). He was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:26-38), thus avoiding entering the world under the curse of sin (Romans5:18-19). He did not use His deity for personal gain on earth, but made Himself as nothing, living a life in perfectly humble obedience to the Father (Philippians 2:6-8). He performed many miracles (John 21:25) and astounded others with His teaching (Matthew 7:28-29); however, Jesus’ most astounding work happened on the cross.

As a perfectly pure and spotless sacrifice (1 Corinthians5:7), Christ died for the sin of all mankind on the cross (1 John 2:2) and His sacrifice was final (1 Peter 3:18). He had to die because without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:22). His body was put in the tomb and three days later He rose again to a life without end (1Corinthians 15:1-19), validating His righteousness and monumental sacrifice (Romans 4:23-25). From there, He ascended to heaven where He now reigns (Acts1:9). One day He will return and Israel, along with remnants of the other nations, will worship Him (Zechariah 14). All who believe in Him will live forever, bringing glory to His name (Romans 10:5-13).

Jesus Christ is your only High Priest forever. He pleads your case. He’s Savior, Redeemer, and Friend. He made you, He loves you, and He promises to be with you always. He’s worthy of all honor and praise.

He is God.