Did Jesus Claim to Be God?

Have you heard speculation about whether Jesus claimed to be God?  That this idea was fabricated and promoted by His followers?  Do you consider the Bible an unreliable source concerning Jesus' identity?  Or, maybe you believe Scripture is accurate but are unsure how to respond when people share their skeptical views.

While there are many Bible passages that are clear, you may have noticed that some of Jesus' words on this topic seem confusing.  Through excerpts from both the Old and New Testament, clarification about Bible translations, and quotes from non-Christian first century historians, I hope to provide some insight regarding meaning and truth.

If you have uncertainty, you are not alone.  A first century Jewish teacher, Nicodemus, had doubts.  He and his fellow religious leaders were concerned (to put it mildly) that a person was claiming deity.  Yet, Jesus' miracles beckoned him to wonder.  Consumed with a desire to know the truth, but shield himself from the ridicule of his peers, Nicodemus went to Jesus under the cover of darkness to question Him...

"Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, 'Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him...How can these things be?'”  - John 3:1-2, 9  

Whether you're on a spiritual journey, a skeptic, or a Christ-follower looking for understanding, this article will provoke thought and illuminate.  For context, some of the passages are lengthy.  To help you hone in on the key words from each excerpt, I have underlined and bold them.    

Contents:

• Unification of Old Testament reports and the Words of Jesus
• Reactions of opposers
• Responses of first century Christ-followers
• Corroborating statements by ancient historians

You may already be thinking, "Why should I believe what the Bible says on this subject...or any subject, for that matter?"  A valid question, for sure.  As a former atheist, I would expect some to ask. 

The purpose of this article is not to convince you to believe what Scripture says; however, if you're interested in considering its reliability, here are some articles (two of which are from the nonreligious Smithsonian Magazine) that you may find helpful:

1. "An Archaeological Dig Reignites the Debate Over the Old Testament’s Historical Accuracy" by, Matti Friedman (Smithsonian Magazine)
2. "Unearthing the World of Jesus" by, Ariel Sabar (Smithsonian Magazine)
3. "The Rich Archaeological Corroboration of the Old Testament" by J Warner Wallage (Breakpoint: Colson Center)
   
4. "Can The Gospels Be Trusted?" by, Arthur W. Lindsley (C.S. Lewis Institute)
5. "10 Things You Should Know about the Reliability of the New Testament Writers" by, Norman L. Geisler and Frank Turek (Crossway)
6. "Recent Perspectives on the Reliability of the Gospels" by, Gary Habermas

Old Testament & the Words of Jesus

Looking at the merger between the Old and New Testament provides essential context in finding clarity about some of Jesus' words.  In this section, you will learn about:

• the name, "I Am"
• the title, "Son of Man"
• Jesus' statments about equality with God
• Jesus' claims of being the fulfillment of prophecy

Both God the Father and Jesus Identify Themselves as "I Am"  

The original Greek word for "I Am" is ego eimi, and it is also translated "it is I."

Exodus 3:13-14

Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”

John 8:58

Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

Matthew 14:27

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

Mark 6:50

For they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

The Son of Man  

Much confusion has derived from the name of Jesus, "Son of Man."  To clarify in brief, this term captures Jesus' nature as fully human and fully God (Col. 2:9).  Jesus willingly laid down His status to take on the place of a servant (Phil. 2:5-7) so that everyone is offered the gift of salvation from sin.  The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies of Jesus coming in human form can be read in the New Testament.   

Note:  Several key passages about the Son of Man are listed in the section below called, "Opposers' Reactions" because it was the use of this very term that caused the religious leaders to accuse Jesus of blasphemy.

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Daniel 7:13-14

I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.

Isaiah 35:4-6

Matthew 11:2-6

Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see:  the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

Opposers' Reactions

Much can be gleaned by looking at the feedback of people that were not in support of Jesus.  The religious leaders were so angry with Him that they wanted Him dead.  Why?  Because Jesus was claiming to be God (blasphemy).  In this section, you will find several excerpts demonstrating the leaders' accusation that Jesus was blasphemous.

Religious Leaders Accuse Jesus of Blasphemy

Drawn by His miracles and teachings, Jesus' following was growing.  Most disturbing to the religious leaders was His claim to be God.  It is what they called blasphemy; and it is the charge that eventually led to His crucifixion. 

John 5:18

This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

John 8:57-59

So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.

Mark 2:5-12

And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts,  “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’?  But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—  “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.”  And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

John 10:31-39

The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “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.” Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’?  If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken—  do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?  If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me;  but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” Again they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands.

Matthew 26:57-68

"Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end.  Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death,  but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward  and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’”  And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”  Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”  Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy.  What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him,  saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”

Mark 14:61-64

But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death.

John 19:19-22

Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”  Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’”  Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”

Responses of First Century Christ-followers

It was Jesus' claim to be God and that caused people to follow Him.  The extent to which they believed Him is demonstrated in their devotion.  Becoming a Christ-follower changed the trajectory of their lives.  For many, it included being rejected by family and friends; and some were even killed for their faith. 

John 1:29-34

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

John 11:25-27

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

Matthew 16:13-16

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

John 20:24-29

 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Revelation 14:14

Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand.

Acts 7:54-60

Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”  But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Historians' Statements

The Antiquities of the Jews, written by first century Jewish historian, Josephus, corroborates Jesus' role, crucifixion, and the devotion of his followers.  Another first century historian, Tacitus, who wrote The Annals of Imperial Rome, point out that Christians believed so strongly that Jesus is the Messiah who was crucified and rose again, that they were willing to suffer torturous execution.  

Josephus, The Antiquities 18.63-64

"Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day."⁷

Josephus, The Antiquities 20.200

"So he assembled the sanhedrim of judges, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James, and some others, [or, some of his companions]; and when he had formed an accusation against them as breakers of the law, he delivered them to be stoned."⁸

Tacitus, Annals 15.44

"Therefore, to scotch the rumour, Nero substituted as culprits, and punished with the utmost refinements of cruelty, a class of men, loathed for their vices,​ whom the crowd styled Christians.​ Christus, the founder of the name, had undergone the death penalty in the reign of Tiberius, by sentence of the procurator Pontius Pilatus,​ and the pernicious superstition was checked for a moment, only to break out once more, not merely in Judaea, the home of the disease, but in the capital itself, where all things horrible or shameful in the world collect and find a vogue. First, then, the confessed members of the sect were arrested; next, on their disclosures, vast numbers​ were convicted, not so much on the count of arson as for hatred of the human race."⁹

Takeaway

There is a preponderance of evidence that Jesus claimed to be God.  It is a personal choice whether you will believe His claim.  Jesus asked the disciples, "Who do you say that I am?"  Still today, it is a question for each of us to answer.   

Comment below...I'd love to hear your answer to this all-important question.

Related Articles:

1. The Basics of What Christians Believe (radically simple but profound)
2. Bible Recap 101: Your Essential Guide to the Bible's Core Storyline
3. 7 Fulfilled Prophecies to Discover or Increase Confidence in Christ

Works Cited

1. Friedman, M. (2021). An Archaeological Dig Reignites the Debate Over the Old Testament’s Historical Accuracy. Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved March 11, 2025, from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/archaeological-dig-reignites-debate-old-testament-historical-accuracy-180979011/

2. Sabar, A. (2016). Unearthing the World of Jesus. Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved March 12, 2025, from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/unearthing-world-jesus-180957515/

3. Wallace, J.W. (2019). The Rich Archaeological Corroboration of the Old Testament. Breakpoint: Colson Center. Retrieved March 11, 2025, from https://breakpoint.org/the-rich-archaeological-corroboration-of-the-old-testament/

4. Lindsley, A.W. (2012). Can The Gospels Be Trusted? C.S. Lewis Institute. Retrieved March 12, 2025, from https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/can-the-gospels-be-trusted/ 

5. Geisler, N.L. and Turek, F. (2022). 10 Things You Should Know about the Reliability of the New Testament Writers. Crossway. Retrieved March 12, 2025, from https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-things-you-should-know-about-the-reliability-of-the-new-testament-writers/  

6. Habermas, G. (2005). Recent Perspectives on the Reliability of the Gospels. Christian Research Journal/ vol. 28, no. 1.  Retrieved March 12, 2025, from https://www.garyhabermas.com/articles/crj_recentperspectives/crj_recentperspectives.htm

7. Josephus, F. (93 BC). The Antiquities of the Jews. Retrieved March 18, 2025, from https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0146%3Abook%3D18%3Asection%3D63

8. Josephus, F. (93 BC). The Antiquities of the Jews. Retrieved March 18, 2025, from https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0146%3Abook%3D20%3Asection%3D197

9. Tacitus, C. (AD 115-120). The Annals of Imperial Rome.  Retrieved March 18, 2025, from https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/e/roman/texts/tacitus/annals/15b*.html