A Critical Question
Few questions are more important than this: Is Jesus truly God, or just a great teacher, prophet, or moral leader? Many religions admire Jesus, but only Christianity claims that He is God in human flesh.
So what does the Bible really say?
In this article, we’ll explore key Scriptures, historical context, and theological implications to answer the question: Is Jesus presented as God in the Bible?
Jesus Claims the Divine Name: “I AM”
In John 8:58, Jesus says:
“Before Abraham was born, I AM.”
This is no casual statement. The phrase “I AM” (Greek: ego eimi) is a direct reference to Exodus 3:14, where God reveals His name to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM.”
The Jewish audience immediately recognized this, they tried to stone Him for blasphemy (John 8:59), indicating they understood He was claiming to be Yahweh.
Jesus Is Worshipped – and He Accepts It
Throughout the Bible, worship is reserved only for God (Exodus 20:3–5). Yet Jesus is worshipped multiple times:
- Matthew 14:33 – The disciples worship Him after He calms the storm.
- John 9:38 – The healed blind man worships Jesus.
- Matthew 28:9,17 – After His resurrection, Jesus is worshipped.
If Jesus were not divine, He would have rebuked them (like angels do in Revelation 22:9). Instead, He receives worship, rightfully.
Jesus Forgives Sins – As Only God Can
In Mark 2:5–12, Jesus tells a paralyzed man, “Your sins are forgiven.” The religious leaders respond:
“Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
They were right – only God can forgive sins. Yet Jesus claims that authority and proves it by healing the man. He was not just forgiving sins on God’s behalf; He was acting as God.
Apostles Declare Jesus as God
🔹 John 1:1 –
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Later in John 1:14, it’s clear that “the Word” refers to Jesus.
🔹 Colossians 2:9 –
“In Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.”
🔹 Titus 2:13 –
“…our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
These are not vague allusions, they are direct affirmations of Jesus’ divine identity.
Jesus Performs Divine Works
Jesus does things only God can do:
- Creates (John 1:3)
- Sustains the universe (Hebrews 1:3)
- Knows people’s hearts (John 2:25)
- Raises the dead (John 11)
- Has power over nature (Mark 4:39)
His actions reveal His divine authority.
Jesus and the Father Are One
“I and the Father are one.” – John 10:30
Once again, the Jews picked up stones to stone Him (John 10:31–33). Why? Because they said:
“You, a mere man, claim to be God.”
Jesus didn’t correct them. Instead, He affirmed His oneness with the Father.
Thomas Declares Jesus as God – and Is Not Rebuked
After the resurrection, Thomas touches Jesus’ wounds and says:
“My Lord and my God!” – John 20:28
Jesus does not rebuke him. Instead, He affirms Thomas’ faith.
Early Christians Died for This Truth
The early church wasn’t persecuted for believing Jesus was a teacher, but for proclaiming Him as God.
They were willing to die because they believed Jesus is not just a messenger of God, but God Himself.
Objections Answered
❓ “But Jesus never said, ‘I am God.’”
That phrase wouldn’t make sense in a Jewish context. But He claimed divinity in ways His audience understood, and they reacted accordingly.
❓ “Isn’t Jesus just the Son of God?”
Yes, and in biblical context, “Son of God” means equality with God (John 5:18). It’s a title of divine nature, not lesser status.
Why It Matters
If Jesus is not God, then:
- His death has no eternal power
- His words are no more binding than a philosopher’s
- Christianity collapses
But if He is God, then:
- His death is our salvation
- His teachings are life
- We owe Him our worship, obedience, and trust
Yes, Jesus Is Presented as God in the Bible
From Genesis to Revelation, Jesus is not just a good man, He is God in the flesh, the Savior of the world.
His divine identity is not hidden, it is declared, demonstrated, and worshipped.
So the real question is: How will you respond to Jesus as Lord and God?