In our ongoing exploration of who Jesus is according to the Bible, today we will look at some key passages that reveal His divine nature and purpose. As Muslims, it’s important we approach the biblical texts with open hearts and minds, seeking truth about this pivotal figure who has shaped world history.
Jesus Claims Equality with God
One of the most startling claims Jesus makes in the Bible is that He is equal with God the Father. For instance, in John 10:30 Jesus says, “I and the Father are one.” This was radical for Jesus’ original Jewish audience, who saw this as blasphemy. How could a man claim equality with God? Yet Jesus doubled down on this claim, stating in John 14:9, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”
Jesus’ repeated claims to be one with the Father affirmed His divine nature. He didn’t shy away from accepting worship, seen in passages like Matthew 14:33. His statements also highlighted His unity and authority with God. By claiming equality with the Father, Jesus established His role as more than just a prophet or teacher – He presented Himself as the unique Son of God.
Jesus Demonstrates Authority over Nature
Beyond His words, Jesus also demonstrated His divine authority through miraculous displays of power. On several occasions, He exercised authority over nature itself. In Matthew 8:23-27, during a furious storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus “rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.” The disciples were amazed, exclaiming, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”
In John 2, at the wedding in Cana, Jesus turned water into wine – a remarkable feat. And when He fed the 5000 in John 6, He multiplied a few loaves and fish to feed the entire multitude. Each miracle pointed to Jesus’ divinity, as He displayed mastery over the natural world.
Through these signs, Jesus showed He had powers that could only come from God. His authority over physics, biology, and nature confirmed He was more than just a wise teacher.
Jesus Accepts Worship
A strong indicator of Jesus’ claims to divinity is His acceptance of worship. On several occasions, followers bow down and worship Him, and He receives it willingly. For instance, when Jesus appears to the disciples after His resurrection, Matthew 28:17 says, “they worshiped him.” This would be blasphemous if Jesus were merely a prophet.
Another example is in John 9, after Jesus heals a blind man. The healed man declares in verse 38, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped Jesus. As God alone is worthy of worship according to Jewish teaching, Jesus’ acceptance of praise and devotion affirms His divine status.
As the one true God, the Bible is clear that only God deserves worship and glory. Thus, Jesus’ willing reception of worship underscores His claims to share in the divine identity.
Forgiving Sins
A stunning act that highlighted Jesus’ divine authority was His demonstrated power to forgive sins. When a paralyzed man was brought before Him in Mark 2, Jesus first declared the man’s sins forgiven. The religious scholars were incensed, insisting that “who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Yet Jesus backed up His authority to forgive by healing the man’s paralysis as well, proving He had power to address both physical and spiritual needs. As our perfect bridge to God, Jesus had authority to restore broken relationships.
Later, when a sinful woman washed Jesus’ feet with perfume in Luke 7, He declared her sins forgiven once more. This shocked the religious leaders, but displayed Jesus’ unique power as the Son of God.
Jesus Claims Authority to Judge
Another way Jesus equated Himself with God was by claiming He had the authority to judge all people, a solely divine prerogative. For instance, in John 5:22 Jesus declares the Father “has given all judgment to the Son.” And in Matthew 25, Jesus describes the final judgment where He will separate all nations as a shepherd separates sheep.
By boldly asserting this ultimate judging authority, Jesus presented Himself as co-owner of the divine judgment seat. As the Bible says, “God has fixed a day on which he will judge the world” (Acts 17:31). So Jesus’ stated role as judge further confirmed His divine standing.
I Am Statements
Some of Jesus’ most dramatic claims to divinity come in the seven “I am” statements recorded in John’s gospel. Jesus draws on the OT name of God, revealed to Moses as “I am who I am” in Exodus 3:14. By applying this title to Himself, Jesus claims unique shared identity with Yahweh God.
Some examples include when Jesus declared “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35), the “light of the world” (John 8:12), the “door” to salvation (John 10:9), the “good shepherd” (John 10:11), and the “resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). Each statement highlights Jesus’ divinity.
This divine title – along with Jesus’ other claims – outraged the Jewish leaders, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. But He demonstrated His power over death through the resurrection, conquering sin and evil forever.
Old Testament Foreshadowing
Beyond Jesus’ own words and deeds that reveal His divine identity, the Old Testament also contains many hints and clues about the coming Messiah’s shared nature with God. As the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), Jesus fulfills many OT prophecies and patterns.
For instance, passages like Isaiah 9:6 give Him titles such as “Mighty God, Everlasting Father.” Other verses point to the Messiah’s shared authority and reign with God, like Psalm 110, Daniel 7:13-14, and Micah 5:2. Figures like the angel of the Lord give glimpses of God in human form.
As the ultimate fulfillment of Scripture, Jesus is the perfect embodiment and expression of Israel’s God. The OT anticipates and sets the stage for the incarnation of the Word made flesh (John 1:14).
Jesus Forgives and Restores
Considering Jesus’ divine claims and unconditional authority, how should we respond to Him today as Muslims searching for truth? His outstretched arms welcome all who acknowledge their need before God. He offers radical forgiveness, boundless mercy, and eternal life to those who believe.
Some key verses to meditate on include:
- John 3:16-17 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
- John 14:6 – “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
- Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Jesus offers rest, redemption, and reconciliation to all who trust Him. May we respond to His divine calling with receptive hearts, inquiring minds, and willing spirits.
