Who Jesus Is

1. Jesus' Identity: The God-Man

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."

John 1:1, 14

100% God

Eternal: Existed before creation (John 1:1-3)
Creator: All things made through Him (Colossians 1:16)
Omnipotent: All power and authority (Matthew 28:18)
Sinless: Without any sin whatsoever (Hebrews 4:15)
Worshiped: Received worship as God (Matthew 14:33)

100% Human

Born: Of a virgin, fully human (Luke 2:7)
Tempted: Experienced real temptation (Hebrews 4:15)
Suffered: Felt pain, hunger, thirst (John 19:28)
Died: Truly died on the cross (John 19:30)
Resurrected: Rose bodily from death (Luke 24:39)

2. Jesus' Names and Titles

Messiah / Christ

The Anointed One promised in the Old Testament to save God's people

Son of God

Reveals His divine nature and unique relationship with the Father

Son of Man

Emphasizes His humanity and identification with mankind

Emmanuel

God with us—God dwelling among humanity

Lamb of God

The perfect sacrifice who takes away sin

Alpha and Omega

The beginning and the end—eternal God

King of Kings

Supreme ruler over all earthly and heavenly powers

The Way, Truth, Life

The only path to the Father and eternal life

3. Jesus' Life and Ministry

Birth (c. 4 BC)

Born of virgin Mary in Bethlehem. Angels announced His birth to shepherds. Wise men traveled to worship Him.

Matthew 1-2, Luke 2

Childhood & Youth

Grew in wisdom and stature. At age 12, amazed teachers in the temple with His understanding.

Luke 2:52

Baptism (c. 30 AD)

Baptized by John the Baptist. Holy Spirit descended like a dove. Father's voice: "This is my beloved Son."

Matthew 3:13-17

Temptation

Tempted by Satan in the wilderness for 40 days. Resisted every temptation with Scripture.

Matthew 4:1-11

Public Ministry (3 years)

Preached the Kingdom of God, performed miracles, healed the sick, cast out demons, raised the dead.

Matthew 4:23

Crucifixion

Betrayed, arrested, falsely accused, beaten, crucified on a Roman cross. Died for humanity's sins.

Matthew 27

Resurrection

Rose from the dead on the third day. Appeared to over 500 witnesses. Conquered death forever.

1 Corinthians 15:3-8

Ascension

40 days after resurrection, ascended to heaven. Seated at Father's right hand. Will return.

Acts 1:9-11

4. Jesus' Miracles: Proof of Divinity

⚕️ Healing Miracles

Blind see, deaf hear, mute speak
Lepers cleansed, paralyzed walk
Chronic illnesses instantly healed
Demon-possessed set free

🌊 Nature Miracles

Walked on water
Calmed storms instantly
Fed 5,000+ with five loaves, two fish
Turned water into wine

⚰️ Resurrection Miracles

Raised Jairus' daughter
Raised widow's son
Raised Lazarus (dead 4 days)
Rose from His own death

5. Jesus' Claims About Himself

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Claim: Exclusive path to God

John 14:6

"Before Abraham was, I AM."

Claim: Eternal existence, using God's name from Exodus 3:14

John 8:58

"I and the Father are one."

Claim: Unity with God the Father, divine nature

John 10:30

"I am the resurrection and the life."

Claim: Power over death, giver of eternal life

John 11:25

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."

Claim: Supreme authority over everything

Matthew 28:18

6. C.S. Lewis' Trilemma: Lord, Liar, or Lunatic?

C.S. Lewis argued that Jesus' claims leave only three options:

❌ Liar

Knowingly deceived people about being God

Problem: His teachings were morally perfect. He died for His "lie." Doesn't fit.

❌ Lunatic

Sincerely but wrongly believed He was God

Problem: His wisdom, sanity, and composure are unmatched. He doesn't fit any profile of delusion.

✅ Lord

He truly is who He claimed to be—God in flesh

Conclusion: The resurrection validates this claim. He is Lord.

Remember:

Jesus is not just a good teacher or prophet—He is God incarnate
His sinless life qualifies Him as the perfect sacrifice
His resurrection proves His claims and defeats death
He is the only way to salvation and eternal life
Knowing about Jesus isn't enough—you must know Him personally

Quick Summary