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Who is Jesus?

Jesus is unique among major religious founders

Jesus is unique among major religious founders; he alone was worshipped as God from the start of his ministry. Buddha claimed to be a man who found enlightenment. Abraham believed God and followed him. Muhammad claimed to be a prophet. But the Bible says Jesus is God’s only Son (John 3:16).

To support this, Mark wrote his gospel with a specific purpose in mind. He opens his account by clearly stating his belief:

The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Mark 1:1

The rest of his book aims to prove his claims, chiefly by presenting four witnesses regarding the deity of Christ. Their testimonies are as follows:

God the Father:

When Jesus was baptized, the Father spoke from heaven to testify to Jesus’ true identity:

And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased. Mark 1:11

The Demons of Hell:

Demons are angels who followed Satan when he rebelled against God. They were in heaven with Jesus prior to the creation of the world. They know the true identity of Jesus. A group of demons was in control of the life of a man whom Jesus encountered. When Jesus confronted this man, the demons told who he was:

He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” Mark 5:7

Every time the demons encountered Jesus in the New Testament, they recognized him.

Jesus Himself:

Who did Jesus believe he was? This is a critical question. As we said earlier, the founders of the world's other major religions did not see themselves as gods. But Jesus did see himself as the Son of God.

When Jesus was on trial (prior to his crucifixion), he showed his understanding of who he was:

Again, the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Mark 14:61b-62

It is clear from this passage that Jesus honestly believed he was God’s Son and the long-awaited Savior.

A Roman Soldier:

Mark’s final witness was the Roman Centurion who supervised Jesus’ execution. Watching Jesus’ response to taunts and those crucified with him, the soldier was convinced that Jesus was God’s Son:

And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:39

As a Roman soldier, this man was a member of the Emperor cult of Rome, worshipping Caesar as God. However, after witnessing Jesus' death, he immediately recognized him as his God and worshipped him.

What of it?

What difference does it make if Jesus is the Son of God? Here are two:

He has the authority to forgive sin.

All of us have sinned. Sin means thinking, saying, or doing what is wrong. We’ve all done wrong and need forgiveness. Only the person sinned against can forgive. Our sin is against God, and as God’s Son, Jesus can forgive sin:

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:5

Jesus can and will forgive your sins if you will admit your sins to him and ask for forgiveness.

Not only does Jesus forgive our sins:

He also has the ability to change our lives.

Many people seek a new start but fear it’s impossible. Jesus can provide this. Do you remember the demons who confessed Jesus’ diety? When he confronted their host, he gave the man a new beginning. Before, the man lived among the tombs, was out of control, and self-destructive. After meeting Jesus, the Bible says:

When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind… Mark 5:15a

Would you like to make a commitment to Christ?

To commit your life to Christ, receive forgiveness for your sins, and begin a new life, pray the following prayer right now. This step can change your life.

“Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me and for dying on the cross for me. Please forgive me of my sins and come into my life. I want to be your follower from now on. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen”

This is Just the Beginning

This is just the beginning of your new life in Christ. Act now: find a Bible-believing church, introduce yourself to the members, and share your decision. They will eagerly support and encourage you as you grow. Start building these relationships today.