The Identity of Jesus

The Identity of Jesus

Jesus, the Son of God

• The Christian doctrine asserts Jesus as the Son of God.
• In Matthew 3:17, God the Father identifies Jesus as his ‘beloved Son’ during the baptism.
• Further, in Matthew 16:16, the disciple Peter confesses Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God.
• This conception is central to Christian belief, asserting Jesus’ divine nature and unique relationship with God.

Jesus as Saviour

• The identity of Jesus as Saviour is fundamental to Christianity.
• Jesus’ name itself, originating from Yeshua, means ‘God saves’. He is recognised as the one who saves humanity from sin and death.
• His sacrificial death on the cross, known as the Atonement, is seen as a redemptive act, offering salvation to all who believe in him.

Jesus, the Messiah

• Jesus as the Messiah points towards the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy.
• Christians believe that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the anointed one who came to deliver humanity.
• Biblical prophecies predicting the Messiah’s birth, life, death, and resurrection are seen to align with Jesus’ life, intensifying this belief.

Jesus as the Word (Logos)

• In the Gospel of John, Jesus is referred to as the Word (or Logos in Greek).
• This suggests Jesus was with God at the beginning of creation, emphasising his divine pre-existence.
• As the Logos, Jesus communicates God’s love and plan to the world, acting as a bridge between God and humanity.

Undoubtedly, the various titles and roles associated with Jesus in the biblical texts and Church tradition highlight his multifaceted identity. Careful study of Jesus’ life and teachings helps comprehend the depth of his identity, deepening the understanding of key Christian beliefs.