Many people may respect Jesus as a prophet or a teacher, but struggle with the idea that He could claim divine status. However, we know from multiple eye witness accounts from the First Century that both Jesus' best friends and his worst enemies heard Jesus making the exact same claim clearly. 


1. Jesus Claimed Divine Authority

In the Gospel of Mark, one of the earliest accounts of Jesus’ life, we find a powerful moment where Jesus forgives a man’s sins. In Mark 2:5, Jesus tells a paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” This immediately shocked the religious leaders present. They asked:

“Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mark 2:7)

They were right to think that only God has the authority to forgive sins. By forgiving sins, Jesus was doing something only God could do. Jesus knew their thoughts and confirmed His authority by healing the man (Mark 2:10-12). This was more than just a healing; it was a demonstration that He had the power and authority of God Himself.


2. Jesus Accepted Worship

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus receives worship—a response that, in Jewish culture, is reserved for God alone. In Matthew 14:33, after Jesus walks on water and calms a storm, His disciples respond by worshiping Him and saying:

“Truly you are the Son of God.”

Instead of rebuking them for blasphemy, Jesus accepts their worship. Similarly, after His resurrection, in Matthew 28:9, the women who saw Him “took hold of his feet and worshiped him.” If Jesus were only a prophet, He would have corrected them. Instead, He accepted their worship because He knew who He was.


3. Jesus’ “I AM” Statements

In John 8:58, Jesus makes a striking declaration. He says:

“Before Abraham was, I am.”

This wasn’t just unusual language; it was a direct reference to God’s name in the Old Testament. When God revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush, He declared, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). The Jewish audience understood Jesus’ claim clearly and tried to stone Him for blasphemy (John 8:59). By saying “I am,” Jesus was identifying Himself with the eternal God of Israel.


4. Jesus Claimed Oneness with God

In John 10:30, Jesus boldly declares:

“I and the Father are one.”

The reaction of the religious leaders was immediate—they picked up stones to kill Him (John 10:31). When asked why, they replied:

“For blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” (John 10:33)

They understood His statement as a claim to divinity. Jesus didn’t correct them or say they misunderstood; instead, He affirmed His unity with God the Father.


5. Jesus as the Son of Man

Jesus frequently referred to Himself as the “Son of Man.” This title, taken from the Old Testament, is far more than a reference to humanity. In Daniel 7:13-14, the “Son of Man” is a heavenly figure who comes with divine authority, power, and an everlasting kingdom. When Jesus used this title, He was pointing to His divine mission and role in God’s plan.


6. Jesus Declared Authority Over the Sabbath

In the Gospel of Mark 2:27-28, Jesus says:

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

The Sabbath was instituted by God Himself as a holy day of rest and worship. By claiming to be “lord of the Sabbath,” Jesus was declaring His authority over a divine institution. No prophet or teacher ever claimed such authority. This statement was a clear claim to divinity, as only the Creator of the Sabbath could rightfully declare authority over it.


7. Jesus Claimed the Power to Judge the World

In Matthew 25:31-32, Jesus describes Himself as the one who will judge all people:

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”

In Jewish thought, only God had the authority to judge the world. By claiming this role, Jesus revealed His divine authority. He was not just a teacher; He claimed to be the one who would determine the eternal destiny of every person.


8. Jesus’ Declaration to Be the Source of Eternal Life

In John 10:27-28, Jesus says:

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

Jesus didn’t merely teach about eternal life—He claimed to be the giver of eternal life. This is a role that belongs only to God. His statement emphasizes that He has power over life and death, offering a secure and lasting relationship with God.


9. Jesus’ Command Over Nature

In Mark 4:39-41, Jesus calms a violent storm. He says to the wind and waves:

“Peace! Be still!”

Immediately, the storm ceases, and the sea becomes calm. The disciples are terrified and ask:

“Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41)

In the Old Testament, control over nature was a power attributed solely to God (Psalm 89:8-9). By calming the storm with a word, Jesus demonstrated divine authority over creation.


10. Jesus’ Declaration Before the High Priest

During His trial, the high priest asked Jesus directly:

“Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” (Mark 14:61)

Jesus replied:

“I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14:62)

This statement combines imagery from Psalm 110 and Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man comes with divine authority and glory. The high priest understood this as a claim to equality with God and tore his robes, declaring:

“You have heard his blasphemy!” (Mark 14:64)

This led directly to Jesus’ condemnation. His declaration couldn’t have been clearer.


Why These Claims Matter

Each of these examples shows that Jesus wasn’t simply a prophet or a wise teacher. Jesus didn’t just imply he knew God—He claimed he is God in ways His listeners clearly understood. 

He spoke and acted with the authority of God. His words and actions shocked His listeners because they understood the weight of His claims.

If Jesus is who He claimed to be, then His promise of salvation is trustworthy. In John 14:6, Jesus says:

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

This isn’t just the statement of a prophet; it’s the declaration of God Himself, offering a way for us to be reconciled with Him.

If Jesus truly claimed to be God—and His claims are backed by His miracles, His fulfillment of prophecy, and His resurrection—then His invitation to receive forgiveness, eternal life, and a relationship with God is real and trustworthy.

This is the Jesus of the Gospels: not just a messenger about God, but God Himself reaching out to you.