Does Jesus Actually Say He is God? Uncovering the Truth

The question of whether Jesus explicitly claimed to be God has been a subject of debate for centuries. Many people, including skeptics and scholars, have wrestled with this idea, while others are firmly convinced that the answer is clear in the Bible. As someone who has explored both theological studies and personal faith, I find this question both intriguing and vital. Let's dive into what the scriptures say and see if there’s clear evidence that Jesus actually claimed divinity.

Jesus' Claims About His Divinity

Understanding the Context of Jesus' Words

Well, one of the first things to note is that the concept of Jesus being "God" might be harder to pinpoint with a simple "yes" or "no" answer. Jesus didn't come out and say directly in a singular statement, "I am God." But, honestly, that's not the whole story. There are many passages in the Gospels that strongly suggest He identified Himself as more than just a human teacher.

The "I AM" Statements

One of the clearest indications that Jesus claimed divinity comes from His use of the phrase "I AM." This wasn’t just a coincidence or a poetic expression; it’s a direct reference to the Old Testament name of God, particularly the name God revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). In the Gospel of John, we see several "I AM" statements that are highly significant:

• John 8:58: "Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!"

• John 10:30: "I and the Father are one."

These statements are not merely figurative. They were radical claims to His divine nature, especially in the context of the Jewish faith at that time, where the name "I AM" was reserved for God alone.

Jesus’ Actions and His Divine Nature

Miracles as Evidence of Divinity

Another way we see Jesus' divine nature is through His miracles. Think about it – He heals the sick, raises the dead, and even forgives sins. In the Gospel of Mark (2:5-7), when Jesus forgives a paralyzed man’s sins, the Pharisees accuse Him of blasphemy. Why? Because, as they rightly understood, only God could forgive sins. Jesus doesn't deny the accusation. Instead, He performs a miracle to demonstrate His power to forgive sins, implicitly confirming His divine authority.

Jesus' Authority Over Nature

Honestly, if you think about His authority over nature, it's even more mind-blowing. Jesus calms the storm (Mark 4:39), walks on water (John 6:19), and feeds thousands with a small amount of food (Matthew 14:13-21). These aren't the acts of an ordinary man. These miracles align with the idea of God having ultimate control over creation.

What Did Jesus' Followers Believe?

Early Christian Confessions of Divinity

It’s essential to look at how Jesus' followers interpreted His words and actions. After all, if He didn’t claim divinity, why would His disciples and the early Church? In John 20:28, Thomas refers to Jesus as "My Lord and my God!" This isn’t just a title of respect; it’s a declaration of Jesus’ divine status. The apostle Paul also affirms the divinity of Jesus throughout his letters, such as in Philippians 2:6-7, where he states that Jesus, being "in the form of God," humbled Himself by becoming human.

The Crucifixion and Resurrection: A Divine Act

The crucifixion and resurrection are the ultimate proofs of Jesus' divine nature. If Jesus were merely human, could He have conquered death? The resurrection validates all of His claims. As Christians, we believe this miraculous event demonstrates that Jesus was not just a good teacher or prophet, but indeed the Son of God.

Conclusion: Is Jesus God?

So, does Jesus actually say He is God? While He may not have made a statement like "I am God" in so many words, His "I AM" statements, actions, and the way His followers understood and affirmed His divinity strongly point to a clear answer. The Gospels depict Jesus as claiming, through His words and deeds, that He is one with God the Father.

To me, it’s not just about a phrase or a single verse but about the entire narrative of who Jesus was. His miracles, His resurrection, and the radical things He taught all point to one undeniable conclusion: Jesus is, in fact, God incarnate.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.