Who is Jesus, the Christ?

1. Summary of the Question

The question, “Who is Jesus, the Christ a.k.a the Messiah?” is central to Christian faith and theology. Jesus Christ is regarded as the cornerstone of Christian belief, and understanding His identity, purpose, and work is foundational for comprehending the entire narrative of the Bible. This answer will explore who Jesus is from a biblical perspective, emphasizing His divine nature, His role as Savior and Redeemer, and how understanding His identity transforms Christian living.

2. Context and Background

To understand who Jesus Christ is, we must consider the historical, cultural, and literary context of the Bible. Jesus was born in the first century AD in Bethlehem, a town in Judea, during Roman occupation. His life and ministry took place primarily in Israel among the Jewish people who were waiting for the promised Messiah—a savior prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament).

The New Testament presents Jesus not only as the long-awaited Jewish Messiah but also as the incarnate Son of God—fully God and fully human. His coming fulfills Old Testament prophecies that spoke of a Savior who would bring salvation, establish God’s kingdom, and restore the broken relationship between God and humanity. The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) provide detailed accounts of Jesus’ life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection, while the epistles (letters) further explain His significance for believers.

3. Biblical Foundation (NASB 2020)

Several key scriptures in the NASB 2020 translation provide insight into who Jesus Christ is and His significance:

• John 1:1, 14 (NASB 2020): “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
  This passage establishes Jesus as the divine “Word” (Greek: Logos), who existed from the beginning with God and was God Himself. Jesus’ incarnation (“the Word became flesh”) reveals God’s glory and brings grace and truth to humanity.
• Colossians 1:15-17 (NASB 2020): “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
  Jesus is described as the image of the invisible God and the agent of creation, emphasizing His divinity and preeminence over all creation. Everything was made through Him and for Him, and He sustains all things.
• John 14:6 (NASB 2020): “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.’”
  Jesus declares Himself to be the exclusive way to God, underscoring His unique role as the mediator between God and humanity. He is not just a teacher or prophet but the source of eternal life.
• Philippians 2:5-8 (NASB 2020): “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
  This passage speaks of the humility and incarnation of Christ. Though He is God, Jesus chose to humble Himself by becoming human and dying on the cross for the sins of humanity, demonstrating His self-giving love.
• Romans 5:8 (NASB 2020): “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
  This verse highlights God’s love revealed through Jesus’ sacrificial death for sinners, emphasizing that Jesus’ mission was to bring reconciliation between God and humanity.
• Revelation 1:17-18 (NASB 2020): “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.’”
  Jesus is identified as the eternal “first and last,” affirming His divinity and victory over death. He holds authority over life and death, providing hope for eternal life.

These scriptures collectively affirm that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, Creator, Savior, Redeemer, and the only way to a restored relationship with God.

4. Addressing Other Perspectives

Different religious and philosophical perspectives provide varied interpretations of Jesus Christ:

1. Judaism: Recognizes Jesus as a historical figure but does not accept Him as the Messiah or the Son of God, waiting for a future Messiah.
2. Islam: Views Jesus (Isa) as a prophet and messenger of God but denies His divinity, crucifixion, and resurrection, seeing Him as a precursor to Muhammad.
3. Secular/Atheistic Views: Often regard Jesus as a moral teacher or revolutionary figure, denying His divine claims and miracles as myth or legend.
4. Other Religious Views: Some belief systems, like Hinduism or New Age, may consider Jesus an enlightened teacher or one of many manifestations of the divine.

The biblical perspective, however, presents Jesus as the unique Son of God, fully divine and fully human, whose death and resurrection provide the only means of salvation for all humanity.

5. Clarifying Misunderstandings

A common misconception is that Jesus was merely a good moral teacher or prophet who was misunderstood or mythologized over time. However, the Bible presents Jesus as making direct claims to divinity (John 10:30) and as performing miracles that authenticated His identity (John 20:30-31).

Another misunderstanding is the idea that all religions lead to God and that Jesus is just one way among many. Jesus’ own words in John 14:6 counter this, where He declares that He is the only way to the Father. The exclusivity of Jesus as the way to salvation is a core biblical teaching.

6. Practical Application and Relevance

Understanding who Jesus is has profound implications for Christian living:

• A Call to Faith and Repentance: Recognizing Jesus as Savior and Lord calls individuals to faith and repentance, trusting in Him alone for salvation (Acts 4:12).
• Living as Disciples: Jesus’ life and teachings provide a model for how His followers are to live—loving God, loving others, serving sacrificially, and pursuing holiness (Matthew 22:37-39; 1 Peter 1:16).
• Proclaiming the Gospel: Knowing who Jesus is compels Christians to share the Good News of His life, death, and resurrection with others, inviting them to experience reconciliation with God (Matthew 28:19-20).

Practical reflections for Christians include:

• Deepen Relationship with Jesus: Through prayer, worship, and reading the Bible, grow in intimacy with Jesus, recognizing Him as both Savior and Friend.
• Reflect Jesus’ Character: Imitate Christ’s humility, love, and servant-heartedness in all areas of life, embodying His teachings.
• Stand Firm in Faith: In a world of competing worldviews, confidently hold to the truth of who Jesus is and lovingly engage with those who question or misunderstand Him.

7. Encouragement and Conclusion

The Bible presents Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God, the Savior, and Redeemer of the world, who is fully divine and fully human. His life, death, and resurrection provide the means for humanity to be reconciled with God, offering forgiveness, hope, and eternal life. Understanding who Jesus is invites a personal response of faith, love, and obedience. Christians are encouraged to grow in their relationship with Him, share His love with others, and live lives that reflect His grace, truth, and holiness. As we love what God loves and reject what He hates, we become more like Christ, fulfilling our calling as His followers in a world that desperately needs to know Him.