Is Jesus considered the Lord?

Definition and Usage of “Lord” in Scripture

In many Bible passages, the term “Lord” signifies divine authority and sovereign rulership. The Hebrew Scriptures often use “YHWH” (יהוה) when referring to God, while “Adonai” is another term emphasizing lordship or mastership. In the New Testament, the Greek word “Kyrios” (Κύριος) commonly translates to “Lord,” highlighting supreme authority and deity. When applied to Jesus, the title underscores His divine identity and role, placing Him on equal footing with God the Father.

Prophetic Foundations and Old Testament Foreshadowing

Multiple passages in the Hebrew Scriptures anticipate a Messiah who would bear divine attributes. In Isaiah 9:6, the child to be born is called “Mighty God” and “Everlasting Father,” titles reserved for deity. Psalm 110:1 states, “The LORD said to my Lord: ‘Sit at My right hand…’” This psalm anticipates a figure who shares authority with God, conferring upon Him a lordship that transcends mere human status.

Beyond direct statements, numerous foreshadowings connect messianic hope with divine affirmation. Micah 5:2 indicates the Messiah's origins are “from of old, from the days of eternity”. This language of eternality resonates with God's nature, establishing a framework for Jesus’ identity as Lord.

New Testament Affirmation of Jesus as Lord

1. Direct Declarations

John 1:1 describes the Word (Jesus) as being “with God,” and indeed “was God.” This sets the tone for the entire Gospel of John, presenting Jesus as more than a teacher: He is literally “God with us” (cf. Matthew 1:23).

Notably, Thomas addresses Jesus post-resurrection as “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). This explicit confession underscores that those closest to Jesus understood Him as divine.

2. Confessional Teachings

Romans 10:9 states, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” The identification of Jesus as “Lord” is central to salvation in Christian teaching and marks Him as divine sovereign.

Philippians 2:9–11 similarly proclaims that “God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Such worship and reverence belong exclusively to deity within a biblical framework.

Christ’s Exercises of Divine Prerogatives

The New Testament portrays Jesus as having authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:5–7), command creation (Matthew 8:26–27), and receive worship (Matthew 14:33). These acts accord with God's unique prerogatives. Furthermore, Jesus’ statement “Before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58) evokes God’s self-revelation “I AM” from Exodus 3:14, aligning Him with divine self-existence.

Early Church Witness and Worship

A wide array of first-century and second-century historical documents, including the letters of Church Fathers like Ignatius of Antioch, reflect the belief that Jesus was worshiped as Lord by early Christians. Ancient secular writings, such as those by Pliny the Younger, reference Christians worshiping Christ “as a god,” revealing that the recognition of Jesus’ lordship was not a later invention but an early and consistent conviction.

Archaeological, Historical, and Manuscript Evidence

1. Manuscript Consistency

Thousands of Greek New Testament manuscripts and fragments, including early papyri like P52 (dated roughly to AD 125), confirm core teachings about Jesus’ identity as Lord. Despite textual variations, none undermine the doctrine of Jesus’ divinity, corroborating that from the earliest copies of the Gospels and epistles, He was viewed and proclaimed as Lord.

2. Excavations and Sites

Findings such as the Dead Sea Scrolls (while primarily reflecting Hebrew Scriptures) confirm the reliability of Old Testament prophecies that forecast a divine Messiah. Their intact preservation and consistency bolster the credibility of scriptural claims about the coming of One who would bear divine authority.

3. Non-Biblical Writings

Josephus (late first century) mentions Jesus as a significant figure, and Tacitus in Annals (early second century) references Christ’s execution under Pontius Pilate. Though not confessions of faith by these historians, these works attest that Jesus was indeed recognized by His followers as someone of profound significance, consistent with New Testament claims of His lordship.

Implications and Conclusion

Calling Jesus “Lord” is not merely an honorary title but a recognition of His divine authority and eternal relationship with the Father. His miracles, fulfilled prophecies, resurrection, and worship in the early church align with this identity. From both an internal biblical perspective and an external historical lens, the evidence points to the conclusion that Jesus holds the position and power of one who is God in the flesh.

Ultimately, Scripture presents Jesus not as a created being or simple prophet, but as the incarnate Lord whose life, death, and resurrection fulfill ancient prophecies and reveal the reality of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. As the New Testament consistently certifies, “Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11).