Who is Jesus and what is his significance?

Definition and Overview

Jesus is presented throughout Scripture as the eternal Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, fully divine and fully human (see Matthew 1:20–23; John 1:1–3). He is the promised Messiah of the Old Testament, fulfilling ancient prophecies regarding God’s plan of redemption. His significance extends to all humanity, as He is described as both Creator (Colossians 1:16) and Savior (John 3:16–17). His life, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection form the core of the gospel message and the foundation of salvation.

Biblical Prophecies and Messianic Identity

From the earliest chapters of Scripture, a deliverer is foretold (Genesis 3:15). Prophets such as Isaiah and Micah gave specific details regarding the Messiah’s birth, life, and mission (Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 53:4–6; Micah 5:2). These prophecies align precisely with the historical accounts of Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4–7), His miraculous works (Matthew 11:2–5), and His sacrificial death on the cross for the remission of sins (1 Corinthians 15:3). Such predictive elements across various Old Testament books underscore the unity and cohesiveness of Scripture.

Nature and Person of Jesus

1. Fully Divine

Multiple passages affirm Jesus’s divine nature. John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”. Additionally, Colossians 2:9 proclaims, “In Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form.” These titles and descriptions place Jesus unequivocally within the Godhead.

2. Fully Human

Scripture also emphasizes His humanity. Hebrews 2:14 explains that He partook of flesh and blood. This dual nature allows Him to serve as a sympathetic High Priest (Hebrews 4:15) who fully understands the human condition while retaining divine authority.

3. Unity within the Godhead

John 10:30 records Jesus proclaiming, “I and the Father are one.” This oneness, while not negating distinct personhood, highlights the shared essence between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Great Commission emphasizes this triune reality: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

His Earthly Ministry

1. Teachings

Jesus’s teachings emphasized repentance, faith, and obedience to God. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) exemplifies His moral and spiritual directives. His parables, such as those recorded in Luke 15, illustrate spiritual truths about forgiveness, God’s loving pursuit of the lost, and the nature of the kingdom of Heaven.

2. Miracles and Healings

The Gospels document numerous miracles—healing the sick (Mark 1:34), giving sight to the blind (John 9:1–7), raising the dead (John 11:43–44), and demonstrating authority over nature by calming storms (Matthew 8:23–27). These works testified to His divine power and compassion. Ancient writings and personal testimonies, both biblical and extrabiblical, reference these miracles, supporting the view that they were recognized as credible occurrences by witnesses of the time.

3. Fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets

Jesus asserted He had come not to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17). This fulfillment includes moral perfection, complete obedience, and the offering of Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin—replacing the Old Testament sacrificial system (Hebrews 10:10–14).

The Crucifixion

1. Atonement for Sin

According to biblical teaching, Jesus’s crucifixion was not an accident of history but a divinely orchestrated act aimed at reconciling sinners to God (1 Peter 2:24). The shedding of His blood is portrayed as the payment for humanity’s brokenness and transgression (Ephesians 1:7).

2. Historical Evidence

Roman historians such as Tacitus (Annals 15.44) and Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (Antiquities 18.3.3) reference the crucifixion of Jesus, adding extrabiblical corroboration. Archaeological findings, including first-century ossuaries and records of Roman execution practices, align with the biblical description of crucifixion in that era.

The Resurrection

1. Central Claim of Christianity

According to 1 Corinthians 15:14, “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith.” The resurrection lies at the heart of the gospel: Jesus overcame death, granting believers hope of eternal life.

2. Eyewitness Testimony

The New Testament recounts appearances to Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and over five hundred other witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:5–8). These accounts retain consistency across the Gospels, and the early spread of Christianity points to the disciples’ unwavering conviction that this event was historical truth.

3. Manuscript and Historical Reliability

Thousands of Greek manuscripts, translations, and quotations in early Christian writings attest to the reliability of the New Testament’s resurrection narratives. Early fragments, such as the John Rylands Papyrus (P52), date to within a few decades of Christ’s ministry. Across these manuscripts, the resurrection account remains consistent, reinforcing its credibility.

Significance in Salvation

1. Mediator between God and Humanity

As stated in 1 Timothy 2:5, “There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” Through His life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, Jesus serves as the bridge restoring a right relationship with God.

2. Justification and Redemption

Romans 3:24–25 highlights that believers “are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” His atoning sacrifice satisfies divine justice and opens the way for sinners to receive forgiveness and eternal life (John 3:16).

3. Transformation and Discipleship

Believers are called to “put on the new self” (Ephesians 4:24), enabled by Christ’s redemptive work and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Far more than a moral teacher, Jesus transforms lives, aligning them with God’s purposes and granting hope that extends beyond this life.

Eternal God, Creator, and Sustainer

1. Role in Creation

John 1:3 states, “Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.” This includes the cosmos, as well as humanity. Scientific inquiry into the complexity of living organisms, the fine-tuning of universal constants, and geological findings contributes to ongoing discussions on intelligent design. These discussions, in conjunction with Scripture, underscore Jesus’s identity as Creator.

2. Sustainer of All Things

Hebrews 1:3 notes that Jesus “upholds all things by His powerful word.” This refers to His ongoing work in maintaining the universe—an aspect vital to understanding divine sovereignty and the contingent nature of creation.

Ongoing Ministry and Future Return

1. Intercession

Hebrews 7:25 emphasizes His present role: “He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.” This high-priestly work assures believers of His ongoing advocacy.

2. Return in Glory

According to passages like Matthew 24:30 and Revelation 22:12, Jesus will return in power. This second advent involves judgment, the fulfillment of final prophecies, and the consummation of God’s redemptive plan. Archeological and historical studies of early Christian communities illustrate the steadfast conviction in Christ’s future return.

Conclusion

Jesus is central to Scripture and to the Christian faith. He is God incarnate, the promised Messiah, the crucified and resurrected Savior, Creator of the universe, and the ultimate source of hope and eternal life. His teachings, miracles, atoning death, and victory over the grave shape the core doctrinal beliefs about redemption, purpose, and the destiny of humanity.

From the earliest prophecies to the acknowledgements of eyewitnesses and the manuscript evidence preserving the New Testament, every facet points to the identity of Jesus as both fully God and fully human. His life and work mark the turning point in history, offering forgiveness, peace, and restoration.

That transformative significance continues to be explored and confirmed through archaeology, historical testimony, scientific inquiry, and countless personal accounts. As Scripture repeatedly affirms, understanding who Jesus is and embracing His significance provides the only lasting answer to humanity’s deepest needs, reconciling us to the loving Creator and granting the promise of eternal life.