Prologue
For those disputing the name Jesus, please refer to the section further on, discussing His name.
This is by no means an in-depth academic study, but still a genuine, honest and cincere search for truth, specifically with the idea to get closer to the Truth claimed in Jn 8:32,36. We’ll try to examine who Jesus Christ really is. It is impossible in such a short meditation like this, to cover all that Jesus Christ has done and taught. Suffice to say that He has changed the world like no other did or could. Even the date a great portion of humanity utilizes is centered on the Lord Jesus Christ as A.D. (Anno Domini, i.e. “In the year of our Lord…”; and as “Lord” means “maximum authority” does logic dictate only one real Lord God. At the very least must the immense influence and literature based on Jesus of Nazareth warrant further probing.
When Jesus, using an analogy, warned His disciples about leaven (ferment; the false teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees) in the bread (Mt 16:11,12), Jesus asked His disciples who they thought He was (Mt 16:13-17). This was done to illustrate 1 Cor 12:3 and He expressed that in Mt 16:17 (Mt 11:27; Lk 10:22-24; Jn 4:23-24; 14:26; Rom 8:14). But let’s examine this, shall we?
Note at Mt 22:41-46. Jesus baffled his enemies (unbelievers) when he asked what thoughts they had of the promised Messiah? How he could be the Son of David and yet his Lord? He quotes Ps 110:1. If the Christ was to be a mere man, who would not exist till many ages after David’s death, how could his forefather call him Lord? The Pharisees could not answer it. Nor can any solve the difficulty except he allows the Messiah to be the Son of God, and David’s Lord equally with the Father. He took upon him human nature (Jn 1:14), and so became God manifested in the flesh; in this sense he is the Son of man and the Son of David. It is fitting for us above all things to seriously inquire, what do we think of Christ?
Carefully ponder Jn 4:25,26; 5:39-40 and Heb 1:1-5. (Jn 1:1-4,17; Col 1:13-20).
The deity of Jesus of Nazareth will be further explored later on. For now, note that many were called “son of God” (Ex. Adam in Lk 3:38 and all of Rom 8:14); but only one was referred to as the son of man and the son of God – definitely unique, as presented in Jn 3:16, that certainly refers to only Jesus Christ. Even the devil articulated that precisely in Mt 4:6, tempting Jesus with the taunt “…if you are the son of God…” In Jn 8:58 Jesus claimed to be the God, JHVH of Ex 3:14. This is why the Jews wanted to stone Jesus [again] for blaspheme (Jn 8:59). The references are all particular when referring to Jesus Christ as the son of God and not generic in reference to ordinary humans that would naturally read “a” son. Refer to Isaiah 7:14; Ezek 21:27; Daniel 7:14. Compare also Ex 3:14 with Dt 26:19; Neh 9:5; Ps 8:1; 138:3 and Eph 1:21.
By the end of this meditation, we’ll find adequate evidence of both (a) the supremacy of Jesus Christ (Ex 34:14; Dan 3:29; Ezek 21:27; Jn 1:1-5,12-14,17; 3:3; 6:35,50-51; 8:51,55; 14:6; Acts 4:12; Eph 1:19-23; 1 Tim 2:4,5; 2 Pet 3:9; Rev 5:2,4,9,12) and (b) the sufficiency of Jesus Christ – Acts 4:12; Heb 10:14; Rev 5:2,4,9,12 and the Scriptures just mentioned in (a). For how this message is to be conveyed, we can take note of Scriptures such as Mk 8:38; Rom 1:16,17; 2 Tim 1:7,8; and Rev 3:16.
Discussion
The Bible is self-proclaimed as the inerrant Word of God – 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Gal 1:11-12. (Refer to the meditation “The Bible”). In this Word of God, it is repeatedly stated that only in the authority and name of Jesus Christ can any man be called a child [son] of God and that every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father and that only Jesus Christ is the exact likeness of the unseen God and is in fact God! (Jn 5:19-40; 8:32,36; 14:6,23-26; Eph 2:10; Col 1:13-20; Heb 1:3; 1 John 1:12; and so on, examined further on in this meditation). Jesus touched lepers (Mt 8:3), and the very being of people expelled by religious legalists (Mt 9:9-12; Lk 8:1-3; Jn 9:22-41). This is only achievable through the Love, grace and righteousness of God (Jn 1:17). Consider here Jn 5:20-24,37-40; 1 Jn 4:8; 5:10.
Note, by the way, that John the Baptist was born six months prior to Jesus yet stated that Jesus existed before he did – Mt 1:30 (Jn 1:1-4,14,17; Col 1:17).
Read the gospel of John and after each chapter, ask this question again. Read with this author through a few Scriptures in the other meditations on this website as well. Then, again, answer the question “Who is Jesus Christ?” …
Was Jesus really a historical figure?
Have a look at the video EXPEDITION BIBLE series by archaeologist Joel P Kramer, such as “The tomb of Jesus explained – the evidence and the story”. It is self-explanatory and convincing that Jesus Christ was indeed a historical figure. There is no serious historian scholar that will deny that.
Archaeological finds provide strong evidence to support the scriptures that Jesus, for example, during His ministry, stayed in the house in Capernaum (Mt 4:13; Jn 6:24), close to the temple that He used to teach from and performed miracles (Mt 8:15; 17:24; Mk 1:21; 2:1; 9:23; Lk 4:31,46; 7:1; Jn 2:12; 6:17,24,59).
All historical figures have verifiable references to them made in the time they lived. There seems to be no serious scholar in history that denies the reality of Jesus Christ. This is, for example, one aspect that points to the fallacy of Mohammed (see meditation on “Mohammed and the Quran vs Jesus Christ” by the author). There are over 5 000 Greek; over 10 000 Latin and over 9 300 other manuscripts pointing to Jesus Christ by such credible writers as dr. Luke in Acts (Lk 1:1-4; Acts 1:1), also historian records by other such as Josephus, Cornelius Tacitus, Hadrian, Phlegon, Mara Bar-Serapion, Thallus, Pliny the Younger, Suetonius, Lucian of Samasota, and The Jewish Talmud. Some scholars claim over 60 000 credible references. The extend of evidence of the New Testament of the Bible compare unparalleled to any of the other to offer in the world (such as work by Herodotus with only 8 copies written in 488-228 BC but with an earliest copy 900 AD; Thucydides also 8 copies only for the same period; Tacitus with no more than 20 copies written 100 AD but copied in 1 100 AD; Ceasar’s Gallic war of 58-50 BC with perhaps 10 copies dating 900 AD; and Livy’s Roman history with tops 20 copies surviving from 59 BC to 17 Ad and only copied 900 AD. The NT was written 40 AD to 95 AD with a span of less than 300 years to the earliest copies). The Bible is unparalleled in all aspects. Fragments of John’s Gospel can be seen in the John Rylands library in Manchester; and so many other early “Bible” manuscripts in care of various custodians, verifiable today.
Comparing Scriptures such as Phil 2:6; Col 1:13-17; Jn 10:30; with 2 Cor 5:16-19, we note that Christ is God. Phil 2:6-11 only makes sense if Jesus Christ is truly Man and truly God (Vera Homo Vera Deus). Through His incarnation, death, resurrection and ascension He also proved His deity. As Man, Jesus did not become less than deity (Jn 10:30; 15:23). Jesus made radical claims that make nonsense of the patronizing statements by other religions that Jesus Christ was merely “a good human being” or “a great teacher” or a mere “great prophet”! Jesus Himself never left any such option available! He said that to receive Him was to receive God (Mt 10:40); to welcome Him was to welcome God (Mk 9:37); to see Him was to see God (Jn 14:9). Jesus forgave people their sins against God and other humans and proved it by deeds (Mk 2:5). Jesus also said that He would judge the world (Mt 25:31,32,40,45) and that anyone’s position depends on how we treat Him and His followers (His Church, not Jews or Israelites!)! Jesus is the only one Who can still the hunger of any man for love, security, significance or immortality; for Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life (Jn 6:32-36,48; Rev 2:17). He is the Truth and Word of God.
Remember, Jesus’ death does not mean Christ ceased to exist (Jn 1:1-4; Jn 11:25; Jn 3:16,36; 4:14; 5:24,29; 6:27,40,47; Col 1:13-21). Jesus’ body was in the grave for three days so that we could legally inherit a NT (Heb 9:15-17) but God triune means the Father and Holy Spirit was still doing what God does (Jn 5:17; 6:29) and that Jesus’ spirit and soul (Christ) was very much still alive as well. He, in effect, rose Himself from the dead that proves Him as God – refer to the verses at the start of this paragraph.
The Muslim Dr. Zakir Naik is a champion when it comes to misquoting the Bible with selective verses completely out of context. He, and some critics, for example, claims Jn 5:30 says Jesus was a mere hapless man that could do nothing on His own. Well then, let’s read what Jesus was really saying in John 5, shall we? The context is that the Jews wanted to know who “worked” [healed] on the Sabbath and instructed this man (that was healed by Jesus) to pick up his bed and walk (Jn 5:8-12). When the Jews found out Jesus was the one who healed this man, they persecuted Jesus (Jn 5:15-16) and wanted to know by what authority Jesus could do this. Jesus replied that God (His Father) has worked up to then and in fact has never ceased working and therefore Jesus the Son of Man, the Son of God also must be at [divine] work. (Jn 5:17). This made the Jews more determined than ever to kill Jesus because He was not only violating the Sabbath but was making it clear to them that God was His Father in a special way, other than the Father of all re-born Christians (Mt 6:9; Rom 8:14) but making Himself equal to God the Father (Jn 5:18). To clarify that Jesus was not saying He was a separate God than God the Father and that He [Jesus] is one [Triune] God with God the father, Jesus practically spelled it out by saying that He and the Father is one God (as in Mk 12:29; Jn 10:30), and therefore that He, for this reason, could no nothing on His own accord without the Father doing it as well, doing only what He sees His Father do and then doing it in the same way. A mere mortal cannot make this claim (refer to Gen 1:1-27; Jn 1:1-4; Col 1:16-17), to be able to do all what God the Creator can do. Just as God the Father can give life, so Jesus can do as well (Jn 5:21; Jn 1:1-4; Col 1:16-17). Furthermore, God the Father judges no one, for He has given all judgement (the final judgement and the whole business of judging) entirely into the hands of the Son (Jn 5:22,27-29) and in fact the Son is the resurrection power, having Himself been resurrected from the dead (Dan 12:2; Jn 11:25-26; Rom 6:9; 1 Cor 15:12-28; 1 Thess 4:13-17; Heb 10:10-13). Note that Jesus as our representative, as the Lamb of God, as our Saviour, the Son of man, the Son of God, does not judge us as unbelievers [in Jesus Christ as Lord] but [unbelieving people including those who do not follow Jesus’ teaching and precepts], bring judgement upon themselves (Jn 3:17-21; 16:8-11; 1 Cor 1:18-25; 1 Jn 2:4; Jm 1:17-20). Note that Jn 16:7 speaks of Jesus’ then still coming crucifixion, resurrection and ascension (Jn 14:16-17,24-26); but for us today has been done (Jn 19:30; Col 2:15) and He will return as our Judge with His second coming and that will prove to be a terrible prospect for unbelievers. Jesus is self-existent but one with the Father (Jn 5:26). Now we get to Jn 5:30 and hear Jesus reiterating and summarizing that He is not independent from God but one with Him (Jn 5:31-34, 37-40).
Note at Mt 19:17 (Mk 10:18; Lk 18:19). This question is not, as critics want to believe, Jesus renouncing His deity. Jesus was addressing what was in the young ruler’s mind that was regarding Jesus as a mere man (1 Sam 16:7; Jer 17:9-10; Rom 8:27a). The question asked by Jesus, “Why do you call me good?” was addressed to this covetous rich young ruler as a perfect example of a great teacher’s way of leading a pupil to analyze [examine] his motif and understanding. Only God [Jesus Christ] is perfectly good (Lk 18:19) and Jesus tested this understanding and insight of this brazen young man that Jesus is God [one with God; Jn 10:30] and the young man flunked the test, missing the logic and truth in Mt 6:24; Lk 16:23 (Ex 20:3; 23:13; Jer 25:6). If only God is good and since the young man called Jesus good, then surely, he in fact implied Jesus is God? Note further that Jesus in Mt 19:18; Mk 10:19 and Lk 18:20 pointed to this young man’s focus on the “horizontal” rules (applying to fellow humans) and saying, tongue-in-cheek, that he only lacked one more thing, namely, to follow Him (while Jesus knew this young man was unlikely to have always obeyed all the Laws – Rom 3:23; Ps 14:132; Jer 17:9-10). Jesus was demonstrating to this young ruler that the Law was given to prepare men to receive Christianity and salvation is not in proportion as man can observe the Law (Mt 5:27-28; Jn 1:17; Rom 3:20,28; Gal 5:4; Phil 3:9! The meditation “The covenant and the Law” refers). We can inherit the life in Christ (Rom 8:17; Phil 3:9) but only by accepting the deity of Jesus Christ (Rom 10:9-10). Without faith in Christ as God this man could not give up material possessions and follow Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour (Lk 10:28). Unless this rich young man had believed in Jesus’ divinity, he would only regard Jesus as a prophet, a teacher, a man. Jesus was therefore reproving this over-confident young ruler for using a form of words without realizing its full ingress and significance. The real question then, as read in manuscripts such as א B,D,etc., Vulgate, and other versions (Refer to the meditation “The four Gospels”), read, “Why askest thou me concerning the good?” This is how this passage is rendered in the Amplified Bible as well. “There is none good but one” implies God Triune when including Jn 4:23-24; 14:16,26.
Note at Mk 13:32. Remarkably, is the addition “nor the Son” also added in the Amplified version of Mt 24:36 while it is not explicitly stated in the KJV (of Mt 24:36). The context, however, have Jesus revealing astonishing divine knowledge in Mt 24:2-35; Mk 13:2-31; even 2 Thess 1:1-10 (1 Pet 1:12; 2 Pet 1:20,21) and this ability [capacity, attribute] is to be expected from The Son of Man that is the Son of God (Jn 1:1-41; Col 1:15-22,26; Heb 1:1-2). We can therefore attempt to understand this apparent difficulty with the seeming ignorance of the Son of Man in Mk 13:32 by exploring two possibilities of interpretation. (1) Comparing 1 Cor 2:1 and Acts 1:6,7, it can be understood that while the Son of God has all knowledge (Mt 24:2-35; Mk 13:2-31), the Son of Man was simply to keep certain knowledge secret, i.e. not make it known yet as the Father has in mind (refer to the explanation above on Jn 5:30). (2) As representing man (Lk 2:52), reiterate the fact that man is limited (Phil 2:6-7; Heb 2:8-18) and man is not to know everything but remain vigilant and devout to Christ – hence the continuance in both Mt 24:37-42 and Mk 13:35-37 (Col 1:23; 1 Thess 4:3; 2 Tim 4: 2). Suffice therefore for us to know, not when Jesus Christ will return (Acts 1:7; but that we should remain loyal and devoted to Him and keep ourselves unspotted from the world with all its apostasy and sin. Ponder Jn 21:22-23.
Note at Eph 5:1. It states that we must be followers of God. The word “God” here, is θεός (Theos, G2316), of uncertain affinity but certainly [a] deity. This can imply Rom 8:14 (Jn 4:24) but in context, as in the next verse, specifically Christ in us (Jn 17:15,20). How else can we be imitators of God if we had never witnessed Him on earth in contact with people as Man with God’s Spirit inside as Guide (Heb 1:1-8)? Hence, Scriptures such as Jn 5:17-23; 10:31; 14:6-11; 15:5; and Phil 2:5-11; even Eph 1:5-12,17-23; 2:13-22; 4:6-16.
God was not heard by carnal man (Is 59:2), and so He approached carnality [self-righteousness] of man with a carnal body (Jn 3:15-21; 1 Pet 2:24; 2 Pet 3:9), that could be touched (Mk 5:31; Lk 24:39) and seen (Mt 28:10; Lk 13:35; Jn 14:6-12,16-27; 16:16-19; that is, that they that saw Him and us today [Jn 17:20-23], may follow by His example as in Jn 14:12-14; Rom 8:14-17; Col 1:9-20; or Col 3:1-14). We have to renew our minds to line our thought-life up with God [repent] and this is the only way to be more than conquerors (Rom 8:29-39; 13:14; Phil 4:13; 1 Jn 5:4; Rev 3:5) and to see 1 Jn 1:4-6; otherwise, it’s mere empty religiousness as referred to in Mt 7:15-23; 15:6-9!
The miracle and crucial truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ
Some criticism against the resurrection of Jesus contends that the people of that time were mostly stupid and uninformed and hence merely sufficiently gullible to more readily accept the existence of miracles. The assertion then is that they are incredible as witnesses due to their naivety. That only such feeble people believed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ due to their ignorance about the laws of nature. Is this a valid and accurate assumption? History and its great figures disclose different evidence. This argument is also logically absurd for the reason that abnormalities can only be acknowledged when compared with knowledge and experience of what is normal. Furthermore, is it presumptuous to the extreme to say our ascendants were so dumb that they were unable to realize what was truly exceptional and supernatural. Secular scientists today are in exactly the same situation.
Observe how the physician Luke (Col 4:14) in his documentation of the gospel, start off by pointing out a current example of the priest Zechariah that apparently initially did not believe in miracles (Lk 1:18,20). However, Zechariah spoke to the angel Gabriel (Lk 1:11,12,19; compare Dan 8:16;19:21) and probably had a change of conviction especially due to him being mute until John’s birth (Lk 1:20-22,36,37-41). It can therefore be assumed that many people in that time had difficulty to believe in miracles, even the disciple Thomas (Jn 20:24-29) and other (Mt 28:17; Acts 17:18,32). Yet, they believed and witnessed the resurrection was real to the extent that they were prepared to die as martyrs confessing a resurrected Jesus. Other stories of claims to resurrections of other people at that time were all refuted. No other person had the character, nature and ability and consequently, the influence of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. The same cynicism are found today, two thousand years later, in people who are sceptic about the resurrection of Jesus Christ although we as believers accept at least Mt 28:1-20; Mk 16: 1-20; Lk 24:1-53; Jn 20:1-31; Acts 4:33; 1 Cor 15:6 to be true as this is the crux of Christianity (Jn 11:25; Acts 1:22; 4:2,33; Rom 1:4; 1 Cor 15:12,13; Phil 3:10; 1 Pet 1:3; 3:21).
As also noted in the meditations “Genesis to Revelation” and “The bottom line” by the author, we very briefly and superficially, observe the following:
Jesus was not sent to be a religious leader (Mt 12:6) or a political leader (Jn 6:15); He was sent by the Father (Ps 43:3; 57:3; Jn 3:16-21,36; 5:22-25; 6:46; 8:18; 17:18; Mt 11:27; Jm 1:17). Peruse the following Scriptures: Is 9:6; Lk 2:11; Eph 1:17; 3:15; Mt 28:18; Jn 1:18; 6:46; 8:23;10:30; 14:9; 20:28; Acts 4:12; 5:31; 7:59; 10:42; Tit 2:3; Rom 9:5; Phil 2:5-11; Col 1:15,17; 2:9; Heb 1:1-5; 12:9 (Jn 1:1-5; Col 1:15-17); 1 Jn 5:20; 1 Cor 8:6; to name a few…
Jesus gave His Spirit, Christ died (Rom 5:6,8), but Christ never left – He is the omnipresent Spirit of God Who indwells us, His ecclesia, His Church, His Bride, His heavenly Jerusalem, the True Israel (Jn 1:12; Eph 2:19; 3:5-6; Heb 12:22; Mt 21:43; Rom 9:7-9; Gal 4:25-31) – on earth. Jesus is not an angel – Heb 1:5; Col 1:13-15.
Ps 45:7; Heb 1:9; Phil 2:6-8; Jn 10:30; and 2 Cor 5:16-19 deals with the deity of Jesus Christ. It is clear that Christ is equal to God. In manifesting in the flesh through a woman, He did not [certainly not permanently, and even not momentarily leaving His role as for example, Sustainer] relinquish His deity – see Jn 10:29,30; 14:6-15,20-27. Read Heb 2:9 and note the following:
We know that Adam was also referred to as a son of God (Lk 3:38) and hence also those men referred to in Job 1:6; but again, as far as the deity of Jesus Christ is concerned, consider Ezek 21:27 and Dan 3:25 with the title [recognition as the] Son of God in Mt 8:29; 14:33; 16:16; 27:43,54; Mk 1:1; 3:11; 5:7; 15:39; Lk 1:35; 4:41; 8:28; Jn 1:34,49; 5:25; 9:35; 11:4,27; 17:20-24; 19:7; 20:31; Acts 3:13,26; 8:37; 9:20; Rom 1:4,17; 5:9,10; 8:3; Gal 2:20; 4:4,6,7; Eph 4:13; 1 Cor 1:9; 2 Cor 1:19; Heb 4:14; 6:6; 7:3; 10:29; 1 Jn 4:9,15; 5:5,9,10,12,13,20; 2 Jn 1:3; Rev 2:18. Jesus is our intercessor (even just 1 Jn 2:1 and Rev 12:10).
Jesus’ statement in Jn 1:18 is saying what He said in Jn 4:24, namely that God as a Spirit is invisible and was greatly misunderstood until Jesus could reveal His image (Col 1:15-18). Εικών (1504). Ikön, “image” always presumes a prototype, not merely a thing it resembles. Paul was telling the Colossians that Jesus Christ has a “prototype”, God the Father Who is invisible. Another significant word, πρωтотόκος (4416) prötŏtŏkŏs, translates as Firstborn (Jn 3:16; Heb 2:9-18) that is from (4413) that means foremost in place and importance and that Christ holds the same relation to all creation as God the Father (Col 1:15-18).
- Jesus, as Son of Man, God in the flesh, who had a body that was liable to death (Mt 2:13-23; Heb 2:7,9 for a little while, that is, until He has suffered physical death for us to legitimately and really represent us), but as [Son of] God which He never ceased to be as our triune God. Simultaneously truly God [vera deus] and truly man [vera homo]! His Spirit is not liable to death (Mt 27:50; Jn 1:1-4; 5:26; 10:17,18). Jesus, as Son of Man, our representative, had a body that was apparently liable to death up to His resurrection (Mt 2:13-23), but as Son of God He is eternal (Mt 27:50). See a possible separation in Mt 27:46? Also contemplate the Spirit [Life, Jn 6:33] of Is 53; 1 Pet 2:24 with Heb 2 (especially vs. 8-17; Col 1:15-17); 1 Cor 15:26; Rom 8:11; Jn 3:16; 11:26… As our one true representative (referred to as Son of Man not son of God), ponder Ezek 21:27 and Is 9:6 with 1 Tim 2:5; Jn 1:49,51; 6:27; Acts 7:56; Dan 7:9,3-14 (Rev 5:1-10); Lk 12:8; 22:69; Eph 4:8-10,13; Jer 35:19 and Jn 5:24,25 (Jn 6:48-51,58; Col 1:17-20). The reference “Son of Man” thus proves the deity of Jesus Christ.
References to Jesus Christ as the Son of Man occur some 1,233 times in The Bible, note especially Dan 7:13 in the OT and Mt 11:27; Lk 10:22; Rev 1:13 and Rev 14:14 in the NT. Here are a few more from the NT: Mt 7:9; 9:2,6; 10:23; 11:19,27; 12:8,32,40; 13:37,41; 16:13,27,28; 17:9,12,22; 18:11; 19:28; 20:18,28; 24:27,30,37,39,44; 25:13,31; 26:2,24,45,64; Mk 2:10,28; 8:38; 9:9,12,31; 10:33,45; 13:26; 14:21,41,62; Lk 5:24; 6:5,22; 7:34; 9:26,44,56,58; 11:30; 12:8,10,40; 17:22,24,26,30; 18:31; 19:10;21:27,36; 22:22,48; 24:7; Jn 1:18,51; 3:13,14; 5:27; 6:27,53,62; 8:28; 12:23,34; 13:31. - Contemplate the Spirit [Life, Jn 1:1-4; 4:24; 6:33] of Is 53; 1 Pet 2:24 with Heb 2 (especially Heb 2:8-17); 1 Cor 15:26; Rom 8:11; Jn 3:16; 11:26… The meditation “The Testimony” expands on this. Jesus is therefore our only representative before God. It is vital though, to understand that Jesus had to be truly man [also] to legitimately [genuinely] represent mankind as ransom [Lamb of Heb 10:14] and not be a farce (Jn 8:32,36; 14:6)! We note then, statements such as Lk 2:52 and Eph 4:13-16. Jn 5:19 is one of many scripture references where Jesus stated that he as man was not able to anything of his own accord, but only by His father and His Spirit inside Him [as Jesus a man]. If He demonstrated this to us (Eph 2:5-11), we should accept it is not us then, that can have a supernatural ability whatsoever in ourselves, but only in the right relationship with God can we truly fulfil the commission of Gen 1:28 and Mt 28:19-20 (note Lev 25:46; Eph 4:3-6). If Jesus performed those miracles as God and not man, it would be unattainable for us. The distinction between His humanity and ours is that He had no sin to separate Him from The Father whereas our sins are only cleansed by His Blood shed for us all – hence Rom 8:14,17, 29-39; 12:1-3; Jn 1:12-13; 14:11-15… Note how often, in hearing “Christianese” one hears the very popular reference to [quote of] “The blood of Jesus”; but when you ask for an explanation why the blood of Jesus was so powerful, you are met with a blank stare. Why, at the very least, the blood from a being claiming and proving deity (even just Mt 10:40; Mk 2:5; 9:37; Jn 1:1-4; 8:23-24; 14:9; Col 1:13-17), would be absolutely remarkable, for it would prove that the Creator has indeed manifested in a human body. For more, consider Ex 4:14,21-26; and compare Lev 17:10-12 with Jn 6:53–58. Confused? Astounded? Then consider Rom 3:20-29 and find incentive to consider the rest of this website, if you will? We have to admit that our own superficial reading and careless attitudes regarding Jesus Christ and His precepts [the depth and effectiveness of our discipleship] are easily exposed by just a little real examination. By the way, Num 23:19 contains no contradiction to the fact that Jesus is God Triune and simultaneously was Son of Man. Num 23:19 is only saying that God is not corruptible like man and that He does not break His Word (Heb 13:8). As confirmed in 1 Jn 1:9-10, if we trust in God’s grace and mercy and we humbly repent with no secret lust, greed and self-righteousness, then God is faithful and true to forgive our sins. In context, Num 23:19 implies that Balak had no hope of ruining Israel, and Balaam showed that he had more reason to fear being ruined by them. Though there are many devices in man’s heart, God’s counsels still stand. (Paragraph 5.37 in “Apparent controversies in The Bible” refers as well.)
- As Son of law, He bore no fruit on record, and we have no reference to Him, as if He dead for 18 years. He then suddenly appeared when submitting Himself unto God (Jn 4:24) in Mt 3:13-17. Holy Spirit (Jn 4:24) came over Maria and is thus the Father (Lk1:35-38). The Word that Mary accepted, became the Seed that impregnated her (Jn 1:14; ). We have 2 Cor 5:17; 1 Pet 1:18 and 1 Cor 15:43-51. Note 1 Cor 15:51 with 1 Thess 5:23 (Jn 11:26)!!…
- Jesus never partook [consumed, ate, lived by] the tree of knowledge between good and evil and blessing and calamity [was never under law Himself. The woman He entered through, was], so He was indeed dead to law as a “repentance” (Mt 3:14; Acts 19:3,4) declaring that no works can be any means of righteousness; but the Tree of Life revealed Rom 8:14 to us.
- Son of God. The moment He took the decision to submerse Himself under Holy Spirit [His Father] only and be buried to the law (Rom 7:4,6), with the symbolism of Baptism, God declared Jesus His Son. Consider here Heb 1:1-6; Col 1:13-22; Jn 1:1-4; Rev 1:8,11,17-19. Angels are unlikely to worship anyone else than God (Heb 1:6). Jesus also allowed people to worship Him, as in Mt 15:25. Compare Mt 4:9-11 (Dt 6:13); Mt 15:9; Acts 24:14-15; Rom 1:25; Rev 5:14; 7:11; 22:8-9 (Heb 1:14). Jews worshipped Christ immediately after he ascended (Lk 24:52-53) that would have been unheard of had Jesus only been human. We read of Jesus Christ on God’s throne and being worshipped in Rev 4:8; 5:12-14 as well. Note that baptism is a sign of obedience and a decision that was taken and not the means to be saved. Now His ministry started, He bore fruit with signs, miracles and wonders following… By the way, in case you are thinking of Jesus as a lamb or a babe in a crib, that lamb was a year-old ram with horns and the disciple John that was well acquainted with Jesus (Jn 13:23; 19:25-27; 21:20) was so in awe of Jesus Christ as the Judge that he fainted seeing Him at Patmos (Rev 1:17).
- Remember, we are talking of one God (2 Jn 1:9) Jesus Christ was simultaneously Son of Man and Son of God i.e. Vera Homo Vera Deus.