Who Is Jesus Christ?
1. The Humanity and Divinity of Jesus
When Christians ask, Who is Jesus Christ?, the Bible answers that He is both fully human and fully divine. The Gospels testify that He was born of the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1:23), grew in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52), and experienced hunger, weariness, and sorrow. At the same time, Scripture proclaims His divinity: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).
This dual identity is central to the gospel. Jesus can represent humanity because He is truly man, and He can reconcile humanity to God because He is truly God. Without both natures, His mission of salvation could not be accomplished.
2. The Christ: The Anointed One of Israel
The title “Christ” comes from the Greek christos, translating the Hebrew māšîaḥ (Messiah), meaning “Anointed One.” In the Old Testament, kings, priests, and prophets were anointed with oil as a sign of God’s appointment. The Messiah, however, was the promised son of David, the eternal king whose throne would never end (2 Samuel 7:12–16).
Jesus fulfills this role perfectly:
Born in Bethlehem, the city of David, fulfilling Micah 5:2.
A descendant of David (Matthew 1:1; Luke 3:31).
Proclaimed by angels as “Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
To call Jesus “the Christ” is to declare Him the long-awaited King of God’s Kingdom.
3. The Son of God and the Revelation of the Father
Jesus is called the “Son of God,” a title that expresses His divine nature and unique relationship to the Father. Hebrews 1:3 describes Him as “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.”
In His ministry, Jesus revealed the Father:
“Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).
He forgave sins (Mark 2:5–7).
He exercised authority over creation (Mark 4:39).
He accepted worship (Matthew 14:33).
Jesus is not merely a prophet pointing to God; He is God in the flesh, the ultimate revelation of the Father.
4. The Lord: Jesus Identified with Yahweh
The New Testament frequently calls Jesus “Lord” (kyrios). While “lord” could mean “master” or “sir” in ordinary usage, its application to Jesus carries divine weight. The Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) translated God’s name Yahweh as Kyrios. By using this title, the apostles equated Jesus with Yahweh Himself.
Key examples include:
Philippians 2:10–11 applies Isaiah 45:23 to Jesus: “Every knee shall bow… every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord… you will be saved.”
Revelation 1:8 and 22:13 describe Jesus with titles reserved for Yahweh: the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.
Jesus also hinted at this divine identity. In Mark 12:36, He cites Psalm 110, where David calls the Messiah “my Lord,” placing the Son of David alongside the Lord Yahweh in authority.
To call Jesus “Lord” is to recognize Him as the covenant God of Israel, now revealed in the flesh.
5. The Work of Jesus Christ
Understanding who Jesus is cannot be separated from what He has done. The Bible presents His mission as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan:
His Life – Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom (Mark 1:15), healed the sick, and revealed the Father’s compassion.
His Death – On the cross, He bore the sins of the world, fulfilling Isaiah 53.
His Resurrection – God raised Him from the dead, vindicating Him as the Christ (Romans 1:4).
His Ascension – He ascended to the right hand of the Father, enthroned as King (Acts 2:33).
His Return – He will come again to judge and renew all creation (Revelation 21:5).
Each stage reveals Him as both Savior and Lord, the King of God’s Kingdom.
6. Jesus as Faithful Witness and Example
Revelation 1:5 calls Jesus “the faithful witness.” His entire life bore testimony to God’s truth. He showed obedience even to death (Philippians 2:8) and displayed perfect faithfulness to the Father’s will.
For His followers, Jesus is not only Savior but also example. Believers are called to walk as He walked (1 John 2:6), taking up their cross daily and living under His Lordship.
7. The Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Last Days
The New Testament emphasizes that the coming of Jesus marked the beginning of the last days (Hebrews 1:1–2). The question Who is Jesus Christ? cannot be separated from eschatology:
His first coming inaugurated the kingdom of God.
His resurrection assures the renewal of creation.
His reign now shapes the life of the church.
His second coming will bring judgment and restoration.
The gospel proclaims not only that Jesus died for sins but that He reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Conclusion
So, Who is Jesus Christ? He is the Son of God and Son of David, fully God and fully man, the promised Messiah and the Lord identified with Yahweh Himself. His life, death, and resurrection fulfill Scripture and reveal God’s glory. He is Savior, faithful witness, and King of God’s Kingdom.
To know Jesus Christ is to know the heart of the gospel. It is to confess Him as Lord, believe in His resurrection, and live in the hope of His return. The answer to the question “Who is Jesus Christ?” is the foundation of Christian faith and the key to understanding the Bible’s message: Jesus is the Christ, the King, and He reigns forever.
Bible Verses Related to Jesus Christ
John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
Matthew 1:23 – “They shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).”
Luke 2:11 – “For unto you is born this day… a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Hebrews 1:3 – “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.”
John 14:9 – “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”
Philippians 2:10–11 – “Every knee should bow… every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
Romans 10:9 – “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord… you will be saved.”
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 – “Christ died for our sins… he was raised on the third day.”
Revelation 1:5 – “Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.”
Revelation 22:13 – “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
