When did Jesus say he was God? In our previous article, we established that Jesus made Himself out to be God, the Savior, the Word, the Truth, the fulfillment of the Law, and Righteousness itself in the Sermon on the Mount. [Read more here: Who Wrote the Sermon on the Mount and What It Reveals About Jesus.]
In this post, we will explore how the Sermon on the Mount is consistent with Jesus’ words in other parts of the Gospels. The question we aim to answer is: when did Jesus say He was God? We will examine ten times Jesus directly or indirectly declared His divinity, including in parables, conversations with His disciples, and interactions with others.
1. When did Jesus Say He Was God? The “I Am” Statements
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus uses the divine phrase “I am,” echoing God’s self-revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:14 (“I AM WHO I AM”). One key moment is in John 8:58 when Jesus says, “Before Abraham was, I am,” clearly identifying Himself with the eternal God. This is one instance where Jesus says He is God.
2. When did Jesus Say He Was God? Jesus Forgiving Sins
In Mark 2:5-7, Jesus tells a paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” The Pharisees immediately think to themselves, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Jesus, aware of their thoughts, shows He is not just a good teacher but God Himself with authority to forgive.
3. When did Jesus Say He Was God? The Good Shepherd
In John 10:11-18, Jesus calls Himself “the Good Shepherd” and says, “The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” In Jewish culture, God was often described as the shepherd of Israel (Psalm 23), so when Jesus says He is the Shepherd, He is also claiming to be God.
4. When did Jesus Say He Was God? Jesus and the Father are One
John 10:30 records Jesus saying, “I and the Father are one.” The Jews understood this as a claim to divinity, which is why they immediately tried to stone Him for blasphemy. This direct assertion confirms another moment when Jesus says He is God.
5. When did Jesus Say He Was God? The Way, the Truth, and the Life
In John 14:6, Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” By identifying Himself as the singular path to God and as Truth itself, Jesus is affirming His divine role and essence.
6. When did Jesus Say He Was God? “Only God is Good”
In Mark 10:18, when someone calls Him “Good Teacher,” Jesus responds, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.” Jesus is hinting at His divinity here, implying that calling Him “Good Teacher” is insufficient—He is, in fact, God.
7. When did Jesus Say He Was God? The Power to Raise the Dead
In John 11:25, Jesus proclaims, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die.” Only God has the power over life and death, so this is another statement where Jesus says He is God.
8. When did Jesus Say He Was God? “I Am the Light of the World”
Jesus states in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” In the Old Testament, God is often referred to as light, and here Jesus claims that role, identifying Himself as the divine source of truth and salvation.
9. When did Jesus Say He Was God? Receiving Worship
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus accepts worship from others. In Matthew 14:33, after walking on water, His disciples worship Him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” This worship, accepted without rebuke, is another confirmation that Jesus says He is God.
10. When did Jesus Say He Was God? “Destroy This Temple”
In John 2:19, Jesus says, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” Though He is speaking about His body, the statement implies that He has the authority over life and resurrection, a power only God holds.
Conclusion: Jesus, the True Divine
The Sermon on the Mount showed Jesus as more than a teacher—it displayed Him as the Word, the fulfillment of the Law, and God Himself. His consistent message throughout the Gospels reinforces this truth. When did Jesus say He was God? Time and time again, He revealed His divinity through words and actions that only God could claim.
Jesus’ profound declarations establish that He is not just a prophet or a wise teacher but God incarnate, deserving of our worship and trust.
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