He was the ultimate hero. When He visited a community, He was instantly the talk of the town.
His teaching and His miracles were legendary.
He healed the sick, fed over 5,000 people with a five loaves and two fish, He cast out demons, and even raised the dead.
Everywhere He went, people were asking themselves, “Who is that Man?”
Was he just a good teacher?
A prophet?
The Pharisees said he was demon possessed because He pointed out the evil inside of them.
Others recognized Him for what Who He really was…the Christ, the Son of the Living God. (Matthew 16:14-16)
As we enter into a study of Jesus, it’s essential that we understand what these two titles mean.
First, Jesus was “the Christ”, the Messiah the prophets foretold that the Israelites were waiting to arrive. He was the descendant of David Who would rule not only the people of Israel, but God’s followers from all over the world.
However, Jesus was not just a descendant of David (through His mother, Mary). Jesus was the Son of God.
Conceived through the Holy Spirit to a virgin, Jesus was literally 100% God taking on a human body for the purpose of redeeming mankind from their sins.
He was not just a good man—He is the Son of God—the second member of the Trinity—completely Divine.
How do we know this?
God the Father said so at Jesus baptism: “and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” (Matthew 3:17, ESV)
John the Baptist testifies that he heard it in John 1:34.
Jesus told the woman at the well, He confirmed it to Peter, and He referred to Himself as God’s Son in His reaching. (This really ticked off the Pharisees.)
Later in the New Testament, it is often taught that Jesus is God’s Son including Philippians 2:5-11:
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:5-8, NIV)
Why is this so important?
Because today, people are still asking the question, “Who is Jesus?”
Some want to make Him just like Mohammad or Ghandi—a good man with good teachings—a powerful example, but not divine.
This fits the narrative that all religions are the same and there are many roads to Heaven. However, it isn’t true.
Jesus is not like any other man because He is the One True God. He sacrificially came to earth so that He could pay the penalty for our sins. It’s essential to remember that even when He had a human body, as He walked and talked and ate like a normal man, He was always 100% divine.
He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
Adessa Holden is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God specializing in Women's Ministry. Together with her brother, Jamie, they manage 4One Ministries and travel the East Coast speaking, holding conferences, and producing Men's and Women's resources that provide practical Biblical teaching for everyday life.
When asked about herself, she'll tell you "I'm a women's minister, a sister, and a daughter. I love to laugh and spend time with people. My favorite things are chocolate, the ocean, sandals and white capris, anything purple, summertime and riding in the car listening to music. It is my absolute honor and privilege to serve Jesus and women through this ministry."
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