Who is Jesus? Gallons of ink have been spilled, wars have been fought, people have been and continue to be killed, families have been torn apart over this simple, yet vital question.  Was He simply a “good, moral teacher” or something much more? Jesus’ identity was a hot topic in His day and continues to be one nearly 2,000 years later.

 

 

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” -Matthew 16:13

 

Even in His day, people were divided.

 

And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” -Matthew 16:14

 

Overall, it did not matter what the “people” as a group thought. It mattered primarily who each person believed Jesus to be.

 

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” -Matthew 16:15

 

In one of his better moments, Peter speaks up to identify Jesus.

 

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

-Matthew 16:16

 

Following Peter’s confession, Jesus had this say.

 

And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

-Matthew 16:17-18

 

Today, the answers revolving around Jesus’ identity are different yet the division still exists. In today’s world the majority of non-believers say, “Jesus was a good, moral teacher.” His teachings and actions recorded throughout the gospels illustrate that Jesus clearly believed Himself to be the Son of God. If He is wrong, the idea of Him being merely a “good, moral teacher” is crazy. Jesus would have been believing, living and teaching a lie not to mention leading His followers to their deaths by commanding they follow suit. That eliminates both good and moral!

 

Jesus’ identity is eternally important. His resurrection and the aftermath show Jesus was not a liar. Paul says that everything is given meaning through this single historical event.

 

Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.

-1 Corinthians 15:12-14

 

Who is Jesus? He is no mere man. His identity—shown through His teachings, miracles, and resurrection—reshaped the world. The Son of God, murdered for the sins of the world, did not remain in the tomb. Living the  Christian life hinges on our faith and response to this very fact. Not to mention, mankind’s salvation.