Perhaps you have heard a bible skeptic confidently proclaim: “Jesus never claimed to be God”! This is a popular idea that is sometimes put forth by those who do not believe in God or the bible. So, what about such a claim? Is the skeptic correct in their accusation? Do we as Christians just assume that Jesus is God? How do we, as believers, answer such a claim?
Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” John 8:58
Earlier the Jews had accused Jesus of being a demon possessed Samaritan (verse 48). Jesus responds to this false accusation by claiming the divine name of Jehovah: “I AM”. This was taken from Exodus 3:14 where Moses asks God who he should tell the Israelites had authorized him to lead them to the promised land. In using the name “I Am” to identify himself, Jesus is making a direct claim to divinity.
“I and My Father are one.” Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?” The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.” John 10:30-33
Once again, there is little to misunderstand here. People today may try to say that Jesus never claimed to be God, but in doing so they merely display their ignorance of what the gospel accounts actually say. There is nothing ambiguous about what Jesus is claiming. The reaction of the listeners in verse 33 demonstrates that they clearly understood Jesus to be claiming to be God! So should modern day readers.
But He kept silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?” And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death. Mark 14:61-64
Perhaps the most effective way to answer those who say that Jesus never claimed to be God is to ask them a question: “Then why did Jesus get crucified?” As the above passage obviously points out, Jesus’ claim to be deity is the very basis of his execution. The authorities of Jesus day did not crucify Him because he went around proclaiming love and forgiveness and being truthful and kind. Such teaching does not get you killed. Make no mistake about it, the authorities that executed Jesus made it clear that they put him to death for claiming to be God!