The question “What does it mean that Jesus is the Son of God?” seems simple on the surface, but it carries profound theological depth. As Christians, understanding who Jesus truly is — both fully God and fully man — is essential for our faith.
Jesus Is the Eternal Son, Not Created
The Bible teaches that Jesus, as the Son of God, was not created but has existed eternally with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. He is uncreated, co-equal, and co-eternal with the Father. John 1:1-2 says:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.”
Before creation itself, Jesus existed. He wasn’t born into existence; He entered human history through His incarnation as a man.
Jesus Is God in the Flesh
John 1:14 declares:
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
Jesus, though fully God, took on human form. He experienced birth, life, death, and resurrection. Colossians 2:9 says:
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.”
This is the miracle of the incarnation: God stepped into His creation to redeem it.
Why Did God Send His Son?
Jesus came to fulfill God’s redemptive plan. Humanity’s sin separated us from God, but God, in His great love, made a way for reconciliation. John 3:16 states:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
The Son’s mission was to bear the punishment for sin, satisfy God’s justice, and offer grace to all who believe.
The Trinity: One God, Three Persons
God is one, yet exists eternally as three distinct persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity plays a unique role, but all share the same divine nature.
- The Father: Source of creation, authority, and divine will.
- The Son: Redeemer, Savior, Word made flesh.
- The Holy Spirit: Indwelling guide, teacher, and comforter.
They are united, not separate gods, but distinct in function. This is a divine mystery, but Scripture reveals their roles clearly throughout both Old and New Testaments.
Jesus’ Earthly Family
Though He is divine, Jesus was born into a human family through Mary. He had earthly siblings:
- James
- Joseph (Joses)
- Simon
- Judas (Jude)
- Sisters (though not named)
Matthew 13:55-56 mentions His siblings directly. Yet even growing up in a human household, Jesus remained sinless. Hebrews 4:15 tells us:
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
His sinless life qualifies Him to be our perfect Savior.
His Appearance and His Return
While the Bible gives little detail about His earthly appearance, Revelation describes His glorified appearance upon His return:
“His eyes were like blazing fire, and on His head were many crowns… His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.” (Revelation 19:12, 1:16)
When He returns, He will not come as a suffering servant, but as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
The Jewish Struggle with the Son
Many Jews rejected Jesus because they couldn’t understand why God would need a Son. The idea of God taking on human form felt blasphemous to them. Yet the Old Testament foreshadowed His coming. Isaiah 9:6 refers to the coming Messiah as:
“Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
The Son was always part of God’s plan for redemption, but many missed it due to hardened hearts and misunderstanding of prophecy.
Closing Thought
Understanding Jesus as the Son of God isn’t simply theology — it’s the very heart of the gospel. It explains who He is, why He came, and what He accomplished on the cross for our salvation.
Romans 10:9 says:
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
May we continue to seek Him, study His Word, and proclaim His truth boldly.
Watch or Listen
The Radiant Mission Podcast | Episode 144
Host: Rebecca Twomey @theradiantmission
Thank you for listening to The Radiant Mission podcast! We are on a mission to encourage and inspire you on your walk with Christ and as you journey through life.
In episode 144, we explore the question, “What does it mean that Jesus is the Son of God?” Discover the truth about His divinity, incarnation, and why He came to save us.
Bible Verses Mentioned:
- John 1:1-2, John 1:14, John 3:16
- Colossians 2:9
- Hebrews 4:15
- Matthew 13:55-56
- Isaiah 9:6
- Revelation 1:16, Revelation 19:12
- Romans 10:9
Resources:
➡ Follow The Radiant Mission on Instagram
➡ Follow The Radiant Mission on Facebook
➡ Subscribe to The Radiant Mission on YouTube
➡ Support the Podcast
➡ Subscribe to Receive Emails
Thank You for Joining Us!
🎧 Listen on Buzzsprout
🎧 Apple Podcasts
🎧 Spotify
🎧 More Listening Options
