Who is Jesus? This question has been asked for over 2,000 years and remains one of the most important discussions in history. Some believe He was just a good teacher or a prophet, while others recognize Him as the Son of God and the only way to salvation. Understanding who Jesus is and what He claimed about Himself is foundational to the Christian faith.
In this blog, we will explore the biblical evidence, historical records, and prophetic fulfillment that confirm Jesus’ identity as the Messiah.
Who Is Jesus in the Bible?
The Bible presents Jesus as the Son of God, the promised Messiah, and the Savior of the world.
📖 Matthew 16:15-16 – “But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’”
Jesus Himself made bold claims about His identity: 📖 John 10:30 – “I and the Father are one.”
📖 John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
These statements make it clear that Jesus was not just a wise teacher—He claimed to be God in the flesh.
Historical Evidence for Jesus’ Existence
Some skeptics question whether Jesus was a real person, but there is overwhelming historical evidence confirming His existence.
Non-Biblical Historical Accounts
Several ancient historians—who were not Christians—documented Jesus’ life and impact:
📜 Josephus (Jewish Historian, 1st Century AD) – Describes Jesus as a wise teacher who performed surprising deeds and was crucified under Pontius Pilate.
📜 Tacitus (Roman Historian, 2nd Century AD) – Mentions Christ’s execution under Pilate and the rapid growth of Christianity.
📜 Pliny the Younger (Roman Governor, 2nd Century AD) – Describes early Christians worshiping Jesus as a god.
These secular sources confirm key details about Jesus, including His crucifixion and the rapid spread of Christianity following His death.
Archaeological Evidence
Archaeology supports the Bible’s accuracy regarding Jesus’ time period:
- The Pilate Stone, found in 1961, confirms the existence of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who sentenced Jesus to death.
- The Caiaphas Ossuary, discovered in 1990, is believed to contain the remains of the high priest who played a role in Jesus’ trial.
These findings provide tangible proof that the biblical accounts of Jesus are rooted in real historical events.
Jesus Fulfilled Prophecies
Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, the Old Testament prophesied details about His life, death, and resurrection.
- Born of a virgin
📖 Isaiah 7:14 – “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
📖 Matthew 1:23 – “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means ‘God with us’).” - Born in Bethlehem
📖 Micah 5:2 – “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
📖 Matthew 2:1 – “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem.” - A suffering servant who would bear our sins
📖 Isaiah 53:5-7 – “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
The probability of one person fulfilling even a fraction of these prophecies is beyond astronomical—yet Jesus fulfilled them all.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die?
What Is Sin, Why Does It Exist, and What About Free Will?
Sin is anything that goes against the will and holiness of God. It began in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, introducing sin into the world (Genesis 3). But why did they disobey? The answer lies in free will—the ability God gave humanity to choose between good and evil. God did not create robots who would be forced to love and obey Him. Instead, He created us with the freedom to choose.
Love cannot be genuine without free will. If we were forced to obey God without choice, it would not be true love or worship. Unfortunately, with free will also comes the possibility of sin—choosing our own way instead of God’s. Adam and Eve’s choice to eat from the forbidden tree resulted in separation from God, which continues to affect all of humanity.
📖 Deuteronomy 30:19 – “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”
While sin carries consequences, God, in His love and mercy, made a way for us to be reconciled to Him through Jesus Christ.
📖 Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Because God is perfectly just, He cannot ignore sin. Sin carries consequences, and the ultimate consequence is separation from Him. But God, in His love and mercy, made a way for us to be reconciled to Him.
Jesus’ Sacrifice: The Answer to Sin
God’s plan for salvation wasn’t an afterthought—it was His plan from the beginning. From the moment sin entered the world, God promised a Redeemer who would defeat sin and restore humanity.
📖 John 3:16 – “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.”
Jesus—God in the flesh—came to earth with one purpose: to pay the price for our sins. No human effort could undo the curse of sin, so Jesus took our place. His death on the cross satisfied God’s justice, and His resurrection proved His victory over sin and death.
📖 Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Sin is the reason Jesus had to come to earth, and His sacrifice is the bridge that brings us back to God. It is not about earning salvation through good deeds but accepting the gift of grace that Jesus freely offers. Jesus’ mission was not only to teach truth but to redeem humanity from sin.
📖 Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Sin separates us from God, and the consequence is spiritual death. But because God is both just and loving, He provided a way for redemption through Jesus Christ.
📖 John 3:16 – “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.”
Jesus willingly died on the cross, paying the price for our sins, and His resurrection proved His victory over death.
📖 Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
How Should We Respond to Jesus?
If Jesus really is who He says He is, then we must respond.
📖 Romans 10:9 – “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.”
Three Possible Responses:
1️⃣ Reject Him – Many people deny Jesus, just as they did in His time.
2️⃣ Ignore Him – Some acknowledge Jesus but live as if He is irrelevant.
3️⃣ Follow Him – Accept Him as Lord and Savior, choosing to walk in faith.
Final Thoughts
Who is Jesus? He is the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Savior of the world. Through biblical accounts, historical records, and fulfilled prophecy, we can see that Jesus is not only real but the only way to salvation.
📖 Acts 4:12 – “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Watch or Listen
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 135, we explore who is Jesus? Explore His identity, historical evidence, and mission as the Messiah. Discover the truth about Jesus and why He is the only way to salvation.
Resources
➡ Follow The Radiant Mission on Instagram
➡ Follow The Radiant Mission on Facebook
➡ Subscribe to The Radiant Mission on YouTube
➡ Support the Podcast
➡ Leave a Review
Thank You for Joining Us!
Listen to the full episode:
🎧 The Radiant Mission Podcast
🎧 Apple Podcasts
🎧 Spotify
🎧 More listening options
Thank you for being on this mission with us! 😊
