Christians can’t believe that the God who created this vast universe really entered their own creation as the son of a carpenter in a common place in the Roman Empire, almost two thousand years ago, right?Of course, Christians only make a theological statement when they speak of Christ’s divinity, right?You cannot believe that Jesus is really the God-man, the Creator in the midst of his own creation, can they?
Surprisingly, these are exactly the beliefs that Christians affirm. Furthermore, we sincerely believe that this is the only consistent way to read the writings of his disciples. In fact, Jesus’ own words, read in the context of first century Judaism, make it clear that he saw himself descending from heaven as the very Son of God. One of these indications can be taken from the gospel generally considered to be the oldest, the gospel of Mark. When Jesus was tried before the Jewish Sanhedrin, he was solemnly asked, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the blessed God?” -Powerful and coming with the clouds of heaven? (Mark 14, 61 – 62). Modern readers may miss the meaning of Jesus’ words, but his listeners certainly do not. They knew that he was quoting two very well-known and significant passages from the Hebrew Scriptures, Psalm 110. 1 and Daniel 7. 13, the latter representing a divine figure who has followers who worship him. The response was quick: “Why do we need more witnesses? You have heard blasphemies; What you think? And did everyone think he was on death row? (Mk 14: 63-64). Those who heard your words knew what they meant.
- At the beginning of his ministry.
- After performing a miraculous cure.
- Jesus made a similar statement that also resulted in the accusation of blasphemy.
- In the Gospel of John.
- Jesus defended the healing of a man on a Sabbath.
- Saying.
- “My Father works so far.
- And so do I?(Jn 5:17).
- Here Jesus appeals to the fact that God works on a Sabbath.
- Sustaining the universe.
- He only called God his own Father and claimed the same prerogative.
- And again.
- His listeners understood the importance of his words: “As a result.
- The Jews sought even more to kill him.
- Because he not only violated the Sabbath.
- But also said that God was his own Father.
- Being equal to God?(v.
- 18).
- The Jews did not seek to kill him simply because they were confused or proud; they understood his words as blasphemy.
- The punishment of which was death; Jesus did not correct them.
- But began a long discussion about his perfect harmony with the Father.
Of course, Jesus also claimed authority over his own death, illustrated not only by the fact that he publicly resurrected a man named Lazarus from death before his enemies (chapter 11), but also for his claim that he would give his life. I would find him again (10:17-18), a promise he fulfilled when he rose from the dead after the crucifixion. It is always wise to consider the words of someone who not only foretells his death (what many sages have done over the centuries), but also someone who also says he will find his life and rise from the dead (only Jesus foretold and realized). The empty tomb is a silent testimony of the truthfulness of Jesus’ affirmations.
Therefore, it is not surprising that Jesus’ original disciples, the Apostles, said phrases such as “Our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ?(Titus 2. 13; 2Pi 1. 1) and The Lord of Glory? (1Co 2. 8) along its epistles. The Apostle Paul included Jesus in an enlarged version of the ancient Jewish prayer known as Shema, identifying him with the God of Israel (1C 8. 6), just as others made the same statement (Jn 12:41; Heb 1: 10-12). . The sublime language they used to describe Jesus could never have been used in relation to a simple man. No, do you unequivocally believe that Jesus was man-God?truly man and yet truly God.
Obviously, if the Creator has invaded his own creation, we cannot hide from his claims on us, we cannot be neutral with regard to Jesus, he calls everyone, everywhere, to repent, to believe and to bow their knees before him. worthy of our praise and faithfulness.