Who Is Jesus According to the Bible?
Who Is Jesus According to the Bible?
Discover who Jesus is according to the Bible, exploring His identity as the Son of God, Messiah, and Savior. Learn what He taught about Himself and why understanding Jesus is vital for our faith.
For over 2,000 years, people have grappled with the question: Who is Jesus? To some, He’s a moral teacher or a prophet. To others, He’s a revolutionary figure who changed history. But according to the Bible, Jesus is much more than that. He’s the Son of God, the promised Messiah, and the Savior of the world. Understanding who Jesus is—His identity, purpose, and teachings—is foundational to the Christian faith and has eternal implications for each of us.
In this article, we’ll explore the identity of Jesus as revealed in Scripture, look at what Jesus said about Himself, and explain why knowing who Jesus is matters so much. Whether you’re a lifelong believer or someone curious about the Christian faith, this exploration will help deepen your understanding of who Jesus is and why He is central to everything.
Jesus’ Identity in the Bible
When we ask, “Who is Jesus?”, we have to turn to the primary source: the Bible. The Scriptures paint a multifaceted picture of Jesus, emphasizing His divine and human nature, His role in God’s redemptive plan, and His authority over all things.
Jesus as the Son of God
One of the most defining aspects of Jesus’ identity in the Bible is His title as the “Son of God.” This term signifies a unique relationship with God the Father, distinct from all other human beings. In Matthew 3:17 (NIV), when Jesus is baptized, God’s voice from heaven declares, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” This declaration sets Jesus apart, affirming His divine nature and eternal relationship with the Father.
Additionally, John 1:1–2 (NIV) 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.” John identifies Jesus as the “Word” (Greek: Logos)—the preexistent Son who was with God and was God. This affirms Jesus’ divinity and His active role in creation.
Jesus as the Messiah
The Bible also presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, or “Anointed One.” In the Old Testament, God promised to send a deliverer who would save His people and establish an eternal kingdom (Isaiah 9:6–7). The New Testament reveals that Jesus is the fulfillment of those Messianic prophecies.
For example, in John 4:25-26 (NIV), Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well, who mentions her expectation of the coming Messiah. Jesus responds, “I, the one speaking to you—I am He.” This is one of several instances where Jesus openly identified Himself as the Messiah.
Jesus as the Savior of the World
Beyond being the Son of God and the Messiah, the Bible presents Jesus as the Savior. His primary mission was to redeem humanity from sin and restore us to a right relationship with God. John 3:16 (NIV) encapsulates this message: “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.”
By living a sinless life, dying on the cross, and rising again, Jesus accomplished what no other could—He paid the penalty for our sins and conquered death. His role as Savior is central to His identity, making Him the only way to eternal life in Heaven (John 14:6).
What Does Jesus Teach About Himself?
Jesus was not vague or ambiguous about who He was. Throughout the Gospels, He made several profound statements that reveal His true nature and purpose. Understanding these declarations helps us answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”, more clearly.
“I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6)
When speaking to His disciples, Jesus made one of the most exclusive and definitive claims about His divine nature and role as the mediator between God and humanity. He said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, NIV). This statement sets Jesus apart from every other religious figure, prophet, or moral teacher.
In these words, Jesus doesn’t just present Himself as a way to God—He identifies Himself as the only way. This claim asserts His unique authority and divinity, as well as His role as the exclusive path to reconciliation with God. The phrase, “No one comes to the Father except through me,” emphasizes that access to God is impossible without going through Jesus. This truth is foundational to the Christian faith because it highlights that Jesus is not merely a spiritual guide; He is the source of salvation and the only bridge between humanity and God.
In this statement, Jesus uses the definitive article “the” multiple times: the way, the truth, and the life. Each of these terms points to an essential attribute of Jesus that no one else can claim:
The Way: Jesus is the pathway to God. There is no other road that leads to eternal life or to fellowship with the Father.
The Truth: Jesus embodies the truth of God. He doesn’t just speak the truth or point to the truth; He is the truth in its fullest expression.
The Life: Jesus offers eternal life. Without Him, there is only death and separation from God.
In saying, “No one comes to the Father except through me,” Jesus is making an exclusive claim about His divine nature. Only God Himself could be the singular way to God. This is an explicit confirmation of His identity as both God and the Savior of the world. He is not a secondary figure pointing us to God; He is God incarnate, the very embodiment of the path to salvation.
“I Am the Light of the World” (John 8:12)
In another statement, Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Here, Jesus positions Himself as the source of spiritual illumination and guidance. Without Him, we are lost and blind to the truth. The imagery of light and darkness highlights the stark contrast between a life lived in the light of Christ and a life lived apart from Him.
This declaration also points back to Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah who would be a “light to the nations” (Isaiah 49:6, NIV). By calling Himself the “light of the world,” Jesus not only asserts His role as a guide to all people but also fulfills the Messianic expectation that He would bring salvation to both Jews and Gentiles.
“I Am the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25)
Before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus tells Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” This statement not only affirms Jesus’ power over death but also His role in granting eternal life to all who trust in Him. By identifying Himself as the resurrection, Jesus is making a profound claim that eternal life is found in Him alone. This is not just a theological concept; it’s a personal promise to every believer that death is not the end for those who are in Christ.
These declarations are not the words of a mere teacher or prophet. They are the claims of someone who knew He was God incarnate and the only path to salvation. Jesus didn’t just teach about God—He revealed God in Himself.
Titles of Jesus: Son of God, Messiah, and Lord
The Bible uses numerous titles to describe Jesus, each highlighting a different aspect of His identity and mission. Let’s look at a few of the most significant ones.
Jesus, Son of God
As we discussed, “Son of God” emphasizes Jesus’ divinity and unique relationship with the Father. It also affirms that Jesus is co-equal and co-eternal with God. This title is not just about Jesus’ status but also about His nature—He is God in human form.
Jesus, Messiah (Christ)
The word Messiah comes from the Hebrew word Mashiach, meaning “Anointed One.” The Greek equivalent is Christos, from which we get the title “Christ.” Calling Jesus Messiah or Christ affirms that He is the promised deliverer spoken of in the Old Testament, the one who came to save His people and establish God’s kingdom.
Jesus, Lord
The title “Lord” (Kyrios in Greek) signifies Jesus’ authority and sovereignty. It is used in the New Testament to express His divinity and His rightful place as ruler over all creation. In Philippians 2:10-11 (NIV), Paul writes that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” This title points to Jesus as not only our Savior but also our King.
Why Knowing Who Jesus Is Matters
Understanding who Jesus is according to the Bible isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s a life-changing truth that affects every aspect of our existence. Jesus’ identity as the Son of God, Messiah, and Lord has profound implications for our beliefs, our relationship with God, and our eternal destiny. So, why does it matter to know who Jesus truly is?
1. Eternal Life Depends on Knowing Jesus
In John 17:3 (NIV), Jesus prayed, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” Eternal life, according to Jesus, is not merely about living forever; it’s about having a relationship with God, which is only possible through knowing Jesus. To know Jesus is to know God because Jesus is God in the flesh (John 1:14). This means that the question “Who is Jesus?” is not just about historical knowledge—it’s about our eternal state. Our response to who Jesus is determines our destiny.
2. Jesus Is the Only Way to God
As we explored earlier, Jesus boldly stated, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, NIV). This statement is often considered exclusive and controversial, but it is foundational to understanding Jesus’ role in salvation. It means that apart from Jesus, there is no reconciliation with God. No amount of good works, religious rituals, or spiritual experiences can bridge the gap between humanity and God. Only through Jesus—who took on our sins and died in our place—can we have peace with God.
3. Knowing Jesus Transforms Our Lives
When we truly know who Jesus is, it changes everything. Jesus didn’t come merely to inform us about God; He came to transform our hearts, renew our minds, and shape us into His likeness. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV), Paul writes, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Knowing Jesus means we are no longer defined by our past, our failures, or our sins. We are given a new identity in Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life that reflects His love, grace, and truth.
4. Understanding Jesus Helps Us Share the Gospel
As believers, we are called to share the good news of Jesus with others (Matthew 28:19-20). But to effectively share the gospel, we must first understand who Jesus is. Knowing that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah, and the only Savior of the world enables us to communicate the message of salvation with clarity and conviction. When we have a firm grasp of Jesus’ identity and His role in God’s plan of redemption, we can answer questions, address doubts, and point people to the truth of who Jesus is according to the Bible.
5. Jesus Is Our Example and Lord
In addition to being our Savior, Jesus is also our example and Lord. Throughout His earthly ministry, He demonstrated what it means to live a life fully surrendered to God’s will. He showed compassion, humility, and obedience—even unto death on a cross (Philippians 2:8, NIV). Knowing who Jesus is helps us follow Him more closely, imitating His character and seeking to align our lives with His teachings.
When we call Jesus “Lord,” we are acknowledging His authority over every area of our lives. This means that understanding who Jesus is isn’t just about believing certain facts—it’s about submitting to His lordship and allowing Him to shape our thoughts, actions, and priorities.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Fullness of Jesus’ Identity
Who is Jesus according to the Bible? He is the Son of God, the promised Messiah, and the Savior of the world. He is the light in our darkness, the way to eternal life, and the Lord of all creation. But more than that, He desires to have a personal relationship with each of us. Understanding Jesus’ identity is not just about head knowledge—it’s about heart transformation. It’s about seeing Him for who He truly is and responding in faith, worship, and obedience.
As C.S. Lewis famously wrote, we cannot merely see Jesus as a great teacher or moral leader. He did not leave that option open to us. Jesus claimed to be God, the only way to salvation, and the source of eternal life. He is either who He says He is—the Lord—or He is not. Each of us must decide how we will respond to Jesus’ claim: Will we accept Him as our Savior and Lord, or will we reject Him?
If you’ve never come to a place of personally accepting Jesus, I encourage you to take that step today. Read the Gospels, pray, and ask God to reveal His Son to you. For those who already know Jesus, let’s continue growing in our understanding of who He is and sharing this life-changing truth with the world.
A Prayer to Know and Embrace Jesus More Deeply
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Yourself to us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending Him to be our Savior, our Messiah, and our Lord. Help us to know Jesus more deeply and to understand who He truly is according to Your Word. Give us the grace to follow Him more closely and to share His love and truth with others. May our lives reflect His character, and may we always stand firm in the knowledge that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. In His precious name, we pray. Amen.
By exploring who Jesus is according to the Bible, we gain a clearer understanding of our faith, our salvation, and our purpose. Jesus is not just a figure of history or a religious symbol—He is the living, reigning Lord who calls each of us to know Him personally. May we continually seek to know Jesus, love Him, and share His name with the world.