Central Question: Who Is Jesus?
- The question is not merely academic
- Lives are surrendered to Jesus, so his identity is essential
- Scripture clearly teaches Jesus is divine and truly God
- The teaching is widespread across Scripture, not isolated to a few texts

Jesus’ Claims About Himself
- Jesus made claims no other major religious leaders made
- He claimed oneness and equality with the Father
- His hearers understood these claims as making himself God
- He claimed pre-existence before Abraham
- Only two options are implied: eternal existence or created origin

Jesus’ Authority in Teaching
- He taught with unmatched authority, not like ordinary teachers
- His words were presented as enduring and final
- He spoke as the judge who will render final verdict on the last day
- He demanded obedience to his words as Lord

Jesus’ Acceptance of Worship
- Worship belongs to God alone throughout Scripture
- Angels and apostles refused worship when offered to them
- Jesus repeatedly received worship and never rejected it
- People worshiped Jesus after healings and displays of power
- Angels are depicted as worshiping Jesus
- Thomas addressed Jesus as Lord and God, and Jesus accepted it
- Jesus receives the same honor and worship as God on the throne

Worship Practices That Assume Jesus’ Deity
- Prayer is offered in Jesus’ name
- Baptism is done in Jesus’ name
- Songs and praise ascribe divine honor to Jesus
- The Lord’s Supper centers on Jesus and honors him

Jesus’ Works That Reveal His Deity
- He forgave sins, a divine prerogative
- He proved authority to forgive by healing
- He claimed to be the exclusive way to the Father
- He knew what was in people’s hearts
- He commanded nature, and it obeyed immediately
- He cast out demons, showing power over Satan

The Gospel Witness: Key Teachings About Jesus
- Jesus’ birth is tied to God being present with humanity
- Jesus is presented as eternal, with God, and fully God
- All creation is attributed to Jesus as creator and goal
- Jesus’ incarnation is described as humility and condescension
- Old Testament language for Yahweh is applied to Jesus
- The Father addresses the Son with divine titles
- Jesus is described as unchanging and eternal

Why This Matters: Essential Implications
- This is foundational, not optional or merely academic
- If Jesus is not God, worship offered to him becomes idolatry
- If Jesus is not God, Scripture becomes misleading about God’s identity
- If Jesus is not God, he cannot be a sufficient mediator between God and humanity
- If Jesus is not God, his claims imply deception rather than truth

Personal Response to Jesus
- Believe Jesus’ claims about himself
- Trust the works that confirm who he is
- Confess the truth about Jesus
- Turn from sin in repentance
- Be baptized for forgiveness of sins
- Enter a restored relationship with God through Jesus Christ