Quick Reads #1 – Who is Jesus

by James

While this can be a big subject it can also be quick and easy. So, in the first of the ‘Quick Reads’ we will look at some key Scripture to discover who JESUS is. The first is from the one who announced Him, the Prophet Isaiah. His first obvious citing is in chapter seven when he met with King Ahaz. So, the LORD himself shall give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name, Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14) In Mathew’s Gospel we read:

Immanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:23)

In his ninth chapter, Isaiah now shows who the son really is: For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Here Isaiah reveals these important names and titles. These reveal that Jesus is Almighty God, the Existing One; the very same description of Himself He gave to Moses, and to the Pharisees:

I AM.

During His ministry, Jesus made little mention of these things. But He did give us a few clues as to His identity; the first with the woman at the well. The woman said to Him, I know that Messiah is coming, who is called the Christ. When He has come He will tell us all things. Jesus said to her I am the one, speaking to you. (John 4:25-6)

Later, when in conversation with the Apostle Philip, the matter arose concerning the Father. Philip said to Him, Lord, show us the Father and it is enough for us. Jesus said to him, have I been with you such a long time and yet you have not known me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father. (John 14:9) In Acts 2:36, Peter declared,,,,

Jesus is both LORD and Christ.

Paul also, made numerous statements about the LORDSHIP of Jesus. And like Peter, James and John, who witnessed Jesus transformed, he knew precisely who Jesus was. Your throne O God is forever and ever. (Hebrews 1:8) Paul closes Hebrews with: Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) And when, Thomas repented seeing the risen Christ he confessed:

My LORD and my God. (John 20:28)

John’s Gospel is not part of the synoptic trio, which essentially document Christ’s ministry. John instead wrote of the LORD among us, which we also see opening his first letter. That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled…

Yet, at the start of his Gospel there is no mistake who John is writing about. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being. (John 1:1-3)

We learn that Jesus is in fact the Word of God in Revelations 19:13. And as we learn in Genesis, it was God’s Spirit that created the heavens and the earth. John confirms Jesus is indeed the Creating Spirit, as did Jesus when He said; I and Father are one. (John 10:30)

The Great Commandment in Mark’s Gospel confirms the Command of Moses that; the LORD God is one LORD. (Deut 6:4; Mk 12:29) JESUS is the One LORD it speaks of. As Paul wrote: He in His own time will reveal who is the blessed and only potentate, KING of kings and LORD of Lords, who alone has immortality… (1Ti 6:15-16)

In light of this, all that remains is for us to give fitting and proper honour, praise and glory, by leaving the final word on this matter to JESUS Himself.