Did Jesus Believe He Was God? - Unpacking the Question Behind the Question

The question "Did Jesus believe he was God?" has been a central point of debate among scholars, theologians, and believers for centuries. This inquiry, however, is often encapsulated within a broader framework that presupposes a definite answer. In essence, it "begs the question" by assuming a premise that has not been established.

If Jesus Was God, Did He Believe It?

If Jesus was indeed God, then his belief in himself might be considered secondary. After all, if it is God who believes, then any belief or lack thereof is merely reaffirming divine truth. Conversely, if Jesus did not believe he was God, it would suggest a severe lack of self-awareness or, perhaps, delusion.

From a theological standpoint, if Jesus claimed to be God and his claims were true, there would be no need to question his belief. The Bible, as a record of divine revelation, would affirm these claims. This reality underscores the importance of bearing in mind that everything Jesus said and did was rooted in the Old Testament prophecies and scriptures.

Scriptural Context and Timothy's Reflection

The apostle Timothy's words in 1 Timothy 6:13-16 emphasize the importance of maintaining one's faith without stain or blemish until the manifestation of Christ's return.

I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ's appearing, which He will manifest in His own time. He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

Timothy's reflection highlights the sacred nature of God, emphasizing that He is unseen and inaccessible to human beings. This divine inaccessibility even applies to a man like Moses, who only glimpsed a fleeting vision of God's glory.

Exodus and the Glory of God

In Exodus 33:18-23, Moses' plea to see the glory of God reveals the sovereign nature of the divine. God's response is unequivocal: no human can see Him and live. He instructs Moses to stand on a rock and embrace divine grace while partially shielding him from the full glory of God:

Moses said, 'Please show me your glory.' 19 And he said, 'I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you my name 'The Lord.' And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. 20 But,' he said, 'you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live. 21 And the Lord said, 'Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, 22 and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take away my hand and you shall see my back but my face shall not be seen.'

Despite this profound encounter, seeing God's face still remained impossible. This divinely appointed inability to see God highlights the endless nature of divine power and holiness, a concept that is central to Christian theology. Thus, any claim of Jesus being God is further challenged by the strict and unifying stance of the Old Testament.

The Role of Paul and New Religious Movements

It is worth noting the role of apostles like Paul in the early Christian movement. Paul's narratives often shaped the emerging Christian doctrine and identity, but this does not necessarily mean that Jesus himself believed in these concepts in a way that would contradict his original message. The church's development post-Jesus involved interpretation and expansion of his teachings.

There are frequent attempts to reconcile the biblical accounts with diverse theological perspectives, leading to various interpretations and even the formation of new religious movements. However, the core question remains: does belief in Jesus entail belief in Jesus as God, or is it possible to maintain a human-centered Christology?

Conclusion

The question "Did Jesus believe he was God?" is complex and multifaceted. It is vital to examine the scriptural context and maintain a balanced view. Just because the apostle Paul and early Christian theology adopt certain beliefs does not mean that Jesus himself harbored similar views. The Old Testament consistently portrays the divine nature as unapproachable and inaccessible to human observation.

Thus, whether Jesus was God or believed he was God cannot be conclusively answered based on the texts themselves. Theologians and scholars continue to debate these questions, enriching our understanding of the divine and human interaction in the Bible.