Jesus made direct claims to be God.1

• Jesus responded affirmatively to the Jewish High Priest’s question whether He was the Son of God, which is why they wanted to kill Him for charges of blasphemy. Also, in the same account, Jesus claimed to be the ‘Son of Man’, which was a reference to an Old Testament Messianic prophecy in the book of Daniel 7:13-15.

  • But He kept silent and did not answer anything. Again the high priest questioned Him, "Are You the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?" "I am," said Jesus, "and all of you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven ." Then the high priest tore his robes and said, "Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy! What is your decision?" And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death. (Mark 14:61-64 CSB)

• When Jesus responded to certain Jews, He made a claim about His identity, taking the same name that God told Moses at the burning bush - I Am (Exodus 3:14). He was obviously claiming to be God, since the Jews picked up stones to stone Him for what they deemend to be blasphemy.

  • The Jews replied, "You aren't 50 years old yet, and You've seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "I assure you: Before Abraham was, I am." At that, they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple complex. (John 8:57-59 CSB, emphasis added)

• Another time when Jesus claimed to be one with God is when He said the following: – The Father and I are one."  (John 10:30 CSB)

Jesus made references to the Old Testament indicating He is God.1

• Jesus made statements about Himself that aligned with descriptions of God in the Old Testament, including Judge, Savior, Good Shepherd, Light of the World, etc.1 Below is one example – the reference to being the Light.

  • Old Testament: The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom should I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1 CSB emphasis added)

  • New Testament: Then Jesus spoke to them again: "I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life."   (John 8:12 CSB emphasis added)

Jesus performed actions only God would do.1

• According to the Gospel of John, Jesus created everything that has been created, clearly showing that He is God, NOT a created being.

  • All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. (John 1:3 CSB)

• Jesus accepted worship, which should only be directed to God (even Jesus says this to Satan in one of His responses – see Luke 4:8). Jesus never corrected those who worshiped Him.

  • Then those in the boat worshiped Him and said, "Truly You are the Son of God!" (Matthew 14:33 CSB emphasis added)

  • Just then Jesus met them and said, "Good morning!" They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. (Matthew 28:9 CSB emphasis added)

• Jesus forgave sins, an action only God can do. The Jewish leaders recognized the implications of this action and saif Jesus was blaslpheming, claiming to be God.

  • Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." But some of the scribes were sitting there, thinking to themselves: Why does He speak like this? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" (Mark 2:5-7 CSB emphasis added)

• Jesus gave a new commandment, which only God can do.

  • "I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. (John 13:34 CSB)

• Jesus requested prayer in His name, which should only be directed to God.

  • Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14:13-14 CSB)

Jesus’ followers claimed He was God.

• In John’s Gospel, he described the ‘Word’ as God and identified the ‘Word’ as Jesus (became flesh).

  • In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. …The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1, 14 CSB emphasis added)

• The Apostle Peter and the Apostle Paul, also identified Jesus as God in their writings.

  • Simeon Peter, a slave and an apostle of Jesus Christ: To those who have obtained a faith of equal privilege with ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:1 CSB emphasis added)

  • while we wait for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:13 CSB emphasis added)