Jesus of Nazareth - Not Just a Good Man

If one discusses Jesus with a Jew, he is likely to hear that Jesus was a good man but not the Messiah.

Even atheists grant that He was a good man. Have you ever heard anyone make this type of statement?

Ironically, the only source for knowing the character of Jesus is the New Testament. One can prove His existence but cannot know His character apart from the New Testament. If the New Testament is accurate, then it is NOT possible to believe He was only a good man.

Jesus claimed to come from heaven. “I am the living bread which came down from heaven…” (John 6:51a). Jesus claimed to come from the Father: “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” (John 6:38). He also claimed to be one with the Father: “I and my Father are one.” (John 10:30). It is estimated that Jesus referred to himself as the Son of God nearly 40 times; e.g., Matthew 16:16-17.

Jesus was proclaimed to be the Son of God even by demons, “And he cried out with a loud voice and said, ‘What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?’” (Mark 5:7a).

Jesus claimed to be the Messiah: “The woman said to Him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming (who is called Christ). When He comes, He will tell us all things.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am He.’” (John 4:25-26). He also claimed to be the Savior: “’For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them…’ “ (Luke 9:56a).

What would be the character of such a man who made such claims and drew multitudes of people if he was an imposter? Certainly “good” is not the term.

Jesus was more than just a good man. He is the Son of God.

David R. Kenney - 03/10/2003

"Have You Heard" articles posted with permission.

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