Who is Jesus? It is one of the most important questions anyone can ask about the most famous person in history. The name Jesus has inspired more books, songs, and works of art than any other person. Christians believe Jesus of Nazareth is the unique Son of God, the promised Messiah, fully God and fully man, the Savior of the world. To understand who Jesus is, it helps to begin with God’s creation and our need for a Savior.
God’s Creation
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, including humanity. The Bible says we were made in God’s image, designed for relationship with Him.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. – Genesis 1:27
Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. – Revelation 4:11
The Problem: Our Rebellion
But humanity turned away from God. The Bible calls this sin- choosing our own way instead of honoring the One who made us. Sin separates us from God and breaks the world He created.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. – Isaiah 53:6
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. – Romans 3:23
The Consequences of Sin
Sin is not just about making mistakes. It is turning away from God, and that damages our relationship with Him and with others. No amount of good deeds can undo that problem. The result is brokenness, suffering, and death.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. – 1 John 1:8
God’s Solution: Jesus Christ
Out of love, God made a way for us to be reconciled to Him. He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world. Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, taught about the kingdom of God, called people to turn away from sin, and lived a sinless life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8
The Sacrifice of Jesus
Jesus willingly went to the cross for our sins. As the Son of God, Jesus took the punishment we deserve and made a way for us to be forgiven and restored to God. His death shows the depth of God’s love and is at the heart of the Christian message. It also fulfills the Scriptures’ promise of a Messiah who would bear the sins of many.
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. – Mark 10:45
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. – Ephesians 1:7
The Resurrection of Jesus
On the third day after Jesus’ death, He rose from the dead, just as He had promised, defeating sin and death forever. His resurrection shows that He is the Son of God and gives hope of eternal life to everyone who trusts in Him. Jesus also promised that He would return one day to complete God’s plan and bring final judgment and restoration.
He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. – Matthew 28:6
and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,” – Luke 24:46
Our Response: The Importance of Who Jesus Is
Each person must decide who Jesus is and how to respond to Him. We can reject Jesus Christ and remain separated from God, or we can turn to Him in faith and receive forgiveness and new life.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. – John 3:18
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. – Romans 10:9
The Invitation
God invites you into a relationship with Jesus. If you want to turn back to God, you can begin by talking to Him honestly, asking Him to forgive your sins and trusting in Jesus Christ. Ask Him for forgiveness, choose to follow Him, and rely on His sacrifice for your new life.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” – John 11:25-26
Consider Jesus
Jesus Christ is not just a historical figure; He invites you into a real relationship with Him. Who do you say that Jesus is? Read the Gospels to learn more about His life. You can start with the Gospel of Mark, and consider talking with a trusted Christian friend or a local church as you think carefully about how you will respond.
If you turn to Him, you can discover the peace, hope, and purpose that many have found in a life with Jesus.
