Did Jesus consider himself to be equal with God?

Did Jesus consider himself to be equal with God?

• A. Not stated
• B. It is unclear
• C. True
• D. False

Answer: (C)

Jesus’ own self-understanding of who he is centers on his equality with God. In the Gospel accounts, he makes clear claims that signal unity with the Father—I and the Father are one (John 10:30)—and he uses the divine name in John 8:58, saying, “Before Abraham was born, I am.” He accepts worship (as when others worship him) and exercises authority that belongs to God alone, such as forgiving sins (Mark 2:5–7) and giving eternal life (John 10:28–30). These moments show that Jesus viewed himself as sharing the same divine nature as God rather than merely being a human teacher or messenger. The broader Christian teaching of the Trinity explains this as Jesus, the Son, being fully God, equal in essence with the Father, while also taking on humanity in the Incarnation. So, the best understanding is that he did consider himself equal with God.

Jesus’ own self-understanding of who he is centers on his equality with God. In the Gospel accounts, he makes clear claims that signal unity with the Father—I and the Father are one (John 10:30)—and he uses the divine name in John 8:58, saying, “Before Abraham was born, I am.” He accepts worship (as when others worship him) and exercises authority that belongs to God alone, such as forgiving sins (Mark 2:5–7) and giving eternal life (John 10:28–30). These moments show that Jesus viewed himself as sharing the same divine nature as God rather than merely being a human teacher or messenger. The broader Christian teaching of the Trinity explains this as Jesus, the Son, being fully God, equal in essence with the Father, while also taking on humanity in the Incarnation. So, the best understanding is that he did consider himself equal with God.