Sunday Sermon: Why Jesus Is God
by Minister Denise N. Fyffe
God is the supreme, all-powerful being. He is the first, the last, and everything in between. He is the commander of heaven’s armies, the creator of all things. He is the Alpha and the Omega.
When I became a Christian, I was taught simply that there was one God, and I understood Him to be a singular being. As the years passed, my understanding deepened. Moving from a Pentecostal church to the Church of God, I was taught more about the Trinity—with the clear reinforcement that there is still one God.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus is God? Have you wrestled with questions about the Holy Trinity, Heaven, and how divine order came to be? I had similar questions as a young believer, and perhaps you do too. On a topic of such magnitude, we must rely on the Bible—not human opinion—so that we are not led astray.
Let us now explore why Jesus is considered God, examining Scripture, doctrine, and the evidence of His divine identity.
1. Biblical Affirmation: Jesus Declared as God
The Bible is the ultimate authority for Christians, and it speaks clearly about the divinity of Jesus. In John 1:1 we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This verse establishes that Jesus, the Word, was not created but existed eternally with God and indeed was God Himself.
Later in John 1:14, the Word is said to have “become flesh and dwelt among us,” which reveals the incarnation—God taking on human form in Jesus Christ. This is not symbolic language but a direct declaration of His divine nature.
Paul reinforces this truth in Colossians 2:9, stating, “For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.” Jesus did not merely reflect God’s character; He embodied the fullness of God in human form. The writer of Hebrews also affirms this in Hebrews 1:3, describing Jesus as “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature.” These passages leave no room for doubt: Jesus is not a lesser being or a created messenger. He is God Himself revealed to humanity.
2. Self-Declaration: Jesus Claimed His Divinity
Jesus Himself made claims that directly identified Him as God. In John 10:30 He declared, “I and the Father are one.” The Jews who heard this understood it as a claim to deity and sought to stone Him for blasphemy, saying, “You, being a man, make yourself God” (John 10:33).
In John 8:58, Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I am.” This statement echoed the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, where God said, “I AM WHO I AM.” By using this phrase, Jesus was not simply speaking of pre-existence; He was identifying Himself with the eternal God.
The response of His disciples also confirms His divine identity. When Thomas encountered the risen Christ, he exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Jesus did not correct Thomas but affirmed his faith, saying, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Jesus accepted worship, forgave sins, and spoke with authority that only God possesses. His self-declaration was consistent and unwavering, and it became the foundation of Christian belief.
3. The Doctrine of the Trinity
The doctrine of the Trinity is central to understanding why Jesus is God. It teaches that there is one God who exists eternally in three co-equal Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is not a contradiction, but a divine mystery revealed in Scripture. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commanded His disciples to baptize “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Notice that He used the singular “name,” not “names,” which indicates unity within the Godhead.
We see the Trinity in action at Jesus’ baptism in Luke 3:21–22. As Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and the Father’s voice came from heaven saying, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Here, all three Persons are present and active, yet they are one God.
The Old Testament also foreshadows this truth. In Genesis 1:26, God says, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness,” hinting at plurality within the unity of God. The doctrine of the Trinity affirms that Jesus’ divinity is not separate from God but integral to the eternal nature of the one true God.
4. Prophetic Fulfillment and Divine Works
The prophets of old foretold the coming of a divine Messiah, and Jesus fulfilled these prophecies in ways that only God could. Isaiah 9:6 declares, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This prophecy points directly to Jesus, identifying Him as “Mighty God.”
Throughout His ministry, Jesus performed works that revealed His divine authority. He forgave sins, as seen in Mark 2:5–7, where the scribes questioned, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” He calmed storms with a word in Mark 4:39, demonstrating authority over creation itself. He raised the dead, most notably Lazarus in John 11, showing power over life and death.
He received worship from His disciples in Matthew 14:33 after walking on water and calming the sea. These are not the actions of a mere prophet or teacher. They are the works of God incarnate, fulfilling the prophecies and demonstrating His divine identity.
5. Why This Matters
The question of Jesus’ divinity is not merely theological—it is deeply practical and transformational. If Jesus is God, then His sacrifice on the cross carries infinite weight. Only God Himself could provide a sacrifice sufficient to atone for the sins of all humanity. His resurrection is not just a miracle but the ultimate victory over death, proving that eternal life is secured for all who believe in Him. His promises are not temporary or conditional; they are eternal and unshakable because they come from God Himself.
Understanding that Jesus is God changes how we live our faith. We are not following a wise teacher or a moral example; we are following the incarnate God who reigns forever. This truth anchors our faith, fuels our worship, and ignites our witness. It compels us to share the gospel boldly, to worship Him wholeheartedly, and to trust Him completely.
This earth is filled with doubt and competing philosophies, so the declaration that Jesus is God is both a shield and a sword. It protects us from false teaching and empowers us to proclaim the truth with confidence.
Be Encouraged
Beloved, let us stand firm on the Word of God. Jesus is not a lesser deity, nor a created being. He is the eternal Son, co-equal with the Father and the Spirit. He is God. Let this truth anchor your faith, fuel your worship, and ignite your witness. Share this message. Teach it. Live it. And let the world know: Jesus is God.
The Invitation
I invite you today to take a deep look and reflect on your life. Is God calling you to be baptized and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you been ignoring him? Have you been facing immense hardships and challenges? What can you do to take the first step and trust that he will help you to take the next step?
Be encouraged.
Be bold. Answer the Call.
In Jesus mighty name, Amen.
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About the writer:
Minister Denise N. Fyffe is a devoted Christian, author, and servant of God, whose life is guided by her faith and values. Since accepting Jesus Christ at a young age, she has made it her mission to share her journey and knowledge of the Bible with others. In addition to her passion for writing, Fyffe is actively involved in community outreach, Christian mentorship, and ministering the Word of God.
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