Jesus - More Than Mere Man

Among the many objections to Christianity, one of the most unfounded is this: “Jesus was just a man.” Some see Him as a wise teacher, a moral leader, or even a revolutionary—but nothing more. The idea that Jesus was divine, the Son of God, is often dismissed as a later invention by the early church. 

But is that what the evidence really shows? 

If Jesus was merely a man, then Christianity collapses. But if He was who He claimed to be—God in the flesh—then everything changes. Let’s explore why the claim of Jesus’ divinity is not only credible but compelling. 

1. Jesus Claimed to Be God 

Some argue that Jesus never claimed to be divine. But a closer look at the Gospels tells a different story. In John 10:30, Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.” In John 8:58, He declared, “Before Abraham was born, I am”—a direct reference to the divine name God used in Exodus 3:14. 

His audience understood exactly what He meant. They picked up stones to kill Him for blasphemy. Jesus didn’t just claim to speak for God—He claimed to be God. 

2. Jesus Backed Up His Claims with Miracles 

Claims are easy to make. But Jesus backed up His words with actions. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, calmed storms, and even raised the dead. These weren’t parlor tricks—they were signs of divine authority. 

Even His enemies didn’t deny His miracles. Instead, they tried to explain them away or accuse Him of using demonic power (Mark 3:22). But the sheer volume and variety of His miracles point to something far greater than human ability. 

3. Jesus Fulfilled Ancient Prophecies 

Long before Jesus was born, the Old Testament foretold the coming of a Messiah—one who would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), suffer for our sins (Isaiah 53), and rise again (Psalm 16:10). 

Jesus fulfilled over 300 prophecies, many of which were beyond His human control. The odds of one person fulfilling even a handful of these by chance are astronomical. This isn’t coincidence—it’s confirmation. 

4. The Resurrection Proves His Divinity 

The ultimate proof of Jesus’ identity is the resurrection. If Jesus stayed in the tomb, then He was just another religious leader who died. But if He rose from the dead—as the historical evidence strongly supports—then He is exactly who He claimed to be. 

The resurrection is not a myth. It’s the best explanation for the empty tomb, the transformation of the disciples, and the explosive growth of the early church. 

A Final Thought 

If Jesus was just a man, then He was either deluded or deceptive. But if He was telling the truth—and the evidence says He was—then He is Lord. 

The question isn’t just “Who was Jesus?” It’s “Who is Jesus to you?” 

Because if Jesus is God—and He is—then your response to Him is the most important decision you’ll ever make. 

Want to know how to begin a relationship with Jesus? Get access to our free e-book “My Relationship with God,” here.

 (Editor's Note: This article was first posted on Dr. McFarland's website HERE.)