Second Edition
Reflections on Some of the
Claims of Jesus of Nazareth
Scripture reading: “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:22-24).
Introductory Remarks
Many people, driven by a well-meaning political correctness, tend to view Jesus of Nazareth as one of many legitimate religious figures, rather than as the Lord of the Christian faith and the Creator of the world.
They see him as an exceptional leader, but merely one among many other great historical figures. This viewpoint amounts to a backhanded compliment and Christians are rightly perplexed by it. The truth is that almost everything we know about Jesus is found in the Bible and nowhere else. Yet, what we do know about him far surpasses any claim made by any other founder of any other religion, whether in the east or in the west.
Is Jesus Really a “Good Man”?
Is Jesus truly a 'good man'? Some non-Christian observers believe so. However, if we consider Jesus to be a good man, would we expect him to assert that he is equal to God? Alternatively, would it surprise us if his closest disciple and friend claimed that Jesus created everything that exists? These are precisely the things that Scripture claims about him:-
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. . .and the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth” (John 1:1-3, 14).
How can Jesus be considered a good man when one of his claims is to be the creator of the universe and all that exists, and he teaches this to his protégés and followers? Additionally, for Jesus to be deemed a good man, it is hard to reconcile the idea that he alone could bear the punishment for the sins of all people, both in this world and in eternity, on behalf of a holy and righteous God. If he did such a thing, what kind of man would he be? Normally, it would be impossible for any mortal, no matter how well-liked or respected, to take on the sins of trillions of people across billions of generations, into eternity.
However, this is precisely what the Bible teaches and what Christians of all nations and walks of life believe. John, a young man from Galilee and Jesus' closest disciple, wrote about this belief:-
“My little children, these things I write unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2).
As Christians, we do more than just admire and worship Jesus of Nazareth. We rely on him for purification, salvation, and acceptance in the eyes of Almighty God. Through him, we believe we are made holy and righteous.
So, how is this achieved? In the New Testament book of Acts, the first believers were instructed to be baptized in water as a symbol of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. The rising up from the water symbolizes Christ's rising from the dead. In this sacred act, the believer (who has also confessed to believing Christ is the Son of God) is bestowed with all the righteous graces of Christ's life, death, and saving work. However, can we realistically attribute such an esoteric and ablutionary role to a mere man, no matter how good he may be?
If, however, our beliefs are widely held but not true, then sincere Christians are woefully misled—and deceived. And if what we believe is false, then Jesus could not truly be considered a "good man"?
Jesus and the Hebrew People
To consider Jesus as a good human being, we wouldn't assume that he declared himself as a judge for anyone, whether it be you or me. Jesus' profession was that of a carpenter, where he crafted furniture such as chairs and tables, and perhaps even built structures like houses and barns. However, the concept of him being a judge and a king is quite surprising!
It is difficult to comprehend the idea that the Bible suggests Jesus was the judge and king of the Jews and Israelites. Moreover, it was this very claim that caused him trouble, as he was brought up before the senate and pontifical leaders of his time, the Second Jewish Commonwealth:
“And Jesus said unto the [Apostles], Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit upon the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold and shall inherit everlasting life” (Matthew 19:28-29).
The Scriptures depict Jesus making the promises mentioned above to his Apostles, which involved them presiding over the judgment of the seed of Abraham. However, the Apostles were a group of unschooled fishermen and a tax-collector from Galilee with strong accents. The idea that they could be judges of the world was a bold and audacious claim!
Jesus also asked men and women to be willing to sacrifice everything dear to them and follow him for the sake of his name. This request demonstrated the level of devotion and dedication he sought from his followers, and a recognition of the depth of his love for us. Considering these demands, it is fair to question whether Jesus is merely a good man?
A Story of Life After Death
Jesus not only demanded that men and women be prepared to let go of all earthly attachments and pleasures offered by this world, but he also went a step further and told scary stories that elicited feelings of fear, dread, and anxiety. In an era when a certain infamous group of the Second Commonwealth (the Sadducees) denied the existence of life after death, Jesus shared the following story:
“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and faired [lavishly] every day: and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s Bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in [pain], and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
And he cried and said, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am in [suffering] in this flame.” But Abraham said, “Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivest thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art in [pain].
And beside this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from [here] to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.”
Then he said, “I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: for I have five brothers; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of [suffering].”
Abraham saith unto him, “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.” And he said, “[No], father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.” And [Abraham] said unto him, “If they hear not Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead” (Luke 16:19-31).
What type of story is this? It is one that will keep you awake at night, staring into the darkness and questioning the state of your soul with God.
It will make you reconsider your values and religious beliefs, prompting you to search within yourself and wonder if you have ever wronged God in any shape or form. This story encourages contemplation of the individuals you may have neglected or mistreated, as well as those you may hold animosity towards.
However, does this narrative align with the teachings of a “good man?” Does the concept of eternal agony and separation from comfort after death seem like something to eagerly anticipate? Does the notion of being eternally trapped in a torturous landscape of fire and waterlessness for committing wrongdoings in this life seem excessively daunting, particularly when attributed to a kind individual like Jesus of Nazareth?
Jesus also said,
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both body and soul in hell” (Matthew 10:28).
Jesus did not hold back in his preaching, as can be observed. The impact of his teachings, sayings, and words is to prompt us to make God and His will the most important priority above all others.
Are Christians Narrow-minded?
Christians are often criticized by people of other religions for stating that "Jesus is the only way." Some people strongly disagree with this statement and argue that all ways are equal. However, when it comes to the idea of eternal salvation, some people may be uncomfortable with the concept of exclusivity that is associated with Jesus. Many attribute this idea to Christians, but in reality, it was Jesus himself who made this assertion in a straightforward manner. Listen to his words,
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man
cometh unto the Father; but by me” (John 14:6)
Do good men assert that they are the only pathway to God? This particular good man did! However, Jesus performed many remarkable acts in his brief lifetime which prompted Christians to believe that rejecting him is equivalent to committing the gravest mistake possible!
Let me clarify: Some people declare their love for the Almighty but balk at the notion of referring to Jesus as the "Son of God." They recoil, protest, and reject the idea of offering worship to Jesus Christ. They are unwilling to approach Jesus as God and bend their knees to him in humble adoration, unaware that all of God's angels have been instructed to do so! (Hebrews 1:6).
Some jest, “You take Jesus, I'll take God!” However Jesus said,
“For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which sent him” (John 5:22-23).
Due to the teachings of Christ and the Holy Apostles, Christians worship, serve, and honor Jesus of Nazareth with the same reverence and awe as that which is due to Almighty God alone, without any shame.
Did a “Good Man” Die and Rise Again?
Many people in the world today believe that Jesus was a good man and even a prophet of God, but nothing more. However, these same people reject the notion that Jesus was crucified on a Roman cross or that he was resurrected from the dead on the third day. But Jesus himself said,
“Fear not; I am the First and the Last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death” (Revelation 1:17-18).
As you can see, the claims made by Jesus go far beyond him simply professing to be an ordinary man with good and wise ideas and esoteric practices aimed at making life bearable. By asserting himself as the First and the Last, he is essentially claiming to be the creator of all things, taking the form of a servant:-
“And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me: and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me” (John 17:5-8).
In this passage, the Lord Jesus explicitly claims that he shared the glory of God before the world existed. He plainly states that he came from God and understood that, like God the Father, his words deserve to be
accepted by those who consider themselves to be his followers.
Is Jesus Better Than Angels?
Finally, we would like to note that there are individuals who falsely claim to be followers of Christ but dishonor the Bible's teachings about Jesus by believing that he is not a good man but rather a good angel. How should we respond to this? Our response is as follows:
“To which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, this day have I begotten thee”? And again, “I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son”?
To which of the angels did God ever say, “And let all the angels of God worship him”? And, Of the angels he saith,
“Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.”
But unto the Son he saith,
“Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God hath anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows” (Hebrews 1:5-9 cf. Colossians 1:16).
These Scriptures inform us that Jesus of Nazareth is not just a good man or an angel, but God from God. He should be worshipped by angels, which is not the case for any angel. He is referred to as God by God, which is not something that any angel is called. In addition, God proclaimed that Jesus is a God with an everlasting throne, which makes him truly God and not just a powerful secondary created being.
Is Jesus a good man? Could this supposed "good man" have existed in glory at the beginning with God? Could he also be God at the same time? Could he bear the sins of the entire world and the wrongdoings of many generations? Is it possible for him to act as a mediator between God and humans?
Can this "good man" also be the king and judge of the Jewish people and would such a man share terrifying stories regarding irreversible judgment after death, suffering, and adversity?
Should Jesus be given credence when he claimed that he was from God, so is he still "good"? Jesus also claimed that he died but was resurrected, is this true?
And if he didn't rise from the dead, is he still considered a "good man"? According to the Scriptures, all of God's angels were commanded to worship Jesus. However, if Jesus was just a "good man" or an angel, why would he be worshiped in heaven? The Bible has a high regard for Jesus of Nazareth, but some people either don't understand or refuse to accept this.
On one hand many believe that Jesus was just an ordinary man or a great teacher only for Christians. Some even believe that he was a prophet among other great figures like Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Zoroaster, Confucius, and Mohammad.
On the other hand, it has been shown that according to the Bible and Jesus' claims, he is more than just a "good man," an exceptional human or a very holy prophet. The Scriptures reveal him to be no less than God: the eternal Son of the Father. If these claims are denied, then what do we really know about Jesus? Regardless, we must conclude that Jesus of Nazareth is certainly not just a "good man."
Glory to the Lamb
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