Jesus Christ Our Questions Answered

     "Who are the crowds saying that I am?" -Luke 9:18.



JESUS asked his disciples that question because he knew that people had varying  opinions about him. Yet, there was no valid reason for confusion.   Jesus was not a recluse, operating behind a cloak of secrecy.  Rather, he openly mingled with people in  their villages and cities.  He preached and taught publicly because he wanted people to know the truth about him. -Luke 8:1.

The truth about Jesus can be discerned in his words and actions, which are recorded in the four Biblical Gospels -Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  That inspired record is the basis for answering our questions about Jesus.  -John 17:17.

Question:
Was Jesus really a historical person?

Answer: Yes. Secular historians, including Josephus and Tacitus of the first century, mention Jesus as a historical figure. More important, the Gospels convincingly show that Jesus was a real person, not a fictional character.  The record is specific and detailed in stating time and place.  For example, Gospel writer Luke mentions seven ruling officials-whose names have been corroborated by secular historians-in order to establish the year Jesus began his ministry. -Luke 3:1, 2, 23.

The evidence that Jesus is a historical person is compelling.  "Most scholars will admit that a man known as Jesus of Nazareth did live in the first century," states the book Evidence for the Historical Jesus.

Question:
Is Jesus actually God?

Answer:  No. Jesus never considered himself equal to God. On the contrary, Jesus repeatedly showed that he was subordinate to Jehovah.  For example, Jesus referred to Jehovah as  "my God"  and   "the only true God." (Matthew 27:46; John 17:3)  Only a subordinate would use such expressions in referring to another.  A worker who refers to his employer as "my boss"   or the " one in charge" is clearly assuming an inferior position. 

Jesus also showed that he was separate from God. Jesus once said to opposers who challenged his authority:  "In your own Law it is written, 'the witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about  me."  (John 8:17, 18) Jesus must be separate from Jehovah.  How else could they be viewed as two witnesses?"

Next time: Continue with Jesus Christ Our Questions Answered

The Watchtower, 2012