Jesus thought he was far more than a wise teacher. He understood himself to be Israel’s long-awaited Messiah, the unique Son of God, and the divine Son of Man from Daniel’s vision. He claimed authority to forgive sins, spoke as the Lord of the Law of Moses, and commanded demons, and his opponents understood that he was claiming to be God himself.
Jesus Claimed to Be the Messiah
“Messiah,” or “Christ” in Greek, means “anointed one.” For centuries the Jewish people had waited for God’s chosen king, a descendant of David who would bring rescue and renewal to Israel. Many expected a political deliverer who would drive out the Romans. So when Jesus asked his closest followers who they thought he was, Peter’s answer was huge.
Mark 8:29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”
Jesus accepted Peter’s confession, though he quickly explained that the Messiah must suffer, die and rise again (Mark 8:31). Later he deliberately entered Jerusalem in a way that fulfilled Zechariah’s prophecy of a humble king riding on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9). Jesus knew exactly who he was, and he knew his mission would lead to a cross before a crown.
Jesus Claimed to Be the Son of God and the Son of Man
Jesus spoke of God as his Father in a uniquely personal way. In the parable of the tenants, he cast himself not as one more servant sent to Israel but as the owner’s own son (Matthew 21:33-46). His favorite title for himself, “the Son of Man,” might sound modest, but it points back to Daniel’s vision of a heavenly figure who receives everlasting authority and worship from all nations (Daniel 7:13-14).
At his trial, Jesus put these titles together in a single, explosive answer.
Mark 14:61-62 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
The high priest tore his clothes and called it blasphemy (Mark 14:63-64). He understood what Jesus meant: Jesus was claiming to share God’s throne. By calling himself the Messiah, the Son of God and the Son of Man, Jesus was identifying himself with the very God his accusers worshiped.
Jesus Acted With the Authority of God
Jesus’ actions matched his claims. He performed miracles, cast out demons by his own command, and taught with an authority that amazed the crowds. Again and again he set his own words alongside the Law of Moses with the phrase “But I tell you” (Matthew 5:22), speaking as its rightful interpreter and Lord. Most striking of all, he forgave sins.
Mark 2:5-7 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
The teachers of the law asked exactly the right question. Only God can forgive sins committed against God. Jesus then healed the paralyzed man so they would know “that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mark 2:10).
Jesus’ self-understanding can’t be reduced to that of a Jewish rabbi or a charismatic spiritual leader. He behaved as much more and claimed to be much more. A man who said the things Jesus said would have to be either deceiving people, badly deluded, or exactly who he claimed to be: the Lord.
The Takeaway
Who did Jesus think he was? He believed he was the Messiah, the unique Son of God and the divine Son of Man who shares God’s authority to forgive sins and judge the world. His resurrection confirmed it. And the question Jesus asked his disciples still stands for each of us: who do you say he is?
