The Identity Of Jesus Christ

From prophet, to savior, to even person of historical significance, the identity of Jesus Christ can be seen from many different perspectives. While some faiths, such as Judaism and Islam, view Jesus as a great prophet, the Catholic Church narrows in on Jesus’ importance as a savior and divine being in the Trinity. This focus often overlooks Jesus’ essential identity as human. Through Jesus’ innate identity as human, the Christian message is made relatable and accessible to all people.

Through Jesus’ suffering in both his public ministry and crucifixion, humans are able to more fully understand the message of Christianity. Unfortunately, many people find Scripture intimidating or feel as if God is too distant, making a relationship

Through Jesus’ public ministry and experiences on earth as human, people are able to relate better to Jesus, making a once distant God more personal. One of Jesus’ most notable experiences with suffering occurred following Lazurus’ death. “They said to him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus wept” (John 11:34-35). Many people feel that God cannot understand their pains or suffering, but find solace in the accounts of Jesus’ suffering in Scripture, knowing that the Lord understands their anguish. Knowing that Jesus’ heart ached after the death of His friend can comfort those who are experiencing similar situations. Jesus also experienced the ultimate suffering through death on the cross, saying, “And Jesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit” (Matthew 27:50). Jesus’ final experience of suffering on the cross serves

Throughout his public ministry Jesus performed many miracles. Jesus healed the sick, raised Lazurus from the dead, cast out demons, turned water into wine, and performed countless other miracles. While these acts were made to demonstrate the loving power of the Lord, these acts astonished Jesus’ followers because they seemed impossible for a human to perform. Jesus’ ultimate miracle, His resurrection, was also so miraculous because of the physical resurrection of His body, saying, “See my hands my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have” (Luke 24: 39). This verse explains the corporeal nature of Jesus’ resurrection. Without having suffered and experienced the physical death of His body, Jesus’ resurrection, both body and spirit, would not have made such an impact on the people. Through His human nature, the Apostles were able to physically experience Jesus’ works and get to know His teachings, making the miracles He performed more phenomenal. It was ultimately Jesus’ human nature that called attention to His divine