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New Believer Essentials

Who is Jesus Christ?

Disciplefy Team·Mar 17, 2026·9 min read

Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who became fully human to save sinners. He is not merely a good teacher or prophet—He is God Himself in human flesh, the second person of the Trinity. Scripture reveals Jesus as the promised Messiah who lived a sinless life, died on the cross as a substitute for our sins, and rose bodily from the dead on the third day. Through faith in Him alone, we receive forgiveness and eternal life. Jesus is now exalted at God's right hand, reigning as Lord over all creation, and He will return one day to judge the living and the dead. Knowing who Jesus truly is changes everything about how we understand God, salvation, and our purpose in life.

Historical Context

The early church faced questions about Jesus' identity from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds. Jewish listeners needed to understand how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Greek-influenced thinkers struggled with the concept of God becoming human. The New Testament writers carefully explained that Jesus is both fully God and fully man—a mystery that remains central to Christian faith today.

Scripture Passage

Colossians 1:15-23

Interpretation & Insights

The Eternal Son Who Became Flesh

Jesus Christ is not a created being or a lesser god—He is the eternal Son of God who has always existed. John's Gospel opens with stunning clarity: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). This "Word" is Jesus, who existed before time began, sharing fully in God's divine nature. When we say Jesus is God's Son, we're not suggesting He had a beginning or that God the Father existed before Him. Rather, "Son" describes the eternal relationship within the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are co-equal, co-eternal, and co-essential. Jesus Himself declared, "Before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:58), using the sacred name God revealed to Moses at the burning bush. The religious leaders understood exactly what He meant—they picked up stones to kill Him for blasphemy. But here's the breathtaking truth: this eternal God chose to become human. "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). Jesus didn't just appear to be human or temporarily inhabit a human body—He took on full humanity while remaining fully God. He experienced hunger, thirst, exhaustion, temptation, and ultimately death. Yet He never ceased being God. This is the mystery of the Incarnation, and it matters profoundly for your salvation.

The Only Way to the Father

Jesus made an exclusive claim that offends modern sensibilities but remains absolutely true: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Why is Jesus the only way to God? Because He alone bridges the infinite gap between holy God and sinful humanity. Every other religious leader points to a path, a set of teachings, or moral principles. Jesus doesn't point to the way—He is the way. He doesn't just teach truth—He embodies truth itself. He doesn't show us how to find life—He is life. This exclusivity flows from His unique identity as the God-man. Only someone who is fully God could satisfy God's righteous demands. Only someone who is fully human could represent humanity and die in our place. Peter proclaimed boldly, "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). This isn't religious arrogance—it's the recognition that Jesus accomplished what no one else could. He lived the perfect life we failed to live, then died the death we deserved to die. When you trust in Christ, God credits Jesus' perfect righteousness to your account and forgives all your sins—past, present, and future. No other religious system offers this kind of substitutionary atonement. Buddha can't die for your sins. Muhammad can't rise from the dead to give you new life. Only Jesus, because only Jesus is both God and man.

The Risen and Reigning Lord

Christianity stands or falls on the historical reality of Jesus' bodily resurrection. Paul writes, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17). But here's the glorious truth: Christ has been raised! On the third day after His crucifixion, Jesus walked out of the tomb in a glorified physical body. He wasn't a ghost or a spiritual vision—He ate fish with His disciples, invited Thomas to touch His wounds, and appeared to over 500 witnesses at once (1 Corinthians 15:6). The resurrection proves everything Jesus claimed about Himself. It demonstrates His power over death, validates His sacrifice for sins, and guarantees our own future resurrection. Paul declares that Jesus "was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead" (Romans 1:4). After His resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven and now sits at God's right hand—a position of supreme authority and honor. He's not passively waiting there; He's actively reigning as King of kings and Lord of lords. Every spiritual power, every earthly authority, every force in the universe is subject to Him (Ephesians 1:20-22). And here's what this means for you personally: Jesus is interceding for you right now. Hebrews 7:25 says He "always lives to make intercession" for those who come to God through Him. When you stumble, when you doubt, when Satan accuses you, Jesus stands as your advocate before the Father.

The Coming Judge and Savior

The same Jesus who came in humility as a baby in Bethlehem will return in glory as the righteous Judge. Scripture is clear: "He will come again to judge the living and the dead" (2 Timothy 4:1). This isn't a metaphor or a spiritual concept—Jesus will physically return to earth, visible to every eye (Revelation 1:7). For those who have trusted in Him, His return brings ultimate hope. He will wipe away every tear, destroy death itself, and make all things new (Revelation 21:4-5). The brokenness, suffering, and injustice of this world will finally end. But for those who have rejected Him, His return brings terrifying judgment. Jesus Himself warned about eternal separation from God for those who refuse His offer of salvation (Matthew 25:41-46). This isn't because God delights in judgment—"He is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). But God's love doesn't override His justice. Sin must be punished, and those who reject Jesus' payment for their sins will bear that punishment themselves. The urgency of this truth should drive us to our knees in gratitude if we know Christ, and to share the gospel with those who don't. Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). No one is promised tomorrow. The question "Who is Jesus Christ?" demands a personal response from every person. He is either your Savior and Lord, or He will be your Judge. There is no neutral ground, no middle option. Jesus Himself asked His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15). How you answer that question determines your eternal destiny.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding Jesus as fully God and fully man deepen your appreciation for what He accomplished on the cross?
  2. In what areas of your life are you tempted to trust in your own goodness rather than resting completely in Christ's finished work?
  3. How would you explain to a friend why Jesus is the only way to God, in a way that's both truthful and loving?
  4. What difference does it make in your daily struggles to know that Jesus is currently interceding for you at God's right hand?
  5. How should the reality of Jesus' return as Judge affect the way you live today and share the gospel with others?
  6. What specific step can you take this week to grow in your knowledge of who Jesus is and what He has done for you?

Prayer Points

Heavenly Father, I thank You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ to be my Savior. I confess that I cannot save myself through good works or religious effort—I need Jesus' perfect righteousness credited to my account. Help me to rest completely in what Christ has already accomplished on the cross, rather than trying to earn Your favor through my performance. Give me boldness to share the truth about Jesus with others, even when His exclusive claims are unpopular in our culture. Thank You that Jesus is interceding for me right now, and that nothing can separate me from Your love in Christ. Prepare my heart for His return, and help me to live with urgency and hope as I await that glorious day. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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