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Dec 6, 2023

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1 Sophia Lane Mr. McFarland Apologetics 07 November 2023 Analysis paper Jesus is the central figure of Christianity. The life and teachings of Jesus Christ have had a profound impact on the world, shaping the course of history and inspiring countless individuals. He is believed by his followers to be the Messiah the Son of God who fulfilled numerous prophecies. However, skeptics and scholars have debated whether Jesus explicitly claimed this divine status. This essay aims to explore the claims of Jesus and shed light on whether he proclaimed himself to be the Son of God. Firstly Jesus proves he is the messiah by fulfilling prophecies. There are several pieces of evidence that support Jesus as the Messiah and of him fulfilling said prophecies. To start off he fulfilled the prophecy of where the Messiah will be born. For instance in Micah 5:2 says, “ But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient time s.” In this quote the prophet Micah addresses the town of Bethlehem Ephrathah, acknowledging its small size and seemingly insignificant status among the clans of Judah. However, Micah goes on to proclaim a significant and extraordinary event that will take place in Bethlehem. He foretells the birth of a ruler who will emerge from this humble town and become the leader of Israel. The prophecy emphasizes the unexpected nature of this future ruler’s origins. Micah States that this individual’s origins are not recent or ordinary but rather trace back to ancient times. This suggests that the ruler’s lineage and authority are deeply rooted in history and carry a sense of divine purpose. The significance of Bethlehem as the birthplace of this ruler is noteworthy. Bethlehem, a small and unassuming town, was not typically associated with political power or influence. Yet, according to Micah’s prophecy, it is precisely from this seemingly insignificant place that a great leader will emerge. This highlights the theme of divine intervention and the idea that God often chooses the unexpected and the marginalized to fulfill His plans. Furthermore, the prophecy in Micah 5:2 aligns with other biblical prophecies, particularly the Messianic prophecies, which foretell the coming of a future king who will bring salvation and establish a reign of peace. Christians interpret this verse as a foreshadowing of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy and establishing Him as the long-awaited Messiah. Another prophecy that Jesus fulfilled is his death and resurrection. There are multiple verses prophesying Jesus’s death and his resurrection. For example in Isaiah 53:5 it says, “ But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 is a powerful verse that speaks to the sacrificial nature of Jesus Christ and his role in fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah. This verse highlights the suffering and atonement that Jesus endured for the sake of humanity’s sins. Here is a verse prophesying Jesus’s resurrection Isaiah 53:10 says, “ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an
2 offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.” The phrase “The Lord was pleased to bruise him” may initially seem puzzling or contradictory, as it implies that God takes pleasure in causing suffering. However, when understood in the context of the Christian belief in Jesus as the Son of God, it takes on a deeper meaning. It suggests that God, in His divine plan, allowed Jesus to undergo suffering and sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. It emphasizes the voluntary nature of Jesus’ sacrifice, highlighting his obedience and willingness to fulfill God’s plan. The verse further states that this servant, after making himself an offering for sin, will see his offspring and prolong his days. This can be seen as a reference to the resurrection of Jesus, where he overcomes death and lives eternally. The mention of “offspring” can be understood metaphorically, representing the spiritual descendants or followers of Jesus who will be born through his Sacrifice and teachings. The phrase “the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand” suggests that God’s divine will and purpose will be accomplished through the actions of this servant. It implies that Jesus, as the Son of God, is entrusted with the responsibility of fulfilling God’s will. Lastly Jesus makes many claims about himself that infer that he is the Messiah. The first person to whom Jesus explicitly revealed himself as the Messiah was a Samaritan woman whom he encountered at Jacob’s well in Sychar. In a compassionate and gentle tone, Jesus engaged in conversation with her, offering the gift of living water. As their dialogue progressed, he disclosed his true identity, proclaiming, “I who speak to you am he” (John 4:26). This encounter demonstrates Jesus’ inclusivity and willingness to break societal norms, reaching out to someone from a despised community to share the transformative message of salvation. Also Throughout his ministry, Jesus demonstrated an unparalleled authority in his teachings, healings, and miracles. He claimed to possess the power to forgive sins, a prerogative reserved for God alone. In doing so, Jesus implied his divine nature and his role as the Son of God, who had the authority to reconcile humanity with God. Finally Jesus frequently referred to God as his Father, emphasizing an intimate and unique relationship. In the Gospel of John, Jesus proclaimed, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). This statement suggests a profound unity between Jesus and God, implying a divine nature and a claim to be God’s Son. While Jesus did not explicitly state, “I am the Son of God,” his teachings, actions, and responses to direct questions strongly suggest his claim to divine sonship. By proclaiming himself as the Messiah, fulfilling prophecies, demonstrating unique authority, emphasizing his relationship with God as Father, and exhibiting divine attributes, Jesus implicitly claimed to be God’s Son. These claims, coupled with the testimonies of his followers and the impact of his life, have shaped the Christian faith for over two millennia. Whether one accepts or rejects these claims, the influence of Jesus’ teachings and his claim to divine sonship cannot be denied.
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