It’s a great question. Jesus himself asked his closest disciples who the wider community thought he was. Some said he was a reincarnation of some prophets from Jewish history. Others thought he was John the Baptist who had recently been killed by King Herod. Then Jesus asked Peter who he thought Jesus was. Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16).

Today, many people have opinions about who Jesus is. Many think he is simply a good bloke, a perhaps a guru or a great moral teacher.

While we may have varying opinions about who Jesus is, what did Jesus actually say about himself? Jesus said this, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). Jesus claimed to be so much more than a good bloke, a miracle worker, or a great moral teacher. He claimed, in fact, to be God himself.

Thomas, who was one of Jesus’ disciples, doubted Jesus’ claims (John 20:24-25). But then some time later, he met Jesus again, face to face, after Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus appeared to Thomas and showed him his wounds. He said to him, “Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27). In response, Thomas said, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Notice that Thomas called Jesus “God”, and Jesus did not correct him. Rather, Jesus said, “Because you’ve seen me, you’ve believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29). In other words, Jesus says, ‘Yes, Thomas, you may have struggled to get there – but you’re there now!’.