Expert: Messianic Rabbi Yochanan Levine - 7/30/2009

Question
I believe that Jesus in God, but I have a sister who is a Jehovah;s Witness, which I feel is not a true religion and she insists that Jesus is not God, but a creation of God.

She uses the scripture where Jesus says "My father is greater than I" as proof that he is not God.

Can you give me some scriptures that show that Jesus is indeed God?

Answer
Hi Linda,

"Arianism," the belief that Jesus is literally "the Son of God" rather than God Incarnate as taught in the Nicene Creed is as old as the Church itself. Personally I also embrace this view. Many people other than the Witnesses do.

There are several verses that can be used to show both sides of this issue.

Among those used to support the belief in Jesus' Divinity are the following:

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word [understood to be Jesus], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 14:7 If ye had known me [Jesus], ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

John 10:30 I and my Father are one.
31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

I John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father

Isa 9:6 is sometimes used based on the belief that this is a prophecy about Jesus: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.


These are a few of the main verses used.

Hope this helps,

~ Pastor John