Biblical Studies (9484) | The person of Jesus

Comprehensive Study Notes: Paper 1, Topic 1.1 – The Person of Jesus

Welcome to the most fundamental topic in the Gospels paper: understanding who Jesus is, according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This section is all about claims, titles, key moments, and proofs (miracles) used to define his identity.

Don't worry if the number of titles seems overwhelming! Think of them as different lenses through which the early Christians understood this one unique person.

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Defining Jesus: The Significance of Titles (1.1 Focus)

The Gospels use five main titles for Jesus, each carrying enormous theological and historical weight derived from the Old Testament (OT) and Jewish expectations. Understanding these titles is essential for evaluation (AO2).

1. Christ / Messiah

Meaning: 'The Anointed One'. The Hebrew word is Mashiach (Messiah); the Greek word is Christos (Christ).

• Jewish Expectation: A powerful military or political leader (like King David) who would overthrow Roman rule and restore the Kingdom of Israel.
• Jesus' Presentation: Jesus fulfilled this title, but often redefined it. He was the suffering Messiah (especially in Mark’s Gospel), bringing spiritual liberation rather than immediate military victory.

2. Son of Man

This is Jesus' most frequently used self-designation. It is deliberately complex and mysterious.

• Meaning 1 (Humanity): Simply means 'a human being' or 'this man'. It connects Jesus to humanity and suffering.
• Meaning 2 (Divinity/Authority): Rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is a cosmic, divine figure who receives everlasting dominion and judgment authority from God.
• Significance: By using this title, Jesus claims both his human vulnerability and his eventual role as the ultimate Judge and Ruler (e.g., Mark 2:10, when healing the paralytic, showing authority to forgive sins).

3. Son of God

This title defines Jesus' unique relationship with the Father.

• OT Context: Often applied to the King of Israel or to special servants of God.
• Gospel Context: Implies a unique divine nature and obedience to God. It is often confirmed by supernatural events (e.g., the voice at the Baptism and Transfiguration: "This is my Son...").

4. Son of David

Meaning: A direct descendant of King David (Israel's great king).

• Significance: This title strongly links Jesus to the royal lineage and Jewish prophecy, confirming he is the rightful King of Israel. It emphasizes his Jewish identity (e.g., Matthew’s genealogy).

5. The Word (Logos)

This is almost exclusively found in John’s Gospel (specifically John 1:1-18, the Prologue).

• Meaning: Logos is a Greek philosophical term meaning divine reason, order, or ultimate reality.
• Significance: John uses this to declare that Jesus is the pre-existent, divine agent through whom God created everything. This is the highest claim to divinity in the Gospels.

1.1.1 The Beginnings: Birth Stories and the Prologue

The four Gospels start very differently, highlighting the different 'interests' (or theological goals) of the Evangelists.

Matthew’s Birth Narrative (Matthew 1:18–2:23)

• Focus: Proving Jesus’ legitimacy as the Jewish Messiah.
• Key Events: Joseph’s dream, visitation by the Magi (wise men), Flight to Egypt, Massacre of the Infants.
• Distinctive Feature: Matthew heavily relies on Old Testament prophecy fulfilment. Every event is linked to a scripture that "might be fulfilled" (e.g., the prophecy that the Messiah would come out of Egypt).

Luke’s Birth Narrative (Luke 1:26–38; 2:1–40)

• Focus: Emphasizing Jesus' connection to the poor, the marginalized, and his universal significance.
• Key Events: Annunciation to Mary, Mary’s song (the Magnificat, Luke 1:46-55), birth in Bethlehem during the census, visitation by the Shepherds.
• Distinctive Feature: Luke includes Mary's perspective and the theme of humility (shepherds, not kings, visit).

John’s Prologue (John 1:1–18)

John skips the infancy narratives entirely and goes straight to the highest theological claim:

• "In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
• Significance: This prologue establishes high Christology—the view that Jesus is divine and eternal. It makes Jesus sound like an eternal blueprint or divine wisdom that became human flesh.

1.1.2 Key Events in Jesus' Life and Ministry

These events reveal Jesus’ authority and set the stage for the conflicts that led to his crucifixion.

1. John the Baptist (Mark 1:2–8): John prepares the way, proclaiming repentance and predicting a more powerful figure (Jesus) who will baptise with the Holy Spirit. This links Jesus directly to prophetic tradition.
2. Baptism and Temptation (Matt 3:13–4:11): The Baptism confirms Jesus' identity as the Son of God (divine voice). The Temptation shows Jesus successfully resisting the challenges of Satan to use his power selfishly—proving his obedience where Israel failed.
3. Conflict with Religious Leaders (Mark 2:23–28): Disputes over the Sabbath (harvesting grain) and authority (healing the paralytic, Mark 2:1-12) show Jesus challenging established Jewish religious law, claiming his authority is equal to God’s.
4. Caesarea Philippi (Mark 8:27–33): This is a critical turning point. Peter confesses, "You are the Christ (Messiah)". Jesus immediately redefines the Messiah role, speaking of his necessary suffering and death. This subverts the expected military Messiah.
5. The Transfiguration (Mark 9:2–8): Jesus is momentarily revealed in divine glory alongside Moses (Law) and Elijah (Prophets). This event confirms to the inner circle of disciples (Peter, James, John) that Jesus is indeed the divine Son of God.
6. Temple Cleansing (Mark 11:15–18 / John 2:13–17): Jesus violently drives out money changers, calling the Temple a "den of robbers." This is a bold, public action that directly challenges the authority of the Temple leadership and hastens their opposition to him.

1.1.3 The Evidence: Jesus' Miracles and Signs

Jesus' mighty works are central to demonstrating his authority. You must distinguish between the Synoptic approach and John’s approach.

Synoptic Gospels: Miracles (Dynamis – Acts of Power)

In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, miracles are typically called dynamis (deeds of power). They are evidence that the Kingdom of God has arrived and show Jesus' authority over nature, disease, and evil.

• Nature Miracles: Jesus stills a storm (Mark 4:35-41) and walks on the water (Mark 6:45-52). These actions were seen as prerogatives of God alone (Psalm 107).
• Exorcisms/Healings: The man with an unclean spirit (Mark 1:21-28). Exorcisms proved Jesus’ authority over the forces of evil, confirming he was a prophet greater than any before him.
• Healing the Paralytic (Mark 2:1-12): This story links healing with forgiveness of sins, which only God can do. It is a direct challenge to religious authority.

John’s Gospel: Signs (Semeia – Pointers)

John’s Gospel contains seven specific 'signs'. These are not just deeds; they are symbolic acts designed to point the reader toward Jesus' divine identity, leading to belief (John 20:30-31).

1. Wedding at Cana (John 2:1–11): Water into wine. Shows Jesus' authority over creation and marks the beginning of the "new covenant" (new wine).
2. Healing Official’s Son (John 4:46-54): Shows Jesus' power over distance and disease.
3. Healing on the Sabbath (John 5:1–18): Directly addresses Jesus’ claim to be God's equal, working even on the Sabbath.
4. Feeding the Five Thousand (John 6:1–15): Echoes Moses providing Manna in the wilderness. Followed by the discourse, "I am the bread of life."
5. Walking on Water (John 6:16-21): Immediately follows the feeding, reinforcing divine power.
6. Man Born Blind (John 9:1–12): Links physical sight to spiritual sight; healing leads to persecution, demonstrating the choice required to follow Jesus.
7. Raising Lazarus (John 11:1–44): The climax of the signs. A definitive demonstration of Jesus' power over death, immediately preceding the Passion narrative.

1.1.4 The Identity Statements: The Seven 'I Am' Sayings

The seven 'I am' sayings in John’s Gospel are Jesus' explicit statements of divine identity. In Greek, the phrase is Egō Eimi, which deliberately recalls God’s self-revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:14 ("I am who I am"). These are deep theological statements about what Jesus provides.

Remember this simple analogy: These sayings define Jesus’ relationship to the world and His followers, like keys unlocking different aspects of eternal life.

1. I am the bread of life (John 6:35–59)
   

   Symbolism: Jesus satisfies spiritual hunger eternally. Unlike the manna Moses provided, those who consume this 'bread' will never die (spiritually).

2. I am the light of the world (John 8:12)
   

   Symbolism: Jesus overcomes spiritual darkness and ignorance. He guides followers out of sin and error.

3. I am the gate and I am the good shepherd (John 10:1–18)
   

   Symbolism: Jesus is the only way (the gate) to salvation. As the good shepherd, he protects and cares for his followers, even laying down his life for them.

4. I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:17–27)
   

   Symbolism: Jesus is the source of eternal life, demonstrated immediately after this declaration by raising Lazarus (John 11:44). Faith in him conquers death.

5. I am the way and the truth and the life (John 14:1–7)
   

   Symbolism: This is the ultimate claim—Jesus is the only path back to God (the Father). He embodies truth and is the source of life itself.

6. I am the true vine (John 15:1–17)
   

   Symbolism: Followers (the branches) must remain connected to Jesus (the vine) to bear fruit. This emphasizes dependence and community.

Analytical Focus: Comparing the Gospel Presentations

When answering exam questions, you must be able to consider the similarities and differences in how the Synoptics and John present Jesus.

Key Difference: Christology (View of Jesus)

• Synoptics (Low Christology): Present Jesus primarily as a mighty, but very human, prophet and Messiah whose divinity is often hidden (the Messianic Secret in Mark). The focus is on his deeds and ethical teaching about the Kingdom of God.
• John (High Christology): Presents Jesus as the pre-existent divine Logos. His divinity is public and explicit from the start (John 1:1). The focus is on long philosophical discourses and signs proving his eternal nature.

Challenges to Authority

Throughout his ministry, Jesus faced challenges regarding his authority, especially from Jewish leaders (Pharisees, Sadducees, Sanhedrin).

• Source of Authority: Leaders questioned where Jesus got the authority to teach, heal, and forgive sins. Jesus’ responses (e.g., through parables or references to scripture) implied a divine source, which they viewed as blasphemy.
• Actions: Events like the Temple Cleansing and working on the Sabbath were seen as direct threats to the stability of Jewish religion and Roman peace, making his identity claims a matter of life and death.

Old Testament Influence

All claims about Jesus must be understood against the backdrop of Jewish scripture. The Evangelists deliberately show Jesus as the fulfilment of OT prophecy:

• Matthew: Uses prophecy fulfilment to prove Jesus is the promised King (Son of David).
• Mark: Presents Jesus subverting the glorious military expectation, showing that the true Messiah must suffer (Son of Man).
• John: Uses the I AM statements to link Jesus directly to the covenant God of Israel (Yahweh).

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Congratulations! You have covered the core concepts of Jesus' person and identity. Remember, the stronger you are at connecting the specific events (1.1.2) and signs (1.1.3) to the titles Jesus uses (1.1.4), the better you will score on analytical questions.