Title: Did Jesus Ever Claim to Be God?
Many people say:
“Jesus never said, ‘I am God, worship Me.’”
It’s true those exact English words don’t appear in the Bible.
But Jesus often spoke in the language of the Jewish Scriptures, in ways His hearers understood as a claim to divinity.
One of the clearest examples is provided by an eyewitness, the Apostle John in his Gospel: John 8:58
1. Jesus’ surprising statement
In John 8, Jesus is debating with the religious leaders. They are proud of being descendants of Abraham.
Jesus says:
“Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day.
He saw it and was glad.” (John 8:56)
They answer:
“You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” (v. 57)
Then Jesus says:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58)
He does not say “I was.” He says “I am.”
2. The meaning of “I AM”
When God appeared to Moses at the burning bush, Moses asked God His name.
God answered:
“I AM WHO I AM.”
And He said, “Say this to the people of Israel:
‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:14)
“I AM” became a special way God spoke about Himself.
So when Jesus says:
“Before Abraham was, I am,”
He is not only claiming to exist before Abraham.
He is using the divine name language for Himself !
3. How His hearers understood Him
Right after Jesus says this, John tells us:
“So they picked up stones to throw at him…” (John 8:59)
Why pick up stones?
Because in their eyes, Jesus was guilty of blasphemy—a man making Himself equal with God.
Their reaction shows how they understood His words:
not as a grammar quirk, but as a claim to divine identity.
4. Other times Jesus points to His divine identity
This was not the only time Jesus did this. Look at a few more passages:
a) John 10:30–33
“I and the Father are one.” (v.30)
The response:
“It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy,
because you, being a man, make yourself God.” (v.33)
Again, His opponents understood He was claiming something far more than “I’m a prophet.”
b) Mark 2:5–7 – Forgiving sins
Jesus says to a paralyzed man:
“Son, your sins are forgiven.” (v.5)
The scribes think:
“Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming!
Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (v.7)
Jesus then heals the man to show He has authority on earth to forgive sins.
c) John 20:28 – “My Lord and my God”
After the resurrection, Thomas sees the risen Jesus:
“Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” (John 20:28)
Jesus does not correct him. He accepts this worship.
5. So who is Jesus?
If Jesus:
Uses the “I AM” language of God,
Claims unity with the Father,
Forgives sins (which only God can do),
Accepts worship as “my Lord and my God,”
then He is much more than a prophet or teacher.
The Bible presents Him as:
“the Word [who] was with God, and the Word was God…
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:1,14)
Jesus also says:
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
If this is true, it has eternal consequences.
We cannot treat Jesus as only a prophet and ignore His claims.
6. A gentle invitation
If you are willing, here are some next steps:
Read: John chapters 1, 8, 10, and 20.
Ask simply: “Who does Jesus claim to be?”Pray:
“God, if Jesus really is who He says He is—
please show me the truth and give me the courage to follow it.”Keep seeking:
Do not be afraid of truth. The same God who spoke to Abraham and Moses
calls you to know Him through His Son.