How can we defend our faith when questioned about Jesus' divinity? Setting the Scene in Luke 22:71 • “Then they said, ‘Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it for ourselves from His own lips.’” (Luke 22:71) • The council reached its verdict because Jesus’ own words left no room for doubt—He claimed an authority and identity reserved for God alone. • When someone questions Christ’s divinity, we can stand where the council unwittingly stood: on Jesus’ explicit self-revelation. Four Pillars for Defending Christ’s Deity • Pillar 1 – Jesus’ Direct Claims – John 10:30 “ I and the Father are one.” – John 8:58 “ Before Abraham was born, I am!” (echoing Exodus 3:14). – Mark 14:61-62 When asked if He is “the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One,” Jesus answers, “I am,” and applies Daniel 7:13-14 to Himself. – Luke 5:20-21 He forgives sins; the scribes protest, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” These are plain, unambiguous assertions. We simply point to them. • Pillar 2 – Divine Works and Authority – Power over nature (Luke 8:24-25), demons (Luke 4:41), sickness (Luke 7:22), and death (Luke 7:14-16). – Authority to forgive sin—an act reserved for God (Luke 5:24). – Colossians 2:9 “For in Christ all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily.” His deeds match His words. • Pillar 3 – Fulfilled Prophecy – Isaiah 9:6 “ Mighty God…Prince of Peace” fulfilled in Jesus’ birth. – Psalm 110:1 “The LORD said to my Lord” cited by Jesus about Himself (Luke 20:41-44). – Micah 5:2 Bethlehem prophecy (Matthew 2:5-6). – Zechariah 12:10 pierced Messiah (John 19:37). Prophecy gives objective, historical grounding for His deity. • Pillar 4 – The Resurrection – Acts 2:32-36 “God has raised this Jesus to life…God has made Him both Lord and Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Resurrection is central proof. If He rose, His claims stand validated; if He did not, Christianity collapses (1 Corinthians 15:14). Linking the Testimony Together • Jesus claimed divinity (Pillar 1). • His works confirmed those claims (Pillar 2). • Scripture had foretold this unique God-Man (Pillar 3). • The empty tomb seals the case (Pillar 4). Luke 22:71 shows even His enemies heard the claim; the rest of Scripture confirms it. Practical Ways to Share These Truths • Start where the questioner is—ask what aspect of Jesus’ divinity troubles them, then choose the pillar that speaks directly to it. • Keep passages handy: Luke 22:71; John 8:58; Colossians 2:9; Acts 2:32-36. A short chain is often more persuasive than a long lecture. • Stay with the text. Read it aloud together; let Scripture bear its own weight. • Emphasize the coherence: claims, deeds, prophecies, resurrection all point the same direction. • Share personally: explain how trusting the risen, divine Christ has changed your life—concrete testimony complements biblical evidence. |
    |