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JESUS CHRIST: GOD-MAN - Vital Christianity

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245<br />

In revealing His omniscience to His disciples, Jesus declared:<br />

"I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you<br />

will believe that I am He" (13:19).<br />

When Jesus was arrested by the Roman soldiers, at the request of the Jewish officials<br />

who were also present, Jesus, who foreknew what was going to happen asked, "Who is it that<br />

you want?" "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. At that point Jesus said, "I am [He]."<br />

When Jesus said, "I am [He]," they "drew back and fell to the ground" (18:6).<br />

Why?<br />

Was it because His reply was considered so blasphemous? Does that alone explain such a<br />

drastic response? Especially since among them were Roman soldiers (who were predominantly<br />

pagan) who would not be affected by such a claim, since they were commonly made by various<br />

radicals or false messiahs (Ac 5: 38-39; 1 Jn 1:18).<br />

Also keep in mind that the Jews usually responded to His alleged blasphemy by tearing<br />

their tunics, trying to seize Him, stoning, etc. (Jn 7:30; 8:59; 10:31).<br />

Jesus on many occasions prior to His triumphal entry requested that His miracles and<br />

identity be kept secret until their "proper time" (Mk 1:43-44; 3:12; 5:43; 8:30). Was this now the<br />

proper time?<br />

Jesus veiled His identity on the road to Emmaus until He chose to reveal Himself with a<br />

sovereign act of will (Lk 24:13,39). Was Jesus here proclaiming His identity and Messiahship to<br />

both Jews (Pharisees) and Gentiles (Romans) with power and authority (Ac 9:5; Php 2:10)?<br />

Since this incident takes place toward the end of Jesus' life and ministry, is Jesus thereby<br />

proclaiming His true identity more clearly and eloquently by revealing His resplendent authority<br />

and power? For such a title or name belonged only to Jehovah God.<br />

In response to the question of the high priest, "Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed<br />

One?" Jesus responded:<br />

"I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One<br />

and coming on the clouds of heaven" (Mk 14:62).<br />

Jesus claimed that Abraham had rejoiced that he was to see the day of Christ, had seen it<br />

and was glad (Jn 8:56). The leaders of the people challenged Jesus' statement:<br />

"You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham!"

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