When skeptics argue that Jesus never actually claimed to be God, they often mean that Jesus didn’t utter the words, “I am God. Worship me.” But this standard misunderstands how communication worked in the ancient Near East—and frankly, how evidence itself works. Detectives know that truth often hides in what’s implied, not explicitly spoken. Jesus left behind an abundance of evidence of His divinity. The question is: are we willing to follow that evidence where it leads?
As a detective, when interviewing suspects, I don’t expect them to confess outright. Most reveal their identity, motives, and actions indirectly—through behavior, pattern, and implication. The Gospels present Jesus doing the same. He repeatedly identifies Himself in ways that, to His Jewish audience, could only mean one thing: He was claiming to be equal with God. Most people reveal their identity, motives, and actions indirectly—through behavior, pattern, and implication. The Gospels present Jesus doing the same. Share on X
Consider His use of the divine name. In John 8:58, Jesus says, “Before Abraham was, I am.” His listeners didn’t miss the significance. They immediately picked up stones to kill Him. Why? Because “I am” was the personal name God gave Moses in Exodus 3:14. Jesus wasn’t merely claiming to exist before Abraham; He was equating Himself with the eternal “I AM.” This wasn’t misunderstood speech—it was a declaration so clear that His audience responded with lethal outrage.
Jesus also did what only God could do. He forgave sins, accepted worship, and claimed authority over the Law and the Sabbath. When He said to the paralyzed man, “Your sins are forgiven,” the religious leaders were shocked and angry. They knew that only God has the authority to forgive sins. Yet Jesus proved His divine credentials by healing the man right in front of them. It was not just mercy—it was divine authority on display.
When people worshipped Him, He never stopped them. Angels and apostles in Scripture always reject worship, redirecting praise to God alone. Jesus did the opposite—He received it. When Thomas saw the risen Christ and exclaimed, “My Lord and my God,” Jesus didn’t correct him. He affirmed him. This response wasn’t arrogance; it was truth.
Furthermore, every “I am” statement in the Gospel of John points back to God’s self-revelation in the Old Testament. “I am the bread of life… the light of the world… the good shepherd… the resurrection and the life.” These weren’t poetic metaphors—they were coded identifiers. Jesus was revealing Himself as the source of life, light, and salvation, adopting titles that belonged only to Yahweh.
His actions during His trial also reveal His awareness of divine identity. When the high priest asked if He was the Christ, the Son of God, Jesus responded, “You will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” The priest tore his garments in horror, declaring it blasphemy. Jesus was quoting Daniel 7—a vision where the “Son of Man” receives worship and authority forever. Jesus was not simply saying He was a prophet; He was identifying Himself as the divine figure who shares the Father’s throne.
Skeptics often dismiss these claims, suggesting they were invented later by followers who wanted to elevate Jesus. But the earliest evidence—embedded in the Gospel accounts themselves—shows that both His followers and enemies understood exactly what He was saying. He wasn’t executed for being a good moral teacher or miracle worker. He was executed for claiming equality with God.
The evidence leaves us with two options. Either Jesus was who He said He was—or He was a liar or lunatic making claims that violate monotheistic belief. But when His words, deeds, resurrection, and fulfilled prophecy line up consistently, the logical verdict points to deity.
Jesus didn’t have to say the exact phrase “I am God” any more than a suspect has to say, “I committed the crime” for investigators to prove it. The evidence itself says it for Him. The question every one of us must answer is whether we’ll follow that evidence to its unavoidable conclusion.
For more information about the impact Jesus and His followers had on science, read Person of Interest: Why Jesus Still Matters in a World That Rejects the Bible. This unique and innovative book makes a case for the historicity and Deity of Jesus from history alone, without relying on the New Testament manuscripts. It contains over 400 illustrations and is accompanied by a ten-session Person of Interest DVD Set (and Investigator’s Guide) to help individuals or small groups examine the evidence and make the case.
