Is Jesus Supreme?
For more than two thousand years, people have debated who Jesus really is. Different religions, historians, and cultures hold various views about him. Some believe that Jesus is not the Son of God, while others argue that he never rose from the dead after his crucifixion. Some see him merely as a great prophet, teacher, or moral leader. Others accept him as the Son of God but do not believe that he is God Himself. Despite these differing beliefs, no one has ever claimed that he is evil.
These varied perspectives have sparked countless questions and discussions throughout history. Therefore, instead of relying solely on what the Bible says, let’s also explore what history, archaeology, and other religious texts reveal about Jesus.
When historians study Jesus outside of the Bible, they often refer to him as the “historical Jesus.” This approach focuses on evidence from ancient records, historical documents, and writings from non-Christian sources. Several non-Christian writers from the first and second centuries mentioned Jesus or his followers.
The Jewish historian Josephus, writing around A.D. 93, called Jesus a wise man and mentioned his crucifixion. The Roman historian Tacitus, writing around A.D. 116, recorded that Jesus, whom he called “Christus,” was executed under Pontius Pilate during the reign of Emperor Tiberius. Roman officials, such as Pliny the Younger, also wrote about early Christians and their worship of Jesus. While these sources do not verify every event recorded in the Bible, they do support the view that Jesus was a real historical figure.
Other religions also discuss Jesus. In Islam, Jesus, known as Isa, is regarded as one of the most respected prophets. Muslims believe he was miraculously born to the Virgin Mary and performed many miracles by God’s permission. However, Islam rejects the notion that Jesus is God or the Son of God. The Quran also teaches that Jesus was not crucified in the manner Christians believe, and that God raised him.
Judaism views Jesus as a historical Jewish teacher but does not accept him as the Messiah or the Son of God. Most historians today, regardless of their personal beliefs, agree on a few fundamental facts: Jesus lived in first-century Judea, was a Jewish teacher, gathered followers, and was crucified under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. However, questions regarding his divine nature, miracles, and resurrection remain matters of faith rather than historical evidence.
Studying Jesus from both historical and religious perspectives helps us understand why he remains one of the most influential figures in human history. Whether people see him as the Son of God, a prophet, a teacher, or a historical figure, his life and teachings shape the lives of billions worldwide. The question is not only, “Who is Jesus?” but also, “What do his life and teachings mean for us today?”
In my personal view, based on all religious studies and historical records, Jesus’ death on the cross did not make him God. His birth from the Virgin Mary did not make him God. Whether or not he rose from the dead did not make him God, and being called son of God or a great prophet did not make him God either. Jesus became God because his character is God-like, his love for humanity is extraordinary, his kindness is beyond comparison, and his willingness to help everyone is remarkable. His nature is inherently God-like.
