Jesus Is Not God

Many people equate Jesus with God, yet a deeper look at the scriptures suggests a distinction between the two. This concept isn’t just about semantics; it goes to the very heart of understanding the nature of the relationship between Jesus, the Son, and Yahweh, the Father.

To ground this discussion, we can look at the biblical narratives that outline this differentiation. For instance, in the Gospel of John, it is clear when Jesus says, ‘The Father is greater than I’ (John 14:28), it indicates a hierarchy with Jesus, the son of man being less than Yahweh (God). Moreover, Jesus’ prayer life, such as in John 17, reveals his communication with Yahweh (God the father) as separate from himself.

Historical interpretations of Jesus’ role and nature reveal a range of beliefs. From the earliest councils of the church, debates on Jesus’ humanity and divinity raged, leading to established doctrines that aimed to clarify this relationship. Once the doctrine of the trinity was firmly established no variation was allowed. Heretics did not fare well. But now, in this day and time, by Yahweh’s grace, we are able to review and study the contents of the bible. We can freely consider how in two thousand years of Jesus worship; the kingdom of Yahweh has not advanced in earth. It becomes evident that the identity and work of Jesus can’t be fully realized without understanding and appreciating what they mean for all the son’s of men, who choose to become the sons of God (Yahweh).

Yahweh’s Steward: Jesus’ Mission as Defined by His Father

If you open the pages of the New Testament, you’ll repeatedly encounter passages that emphasize Jesus’ role in relation to God, his Father. Rather than standing as a divine entity, Jesus is depicted doing the will of Yahweh, working towards goals that align with Yahweh’s Kingdom in earth agenda. His miracles, parables, and actions all serve as individual threads in a tapestry woven by Yahweh’s design.

The Gospels, particularly the synoptic ones — Matthew, Mark, and Luke — provide a picture of Jesus being attuned to his Father’s instructions. From the miraculous healings to the teaching of the parables, every work performed by Jesus can be seen as a response to his divine mission. It’s as if each time Jesus stretched out his hand to heal, or teach, or preach, he was unveiling a section of Yahweh’s overarching plan.

But it goes deeper; scripture paints a compelling portrait of Jesus as a vessel through which Yahweh’s will is enacted in Earth. For instance, in John 14:10, Jesus states, ‘The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.’ This is not merely Jesus reflecting God’s will, but embodying it completely. Yahweh has a home in the son of man converted into the son of God. Yahweh lives in the temple of the son of God. Jesus is not a god with god powers but a mere son of man, who has become a son of God, and turned over his life and entire being to Yahweh. Like Beyonce calls Sasha Fierce to perform on stage, Jesus calls on Yahweh to live his life – that’s how they have become one.

The verses that lay bare the separation of knowledge between Jesus and the Father serve as stark markers of the distinction of Jesus as not God but the son of man. Mark 13:32 candidly reveals Jesus’ own admission of ignorance regarding the end times: ‘But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.’ This distinction in awareness marks a clear line between the omniscience traditionally associated with Yahweh (God) and the limited knowledge attributed to Jesus.

These biblical accounts are not anomalies but rather consistent depictions of Jesus acting in a capacity that reinforces his status as a separate entity from Yahweh, operating under Yahweh’s divine guidance, but without the comprehensive knowledge and authority. He has the authority to do certain things in earth but not to do everything that the Father can.

Jesus never directed people to pray to him

According to the Gospels, Jesus consistently directed his followers to address their prayers to ‘Our Father’. He presented a model prayer, now commonly known as the Lord’s Prayer, which begins with an invocation to the Father, not to himself. This emphasis on praying to God the Father is a significant element in understanding how Jesus perceived his relationship with Yahweh and, by extension, how his followers are to engage with Yahweh (the Father).

The poignancy of Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane serves as a deeply human moment within the New Testament. Facing imminent suffering, Jesus appeals to Yahweh, asking for the cup of suffering to be taken away. Yet, it’s what follows that sheds light on the nature of his submission: ‘Yet not my will, but yours be done’. This intimate plea exemplifies the depth of Jesus’ commitment to fulfilling Yahweh’s plan, even in the face of personal anguish.

Such an action doesn’t merely reflect subservience; it demonstrates an alignment of wills—where the human desire of the son of man (Jesus) aligns with the divine purpose of God the Father (Yahweh). This distinction between human will and divine will is the very essence of what we must know to become a son of God and therefor one with Yahweh. Jesus like every son of man had a dual nature of doing evil and of doing good. Jesus shows us by example how to choose the will of the Father over our own.

The Gospels consistently presents clear instances where Jesus differentiates himself as the son of man from the omnipotent, knowledge and authority that is Yahweh, reinforcing the concept of being the son of God (Yahweh) via his subordination to the Father’s authority and will.

Understanding the ‘Son of Man’ and ‘Son of God’: Titles and their Significance

The titles ‘Son of Man’ and ‘Son of God’ carry profound meanings within the Bible. To comprehend their significance, let’s think about the ways these designations are used in biblical narratives and how they contribute to the understanding of Jesus’ identity. If you consider the ‘Son of Man’, it’s a term Jesus frequently uses to refer to himself, particularly in the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It emphasizes his ordinary humanity, his own suffering and redemption as it is for all sons of men for “none are good but one.” The title identifies him as one of us.

On the other hand, ‘Son of God’ identifies Jesus as the Father’s son, which is evidenced by his humility and service. The Gospel of John presents multiple instances where this title affirms Jesus’ close relationship with the Father, declaring unity in achieving Yahweh’s will and purpose in earth.

As we delve into the complexities surrounding Jesus’ earthly mission and its influence on us today, we must remain aware that diverse interpretations are bound to be the result and welcome them into our study. The truth does not fear misinterpretations, mistakes, or lies.

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