Person of Jesus Christ

What three options do different Christians believe Jesus is like?

The son of God; A teacher of wisdom; A political liberator

What is a political liberator?

Someone who aims to free people from oppression or injustice. In Jesus' case, possibly from Roman occupation or corrupt Jewish leadership.

In summary, can it be said that Jesus's message was focused on political liberation?

It contained elements of liberation, but his ultimate message went beyond politics, offering spiritual freedom and reconciliation with God.

During Jesus' life, what did he criticise that paints him as a political liberator?

He lived under the Roman occupation, and criticised both the religious and political elite. For instance, in the case of the money changers in the Temple, in Mark 11:15-17.

What's an example of Jesus liberating people from oppression?

His proclamation of the Kingdom of God, in Luke 4:18-19, which echoes Isaiah's prophecy of setting captives free.

What would a liberation theologist argue on the idea of whether Jesus was a political liberator?

Liberation theologists, like Gustavo Gutierrez, see Jesus as the model for social and political liberation, siding with the poor and marginalised.

How does the story of Mark 5:24-34 relate to Jesus as a liberator?

Jesus heals a ritually unclean woman, restoring her dignity. This demonstrates how he challenges purity laws and social exclusion, showing liberation from religious and social oppression.

How does the story of Luke 10:25-27 relate to Jesus as a political liberator?

A Samaritan helps an injured man when religious leaders ignore him. It breaks cultural and social barriers, redefining the idea of 'neighbour', promoting equality and inclusion.

What did Jesus think of his title as a political liberator?He rejected it.

An example of Jesus rejecting the idea that he is a political liberatorWhen crowds tried to make him King (John 6:15), he withdrew. His 'kingdom' was not of this world (John 18:36).

Jesus' actions did not have political consequences, but…

his aim was not to transform government systems. It can be said that Jesus was a liberator, but not merely in the political sense.

Jesus's defiance of religious and political structures shows that…

his liberation involved a deeper moral and theological critique of power.

What does his critique of the Pharisees (Matthew 23) and cleansing of the Temple demonstrate?

His inclusive treatment of outcasts, women and sinners subverted the purity system of his time.

What did S.G.F Brandon argue about Jesus being a political liberator?

That he was a political Messiah, who aimed to overthrow oppressive systems, seeing his death as a political execution.

What did N.T Wright and Marcus Borg argue in response to S.G.F Brandon's belief that Jesus was a political Messiah?

They argue that his authority was rooted in understanding of divine mission, not rebellion. His challenge to authority was theological, revealing the true nature of God's kingdom, not establishing a new political order.

Was Jesus' criticism of power revolutionary?

Yes, and it targeted hypocrisy and injustice on a spiritual level. His goal was internal transformation which then inspired social change. Therefore, his confrontation with power reveals divine, not merely political, authority.

Through his death and resurrection, what did Jesus achieve?

He liberated humanity from sin, as shown in Romans 6:23.

What does Luke 15:11-32 show about Jesus as a liberator?Jesus' teachings on repentance and forgiveness, and how he emphasised spiritual restoration, painting him as a spiritual liberator.

How did St Paul interpret Jesus' mission?That his focus was salvation for all, not merely political freedom for Israel.

What do some scholars argue that spiritualising Jesus' message leads to?That it completely ignores the social justice elements. James Cone insists that true spiritual salvation and liberation must include political freedom from oppression.

Explain James Cone's view on Jesus' missionHe rightly highlights how faith and justice intertwine, but Jesus' consistent refusal of violence suggests that his mission transcended earthly politics.

Explain the holistic nature of Jesus' missionHis liberation was universal, transforming both individuals and societies through spiritual renewal, it cannot be reduced to just politics. His liberation was all-inclusive, but ultimately was spiritual first.

Model conclusion for whether Jesus was merely a political liberatorJesus certainly acted as a political liberator, standing with the oppressed and confronting corrupt authority. However, the scope of his mission went beyond political revolution, it aimed at inner transformation and reconciliation with God. His message of the Kingdom of God redefined liberation as spiritual freedom that could reshape society, but never reduced his message to politics alone.

What does the story of Mark 6:47-52 show about Jesus as the Son of God?

Jesus walks on the sea to reach his terrified disciples, he tells them to 'take courage! It is I (ego eimi), don't be afraid.' Saying 'ego eimi' echoes God's self-revelation, which is a sign of divine identity. It demonstrates his power over nature, linking him to God's authority. The disciples struggled to understand, highlighting his divinity.

What does John 9:1-41 show about Jesus as the Son of God?

Jesus heals a man blind from birth; says, “I am the light of the world.” Shows divine power to create and transform, as only God gives sight/life. Healing on the Sabbath challenges religious leaders — reveals Jesus’ higher authority. Ends with man worshipping Jesus — clear recognition of his divinity.

In Christian theology, what is a teacher of wisdom?

Someone who offers moral or philosophical guidance, like a Rabbi.

Why could it be argued Jesus was a teacher of wisdom?

Because his moral teachings reflect deep insight into human nature and the will of God.

What does Jesus' sermon on the mount (Matthew 5:17-48) and parables (e.g. good samaritan) demonstrate?

Jesus' internal moral purity, compassion and love of enemies - all of which are hallmarks of great wisdom.

What demonstrates that Jesus aimed to expand Jewish law with his moral guidance rather than replace it?

Matthew 5:17, where he states ‘I have not come to abolish the law but to fulfil it’.

What do scholars like Geza Vermes argue?That Jesus perfectly fits the pattern of a charismatic Jewish holy man/sage within first century Judaism, portraying him as a teacher of wisdom.

What does seeing Jesus as only a moral teacher overlook? Give an exampleIt overlooks his claim of unique authority - he does not just interpret divine law but he redefines it at its source. For example, he says ‘you have heard it said… but I say to you…’ (Matthew 5:21-22), shows him speaking with divine, not human moral authority.

What does N.T. Wright argue about Jesus’ self-authority?That it points to more than human wisdom, it suggests divine self-understanding. So, it can be said that Jesus’ wisdom was unique because it stemmed from a divine relationship not merely moral insight.

Jesus’ authority suggests that his wisdom derived from divine identity rather than philosophical reflection.

Where does Jesus claim unity with God?

In John 10:30, he states ‘I and the father are one’, he forgave sins (Mark 2:5-7), and accepts worship ; acts only God could perform in Jewish theology.

What does C.S. Lewis’ ‘trilemma’ argue?

That Jesus cannot be only a moral teacher if he claimed to be divine, he was either Lord, liar, or lunatic.

What does John Hick argue about C.S. Lewis’ ‘trilemma’?

That the claims reflect later Christian interpretation, not Jesus’ self understanding. He argues that Jesus’ wisdom should be seen as mythological expression of moral truth, comparable to other enlightened figures e.g. The Buddha.

What can be said about Hick’s pluralistic view? What do the gospels display?That while it values Jesus’ moral insights, it strips away the context of first-century Judaism, where claiming divine authority would be shocking and dangerous. The gospels consistently present Jesus as conscious of divine sonship, his moral authority being inseparable from his divine identity. Therefore, his wisdom is best understood as flowing from, not replacing divinity.

Jesus’ actions, especially his miracles and resurrection, go beyond what can be explained by wisdom and teaching alone.

What do miracles demonstrate about Jesus?

They are more than just moral lessons, they reveal divine power and authority. This can be seen through his examples of healing, exorcisms and his control and power over nature (e.g. walking over water).

What does the resurrection (Corinthians 1:15) show?

It is presented as evidence vindicated by God, confirming his divine status. Scholars like N.T. Wright for instance, think of the resurrection as a historical event.

What does sceptics argue about Jesus’ miracles?

David Hume argues that miracles lack sufficient evidence and can be explained as metaphorical signs of later myth making. Similarly, Rudolf Bultmann suggested demythologising miracles to focus on their existential message of faith.

Even if miracles are interpreted symbolically, what can be argued?

That their consistent portrayal across sources showing that Jesus was perceived as far more than a wise teacher, as someone embodying divine action. In particular, the resurrection underpins the entirety of Christian belief that his wisdom was divine in origin.

Model conclusion on whether Jesus was merely a teacher of wisdom?

Undoubtedly, Jesus was a profound teacher of wisdom, offering moral insight that continues to inspire humanity. However, both the format of and content of his teaching, alongside his claimed authority and divine acts, demonstrate he cannot be reduced to that category alone. His wisdom and divinity are inseparable: Jesus taught with the authority of God, not merely about God.

What does Luke 15:11-32 demonstrate about Jesus as a teacher of wisdom?

Shows Jesus as a teacher of wisdom through his use of parables to reveal God’s mercy and forgiveness. He teaches that repentance leads to reconciliation and that divine love surpasses human ideas of fairness and justice.

What would saying Jesus and God had a ‘special‘ relationship imply?

That they were morally or spiritually close, with a relationship of obedience, intimacy and perfect love.

What would saying the relationship between Jesus and God was ‘unique’ imply?That their relationship was different to any other, reflecting a divine unity.

Jesus’ relationship with God can be seen as truly unique because both scripture and doctrine portray him as sharing in God’d divine nature rather than merely being close to God.

What does the Gospel of John discuss about the relationship between Jesus and God?

Jesus is described as the eternal word who ‘was with God and was God’, and ‘who became flesh’. This passage indicates that Jesus was not merely chosen by God, but was God incarnate.

What does Jesus’ baptism demonstrate about the relationship between Jesus and God?

God declared ‘you are my beloved son; with you I am well pleased’, revealing a divine relationship from the beginning of his ministry.

What does John 10:30 show about Jesus and God’s relationship? How did the Church reinforce this understanding?

Jesus claimed unity with God, stating ‘I and the father are one’. The early Church also reinforced this understanding through the Nicene Creed (325 CE), which described Jesus as ‘one of substance with the father’.

What did the Chalcedonian definition (451 CE) affirm?

That Jesus was ‘fully God and fully man’. The doctrine was intended to protect the uniqueness of his divine relationship with the father.

What do modern scholars argue about the Chalcedonian definition?That such claims reflect theological development rather than Jesus’ own self-understanding. John Hick, for instance, in ‘The Myth of God Incarnate’ argues that the incarnation should be understood as symbolic language expressing his perfect moral awareness rather than literal divine identity.

What did Schleiemacher describe about Jesus’ relationship with God?He described Jesus as a man with ‘perfect God-consciousness’, someone who was entirely open to God’s will but still fully human. These views hold that Jesus’ relationship with God was morally unique but not metaphysically so.

It could be argued that Jesus’ relationship with God was exceptionally special but not unique in essence, representing a perfect example of obedience and intimacy rather than divine identity.

In the Gospels, what does Jesus call God? Does anything contradict this?'Abba', meaning 'father' (Mark 14:36), expressing profound intimacy. Yet this title is not exclusive to Jesus; in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9), Jesus teaches his followers to also call God 'father'. Moreover, Jesus frequently prays to God and submits to His will, as in Gethsemane: 'not my will but yours done'. These passages suggest dependance rather than equality.

What can Jesus' moral obedience and trust in God demonstrate about their relationship?

It is one of perfect faithfulness, not necessarily one of shared existence.

What do Augustine and the Trinitarian view argue about their relationship?

The Trinitarian tradition insists that Jesus' relationship with God cannot be understood as created or contingent. Augustine argued that the Son's relationship with the Father is eternal, the Son proceeds from the father as divine Word and Wisdom.

What did Aquinas argue, similarly to Augustine?

He taught that the Son proceeds from the Father by way of intellect. This meant the relationship is necessary and internal to God's own nature.

What did modern scholars think about the uniqueness of Jesus and God's relationship?Karl Barth saw Jesus as the self-revelation of God, not a separate being who merely knows God. For these thinkers, the relationship is not special but fundamentally unique, since it reveals the inner life of the trinity to the world.

A challenge regarding the relationship between Jesus and God comes from pluralist philosophers who deny that Jesus' relationship was unique in any absolute sense, arguing that many religious figures have embodied divine truth in many different ways.

What was John Hick's pluralistic response to understanding the relationship between Jesus and God?

Holds that all major religious leaders, e.g. Moses, Muhammad, and the Buddha have reflected divine reality through their lives and teachings. For Hick, Jesus' relationship with God is one powerful example among many, not an ontologically distinct one. This interpretation fits a modern, inclusive understanding of religion.

What did C.S. Lewis argue in response to Hick's pluralistic claim?

That Jesus' own claims rule out this symbolic reading. In his 'Lord, Liar, or Lunatic' argument, Lewis insists that if Jesus claimed to be equal with God, he could not have simply been a good moral teacher or prophet. The only consistent explanation is that Jesus' relationship with God was genuinely divine.

What does the willingness of early Christians display about Jesus and God's relationship?Their willingness to die for their belief in Jesus' divinity suggests that they saw his sonship as more than metaphysical.

Model conclusion for whether Jesus and God had a unique relationshipWhether Jesus' relationship with God was very special or truly unique depends on the perspective from which it's viewed. Historically and morally, Jesus' relationship with God certainly was special, it embodied perfect obedience, love, and awareness of divine will. However, within Christian theology, this relationship must be regarded as truly unique, since it reflects Jesus' divine sonship and his unity with the Father as expressed in scripture and doctrine. While scholars like Hick offer rational reinterpretations, these fail to capture the depth of Christian revelation. So, the most coherent conclusion is that their relationship was truly unique.