Jesus, Son of God

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” ”(Matthew 16:16). This is the answer given by Simon Peter when Jesus asked “But what about you?[...] Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15). Surely we have already asked ourselves these questions: Is Jesus God or Son of God? Is Jesus a prophet like the others? In the Word of God, Jesus presents himself to us. Let’s discover what “Son of God” means and the testimony of biblical figures who met Jesus!

What does it mean to be “Son of God”?

You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God

First of all, we must know that recognizing Jesus as the Son of God does not come from intellectual knowledge or logical reasoning but from a revelation of the Father himself. Indeed, when Peter testifies that Jesus is the Son of God, Jesus answers him: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17)

Jesus is the Son of God

The very reason for the hostility of the Pharisees toward Jesus is that he said he was the Son of God. Indeed, it is written: “... what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father.” (John 10:36-37) thus, when we ask ourselves why we should believe that Jesus is the Son of God, Jesus directs us to look at the works he does.

Biblical passages presenting Jesus as the Son of God

Jesus himself testifies

But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
 “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14:61-62)

John the Baptist testifies

“I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” (John 1:34)

Nathanael testifies

“Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” (John 1:49)

Martha testifies

“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” (John 11:27)

God himself testifies

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:20)

The angel sent to Mary testifies

“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David” (Luke 1:31-32)

Even Demons recognize it

“When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” (Luke 8:28)

Our Father

When Jesus taught prayer to his disciples, he taught them to call God Father. Thus, when we believe in Jesus, God also becomes our Father. By revealing himself as the Son of God, Jesus came to show us that it is possible for us to have a relationship of love with God like that which a father has with his son.