By Matt Rodriguez

Was Jesus a good man, God, or both?

Many religions teach Jesus was a good man. But that’s where they stop. They reaffirm His historicity, that He loved others and lead an exemplary life.

But a careful investigation of the Bible reveals much more. Jesus’ own words claim He believed Himself to be divine. In addition, the Bible also affirms Jesus’ human-ness. So which is it? Was Jesus a man, God, or both? If the latter, how should we understand Jesus to be the perfect God-man?

Scripture and church history record Jesus possesses two unconfused natures as both God and man. Although Jesus temporarily emptied Himself of certain divine privileges while on earth (Phil 2:7), He was (and is) fully God (Col 2:9). As God, Jesus does not have a sin nature and is morally blameless (Heb 4:15).

In fact, Jesus is the only man who lived a sin-free life. He never lied, cheated, or stole. He was (and is) uniquely perfect in every way. His sinless perfection proves He is God.

As a human, Jesus experienced emotion like we do. He wept (Jn 11:35, Lk 19:41), had fun (Jn 2:1–11), and enjoyed fish (Lk 24:36–43). He was a man.

Jesus’ human-ness reinforces that our physical bodies are good (Gen 1:26–31), which contrasts with gnostic ideology. As man, Jesus provides the perfect model for how we are to love God and others sacrificially, which is the greatest pursuit in life (Mt 22:36–40). Do you know Him?