Introduction to the Person of Jesus Christ

Welcome to one of the most central topics in Christian thought! This chapter asks a deceptively simple question: Who was Jesus? While Christians agree he is the center of their faith, there are different ways to understand his identity. In this OCR AS Level course, we focus on three specific "masks" or roles Jesus wears in the New Testament and theology: Son of God, Teacher of Wisdom, and Liberator.

Don't worry if the theology feels heavy at first. Think of it like looking at a diamond—you are just looking at the same person through three different facets. By the end of these notes, you’ll be able to explain each role and use specific Bible passages to back up your points.

1. Jesus as the Son of God

This is the "divine" side of Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus wasn't just a "good man," but had a unique relationship with God the Father. This involves his authority and his miracles.

Key Concepts:

  • Authority: Jesus is seen as having the authority of God. He doesn't just speak for God (like a prophet); he speaks as God.
  • Knowledge: A big debate in this section is how much Jesus knew. Did he know he was God? This is called his self-consciousness.

The Evidence (Syllabus Passages):

  • Mark 6:47–52 (Walking on water): In this story, Jesus walks on a stormy lake. For students of the Bible, this isn't just a "cool trick." In the Old Testament, only God has the power to tame the sea. By walking on water, Jesus is showing divine power over nature.
  • John 9:1–41 (Healing the man born blind): This is a long story where Jesus heals a man's sight. It’s important because it links physical healing with spiritual truth. Jesus claims to be the "Light of the World." This suggests he has the divine authority to give "sight" (understanding) to humanity.

Quick Review: When writing about Jesus as the Son of God, focus on his power over nature and his unique authority that goes beyond human ability.

2. Jesus as a Teacher of Wisdom

Even for people who aren't religious, Jesus is often respected as a brilliant moral teacher. This role focuses on his message, his parables, and his wisdom regarding how humans should treat one another.

Key Concepts:

  • Internal Morality: Jesus taught that it’s not just your actions that matter, but your heart and intentions.
  • Forgiveness and Mercy: He often challenged strict religious laws in favor of showing love.

The Evidence (Syllabus Passages):

  • Matthew 5:17–48 (The Sermon on the Mount): This is the ultimate "Teacher" passage. Jesus says he hasn't come to get rid of the law, but to fulfill it. He uses "Antitheses" (e.g., "You have heard it said... but I tell you..."). He teaches that even thinking about an angry or bad act is a problem, shifting the focus to inner purity.
  • Luke 15:11–32 (The Parable of the Lost Son): You might know this as the "Prodigal Son." A son wastes his father's money, but when he returns, the father welcomes him with a hug rather than a lecture. This teaches that God is forgiving and that wisdom is found in mercy rather than strict punishment.

Memory Aid: Think of the Teacher role as Jesus being the "Life Coach" of the ancient world—he was interested in changing people's minds and hearts.

3. Jesus as a Liberator

A "liberator" is someone who sets people free. Jesus didn't just talk about heaven; he dealt with the social and political problems of his time. He challenged the "status quo" (the way things were) to help the marginalized.

Key Concepts:

  • Social Liberator: He broke social rules to help "outcasts" (the poor, the sick, and women).
  • Political Liberator: He challenged the religious and Roman authorities, which eventually led to his execution.

The Evidence (Syllabus Passages):

  • Mark 5:24–34 (The woman with the hemorrhage): A woman who had been bleeding for 12 years (making her "unclean" by religious law) touches Jesus’ coat. Instead of being angry, Jesus heals her and calls her "daughter." He liberates her from her illness and her social isolation.
  • Luke 10:25–37 (The Good Samaritan): This famous story features a Samaritan (an enemy of the Jews at the time) as the hero. Jesus uses this to teach that being a "neighbor" isn't about your race or religion; it’s about action. This was a radical, liberating message about equality.
  • Matthew 25:31–46 (The Sheep and the Goats): Jesus describes the final judgment. The people who are "saved" (the sheep) are those who fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and visited prisoners. This shows Jesus as a liberator who demands social justice.

Key Takeaway: Jesus as Liberator is the "Revolutionary Jesus" who stands up for the underdog.

AO2: Thinking Critically (Evaluation)

To get those top marks, you need to weigh these ideas against each other. Here are some common "Big Questions" for your essays:

Can Jesus be just a "Teacher of Wisdom"?

Some argue that if you take away the miracles (Son of God), you are left with a great moral teacher. However, others (like the famous writer C.S. Lewis) argued that because Jesus claimed to be God, he couldn't just be a "good teacher." He was either telling the truth, he was a liar, or he was a madman.

Was Jesus a Political Liberator or a Spiritual one?

Did Jesus actually want to overthrow the Roman government? Or was his "liberation" purely about freeing people from sin and bad social habits? Most scholars think it’s a mix, but the Sheep and the Goats passage suggests he cared very deeply about physical, earthly suffering.

The Problem of Identity

Is it possible for Jesus to be all three at once?
- As Son of God, he has the power to save.
- As Teacher, he gives the instructions on how to live.
- As Liberator, he puts those instructions into practice by helping the poor.

Summary Checklist

Before you sit your exam, make sure you can:

  • Explain Son of God using the Walking on Water and Healing of the Blind Man stories.
  • Explain Teacher of Wisdom using the Sermon on the Mount and The Lost Son.
  • Explain Liberator using the Good Samaritan, the Bleeding Woman, and the Sheep and the Goats.
  • Discuss whether Jesus was aware of his own divinity (his self-consciousness).

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't just retell the Bible stories! Make sure you explain why the story shows Jesus as a Son of God, Teacher, or Liberator. Always link the "fact" to the "label."

Cross-reference: To understand how Jesus' identity relates to his work on earth, you might also want to look at the chapter on Knowledge of God's Existence, which discusses how Jesus acts as "revealed" knowledge of God.