Michael Brooks
The divinity of Jesus Christ is a complex theological concept that has been explored by Catholic theologians and scholars. While some skeptics argue that Jesus never explicitly claimed to be divine, Catholic theology asserts that Jesus possessed both a human nature and a divine nature, in a hypostatic union. This means that Jesus was fully God and fully man, with his human soul distinct from but not separate from his divine nature. Evidence of Jesus's divinity can be found in the New Testament, where he claims to have the power to forgive sins, read hearts, and grant eternal life, all of which are considered divine attributes. Furthermore, Jesus is referred to as the Son of Man, alluding to a divine figure in the Book of Daniel, and his miracles, such as turning water into wine, are seen as manifestations of his glory as the Son of God. These claims and actions suggest that Jesus was indeed exercising his divinity while on earth.
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What You'll Learn
Jesus's human soul was distinct from, but not separate from, his divine nature
Jesus Christ is believed to have two natures, one human and one divine, existing within one person. This is referred to as the hypostatic union, where the human and divine natures of Christ are distinct but not separate. This concept is central to Catholic theology, which holds that Jesus's human soul was distinct from, but not separate from, his divine nature.
The idea that Jesus's human soul was distinct from his divine nature is based on the understanding that the soul is the animating principle and form of the body. This means that Jesus's human soul was responsible for the functioning of his human body. At the same time, his divine essence was also united with both his body and soul. This union is believed to have existed from the moment of Christ's conception and to have never ceased.
The use of the term "distinct" instead of "separate" is important in Catholic theology. While Jesus's human soul and divine nature are considered distinct, they are not seen as separate entities. This distinction acknowledges the unique qualities of each nature while affirming their unity in Christ. The concept of hypostatic union highlights the intricate relationship between the human and divine aspects of Christ's nature.
The question of whether Jesus's divine nature was directly united with his body or through his soul remains a subject of discussion within the Church. However, it is clear that Catholic theology affirms the unity of Christ's human and divine natures, even as they are distinct from each other. This complex understanding of Christ's nature underscores the belief in his dual nature as both human and divine.
Furthermore, it is important to clarify that Christ is not considered a "human person." While he possesses a human nature, the person of Christ is God. This distinction is crucial in understanding the unique nature of Christ as both human and divine.
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Jesus had true human knowledge and had to learn
The concept of Jesus being fully man and fully God is affirmed in Scripture and by the early church, though it is impossible for mortals to fully grasp this dual nature of Christ. However, the idea that Jesus had all knowledge during his time on earth is not supported by Scripture.
Jesus grew in wisdom and knowledge just like any other human being. For instance, as a child, he learned carpentry from Joseph and grew in wisdom and stature, as indicated in Luke 2:40, 52, and Hebrews 2:17. Additionally, at the age of twelve, he went to the Temple, listened to the teachings and asked questions, as described in Luke 2:46. Furthermore, Jesus himself admitted that he did not possess all knowledge and that only the Father did, as stated in Matthew 24:36 and John 15:15.
The Kenosis doctrine explains that Jesus chose to set aside certain attributes and restrict the use of his divine powers to become fully human and fulfill his mission. This is not a denial of his divine nature, but rather a manifestation of his infinite humility, as he withheld the fullness of glory that was rightfully his.
Jesus' human knowledge and learning process are essential to understanding his dual nature and his ability to empathize with humanity. While he had access to divine knowledge and insight, he chose to experience the world as a human, facing the same limitations and growth in wisdom that we do. This aspect of Jesus' life serves as a powerful reminder of his willingness to fully immerse himself in the human experience.
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Jesus was fully divine and fully human, not half and half
Jesus's human soul was distinct from his divine nature, but it was not separate from it. His human soul was in hypostatic union with his divine nature, and it has never ceased to be in hypostatic union with his divine nature. His divine nature was also hypostatically united with both his body and his soul.
Jesus claimed to be divine and to have the same power as God the Father. He claimed to be able to forgive sins and read hearts, and he referred to himself as the "Son of Man", a reference to the divine figure in Daniel 7. He also said, "I am", ascribing the divine name to himself.
Jesus also demonstrated his divinity through his miracles. For example, he turned water into wine at the wedding at Cana, and he healed a paralytic, proving his divine authority to forgive sins.
Jesus's knowledge was true human knowledge and was limited, and he had to go through a process of learning to acquire it. However, he also possessed a divine will and divine knowledge as part of his divine nature.
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Jesus claimed to be divine by forgiving sins and reading hearts
Jesus' claim to forgive sins is one of the clearest pieces of evidence that he professed to be divine. In the ancient world, miracle workers were common, but none of their accounts include human mediation of divine forgiveness. For example, miracle workers like Asclepius, Machaon, Podarlirius, and Menecrates of Syracuse make no mention of the forgiveness of sins in their stories. This suggests that Jesus' claim to forgive sins was unique.
Jesus' claim to forgive sins is also unique when compared to Jewish priests. Priests performed atonement rituals and prayed for people, but there are no texts that record a priest saying "your sins are forgiven". This suggests that Jesus' claim to forgive sins was not just a human priestly function but a claim to possess divine authority.
The teachers of the Law understood the implications of Jesus' claim to forgive sins. They knew that if Jesus was the divine Son of God, then their accusations of blasphemy against him were false. However, if they did not believe in him, then they had to conclude that he was blaspheming.
In addition to forgiving sins, Jesus also demonstrated his divine authority by reading hearts. He was aware of the thoughts and intentions of those around him, and he often called out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes. For example, in Luke 15:3-7, Jesus tells a parable about a shepherd who leaves his flock to find a single lost sheep. He says that there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance. This parable, directed at the Pharisees and scribes, demonstrates Jesus' ability to discern the hearts and minds of those around him.
Overall, Jesus' claims to forgive sins and read hearts provide strong evidence that he professed to be divine while on earth. His unique ability to forgive sins and his insight into the thoughts and intentions of others set him apart from other miracle workers and religious figures of his time.
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Jesus referred to himself as I Am, a name for God
Jesus referred to himself as "I Am", a name for God, on several occasions. This phrase, "I Am", is a direct reference to how God identified himself to Moses in the guise of the Burning Bush in Exodus 3:14. By using this phrase, Jesus was declaring his divinity and unity with God the Father.
In John's Gospel, Jesus used the phrase "I Am" twelve times in reference to himself. Seven of these utterances are paired with powerful metaphors that describe his role as the saviour of humanity, such as "I am the Bread of Life" (after feeding 5000 people with five loaves and two fish), "I am the Light of the World", "I am the Good Shepherd", and "I am the Resurrection and the Life".
The Jews who were listening to Jesus understood the significance of his words and became furious, accusing him of blasphemy for equating himself with God. They attempted to stone him for this claim, as prescribed by the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 24:11-14). However, Jesus hid himself and slipped away.
Jesus also referred to himself as "I Am" in the Garden of Gethsemane when he was arrested. The power and authority of his words caused the Roman and Temple guards to fall to the ground.
The use of "I Am" by Jesus is a clear assertion of his divinity and oneness with God, a concept further supported by the Catholic doctrine of the hypostatic union, which states that Jesus's human soul was distinct from but not separate from his divine nature.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Jesus did not abandon his divinity on Earth. Jesus was fully divine and fully human, a concept known as the hypostatic union. He could not empty himself of his divine nature as that would be metaphysically absurd.
Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana, demonstrating his glory as the Son of God. He also forgave sins and performed miracles, such as healing a paralytic. He claimed to give his followers eternal life, which only God can do.
In John 8:58, Jesus ascribes the divine name "I Am" to himself, which was considered blasphemous by the Jews. This is seen as evidence of his divinity.
The Catechism explains that Christ's human nature was united with his divine nature, but it was not limited by it. God the Son continued to operate in perfect communion with the other two divine persons of the Holy Trinity.
