If one discusses Jesus with Jewish people, one may hear the comment that Jesus was a good man, just not the Messiah. Even atheists are willing to grant that Jesus was a good man. Have you ever heard anyone make this type of statement?
Ironically, the primary source material for knowing the character of Jesus is the New Testament. One can prove His existence outside the New Testament, but Jesus’ character is another matter. If the New Testament is accurate, then it is not possible to believe He was just a good man.
Jesus claimed to come from heaven. “I am the living bread which came down from heaven…” (John 6:51 NKJV). Jesus claimed to come from the Father: “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38). He claimed to be one with the Father: “I and my Father are one.” (John 10:30). It is estimated that Jesus referred to Himself as the “Son of God” nearly 40 times (e.g., Matthew 16:16-17), a fact even proclaimed by demons: “And he cried out with a loud voice and said, ‘What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?’” (Mark 5:7). Jesus claimed to be the Messiah: “The woman said to Him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming (who is called Christ). When He comes, He will tell us all things.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am He’” (John 4:25-26). He also claimed to be the Savior: “For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them…” (Luke 9:56).
What is the character of a person who made such claims and deceived multitudes if he were an imposter? Certainly not good! Jesus is the Son of God and was more than just a good man.
