In the claims made by Jesus about Himself, He spoke with a
voice of authority, using allegory as a teaching tool. To understand the
significance of these claims, it is important to become familiar with the
details of His birth, life, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, as
recounted in the four books of the New Testament, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. It is
also important to understand the power of His authority in conjunction with His use of allegory,
as a teaching tool.
Note that the Old Testament
recounts the earlier history of the Jewish people. The other books in the New
Testament, give an account of the later growth of the early Church. Please note
that all Biblical references in this article are from the New King James
Version.
In this context, let us begin
to examine some of the claims made by Jesus about Himself, specifically those
that are contained in the Book of John.
Jesus as a Teacher
In John 1:38, the disciples of
Jesus refer to Him as “Rabbi, (which is to say, when translated, Teacher)”
because they have already begun to perceive Him, as their spiritual Teacher.
Over time, they begin to teach others to regard Jesus, in that same light and
thus, His teachings continue throughout future generations. Jesus speaks to His
disciples with a voice of authority, one that is distinct for that era. Two
thousand years later,
His teachings are still valid, all around the world. In His own era, Jesus was
widely respected for the claims that He made about Himself. Those claims are
still valid today too. The very first experience that
Jesus had as a Teacher took place in the Temple
The use of allegory
Note that in His claims about
Himself, Jesus uses concepts, images and symbolism, an allegorical writing
technique. In all four accounts of the life of Jesus, allegory is a viable
teaching tool that conveys His message to others.
The limits of human understanding
Be aware that the claims made
by Jesus about Himself exceed the understanding of humankind, until such a time
as God opens their eyes, ears and understanding to see, hear and comprehend His
Word. While what He stated remains true today, it often becomes a controversial
topic for some people, while there are others who understand that what He has
stated is true.
What did Jesus claim about
Himself?
Jesus stated, “I am the way, the truth and
the life.” John 14:6
In this verse, Jesus leads his
disciples directly to God, using basic concepts portrayed in three words
claiming to be the way, the truth and the life. Together, these words serve as
a viable road map, indicating the direction, purpose and ultimate goal of His
teaching for humankind. Jesus shows his disciples and others the way to God. Of
course, this is in terms of their understanding with the singular purpose of
teaching the truth and the ultimate goal of eternal life.
“I am the resurrection and the
life.” John 11:25
Note the continued use of allegory
here, as God reveals Himself and His divine love for humankind, through Jesus
and the Word that He brings to humankind. Ultimately, it is a message of
victory over death.
Remember that these are the
direct teachings of Jesus to His disciples. This is easier to comprehend when
one considers the context in which this Scripture stands.
“He who believes in me though
he may die, he shall live.” John 11:25
Although natural death is
possible, there is eternal life.
“I am the light of the world.”
John 8:12
Jesus reveals the Word of God
through the power of His Holy Spirit, which brings about the enlightenment of
humankind. What humankind cannot perceive in the darkness of sin, they can
understand when they seek forgiveness.
This becomes even more evident
when He declares,
“He who follows me shall not
walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John
8:12
Note that at this point, the
Pharisees start to accuse Jesus of bearing false witness. He defends Himself
successfully, but there continues to be those who do not understand what He is
stating. These are the unbelievers.
“I am the bread of life.” John
6:48
The claim made by Jesus about
being the bread of life compares manna, as portrayed in the Old Testament to
living bread.
“This is the bread which comes
from heaven that one may eat of it and not die.” John 6:50
Remember that the manna, as
depicted in the Old Testament only sustained natural life, but did not ensure
eternal life through redemption. Bread is an allegory, a symbol of spiritual
food, with which Jesus fed His disciples and others, thereby bringing about redemption
and eternal life. By the claims made by Jesus, He draws His disciples upwards
spiritually toward redemption, as they begin to understand what He is teaching
them
“I am the gate for the sheep.”
(“I am the door of the sheep.” John 10:7)
Jesus allegorically compares
His disciples and others who follow Him, using the imagery of sheep. This is
common language that people of this era, are able to comprehend. Even children
understand. Whoever serves in the capacity
of the gate or acts as the door for the sheep, becomes the shepherd who also
protects the sheep. Note that Jesus is aware that there are other shepherds who are not good shepherds, as they fail to protect their sheep. He regards
these shepherds as being evil. Jesus assures His disciples and others that
what He is doing is of God and thus, it is good. His teaching is the work of a
good shepherd. Remember that throughout all of
these claims about Himself, Jesus continues to teach His disciples and they in
turn, become empowered to be the teachers of the Word of God.
The claims of Jesus are not the
natural claims of just any man. These are spiritual claims made by God Himself,
through the human-divine man known as Jesus. The birth of Jesus came about
through divine conception. He was born and raised as the son of Joseph and
Mary. At this time in His life, when He is making these claims about Himself
and teaching others, He is already a full-grown man, but one who portrays Himself
as a lowly, humble man, merely a shepherd. .
Jesus also makes further claims
about being the good Shepherd, when He states,
“The good Shepherd gives his
life for the sheep.” John 10::11
He is ready to offer his life
for His followers.
There is another claim made by
Jesus.
“I am the good shepherd; and I
know my sheep, and am known by my own.” John 10:14.
In this context, knowing refers
to revealed truth or the awareness of divine truth. Because the disciples know
Jesus and the truth of His claims and teachings, they follow Him and in turn,
teach others to do the same.
“I and the Father are one.”
John 10:30
God’s Holy Spirit reveals
divine truth to humankind. The oneness of Jesus and God is evident, but this
only becomes possible through revelation from God’s Holy Spirit. It is beyond
the natural truth perceived by humankind.
“I am the true vine and my
Father is the gardener.” (I am the true vine and my father is the vine dresser.)
John 15:1
The allegorical teachings of
the claims made by Jesus about Himself, include the use of imagery derived from
the vineyard. This is vocabulary and imagery common to that era, as well as
concepts the disciples and other members of their communities are able to
comprehend. Note how Jesus compares the true vine that bears fruit, to those
vines that do not. He does not take the credit for the branches that bear
fruit, but rather gives God all of the glory and
honor.
“I am the vine, you are the
branches.” John 10:5
Interestingly, the allegory
continues further, with the use of more natural symbolism. Jesus claims to be
the vine. Vines grow branches that spread out. His disciples and other
followers become the branches that continue to spread the teachings of Jesus,
around the world.
In conclusion, one must state
that the claims made by Jesus, documented in His own words, have survived the
test of time. Biblical truth stands while non-truth cannot stand. The power of
His voice of authority, coupled with the use of allegory, generates this
message in such a way that is both potent and permanent. It is an indisputable
message about the love of God for humankind, conveyed through the claims made
by Jesus about Himself. .
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