The journey from Jesus of Nazareth to being recognised as Jesus Christ—the Messiah and Saviour of the world—is one of the most profound and transformative revelations in human history. Through His life, ministry, death, and resurrection, Jesus made the invisible God visible, bridging the gap between humanity and the divine.
This revelation is not merely a theological concept; it is the cornerstone of Christian faith. The Bible portrays Jesus as the exact representation of God’s nature, showing us who God is and how we can relate to Him. This article explores the journey from Jesus to Christ, the invisible God becoming visible, and the implications of this truth for our lives.
The Invisible God Made Visible
From the beginning, humanity has struggled to comprehend the nature of God. In Exodus 33:20, God told Moses:
“You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
God’s holiness and glory are so overwhelming that they are beyond human comprehension. Yet, in Jesus Christ, God chose to make Himself known in a way humanity could understand. John 1:14 proclaims this profound truth:
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Jesus is the Word of God made flesh. He is not just a messenger of God but God Himself, stepping into human history to reveal His character, love, and purpose.
From Jesus to Christ: The Unfolding Revelation
1. Jesus, the Man of Nazareth
Jesus began His earthly life as a carpenter’s son, born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth. His humanity was evident in his daily life, emotions, and relationships. Hebrews 4:15 emphasises His full humanity:
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
Jesus’s humanity made Him relatable, allowing Him to experience life as we do while remaining sinless.
2. Jesus, the Revealer of God
Jesus’s teachings and miracles began to unveil His divine identity. He declared in John 14:9:
“Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”
Through His compassion, wisdom, and authority, Jesus revealed God’s heart. His miracles—healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and raising the dead—demonstrated God’s power and love in action.
3. Jesus, the Christ (Messiah)
The title “Christ” (Greek: Christos, meaning “Anointed One”) signifies Jesus’s divine mission as the Saviour. Peter recognised this truth in Matthew 16:16.
“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
This moment marked a pivotal shift from seeing Jesus as a teacher or prophet to understanding Him as the promised Saviour who would reconcile humanity to God.
4. Jesus, the Sacrificial Lamb
The ultimate revelation of Jesus as Christ came through His sacrificial death and resurrection. In John 1:29, John the Baptist proclaimed:
“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
By dying on the cross, Jesus fulfilled God’s plan of redemption. His resurrection confirmed His victory over sin and death, proving that He is not only the Messiah but also the Son of God.
What Does It Mean That Jesus Makes God Visible?
- He Reveals God’s Love Jesus’s life and sacrifice demonstrate the depth of God’s love. John 3:16 declares: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus shows us that God’s love is not distant or abstract but personal and sacrificial.
- He Reveals God’s Holiness Jesus’s sinless life and teachings reveal God’s holy standard. In Matthew 5:48, He said: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Through Jesus, we see God’s call to holiness and His desire for us to reflect His character.
- He Reveals God’s Grace Jesus’s ministry was marked by grace—welcoming sinners, forgiving the guilty, and restoring the broken. Ephesians 2:8 reminds us: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God.” In Jesus, we experience the grace that offers salvation and a restored relationship with God.
The Implications for Us
1. Jesus as the Way to God
Jesus’s revelation of God makes Him the only way to the Father. John 14:6 declares:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Through Jesus, we have access to God and the promise of eternal life.
2. Jesus as Our Example
As the visible representation of God, Jesus is our example for how to live. 1 Peter 2:21 encourages us:
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps.”
By imitating Jesus, we reflect God’s character in the world.
3. Jesus as Our Savior
Recognising Jesus as Christ means acknowledging Him as our Saviour and Lord. Romans 10:9 explains:
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
This confession of faith transforms our lives and secures our eternity.
Making the Invisible Visible in Our Lives
As followers of Christ, we are called to continue His mission of making the invisible God visible. Matthew 5:16 exhorts us:
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Through our actions, words, and love, we reveal God’s presence to a world in need. Just as Jesus made the invisible God visible, we are called to reflect His glory in our daily lives.
Conclusion: From Jesus to Christ, From Visible to Eternal
The journey from Jesus of Nazareth to Jesus Christ the Messiah is a revelation that has transformed history and continues to change lives. Jesus made the invisible God visible, showing us His love, holiness, grace, and truth. As believers, we are invited to not only see this truth but also to embody it, becoming witnesses of His glory to the world.
As Colossians 1:15 reminds us:
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”
In Jesus, we see God. In Christ, we are redeemed. And through Him, we are called to reflect His light to others. Let us live in the fullness of this truth, proclaiming with boldness and joy: Jesus is the Christ, the visible image of the invisible God.