Who is Jesus?

Who is Jesus? This is one of the most important questions any human being can ask, because the answer determines not only what we believe, but also how we live and where we will spend eternity. It is good that we know who the Jesus of the Bible is— not the cultural Jesus, not the Jesus distorted by human philosophies, but the true Christ revealed in Scripture. Many throughout history have tried to define Him in their own terms. For some, Jesus was nothing more than a good teacher. For others, He was simply a common man with extraordinary influence. Some say He was a prophet, others claim He was a myth, and others think He was only a moral leader. Yet for us—those who believe the testimony of Scripture—Jesus is God, eternal and sovereign. The Bible attributes divine names, roles, and characteristics to Him, and it is essential that we understand them so we may love Him more deeply and serve Him with devotion.

Jesus is the good shepherd

One of the clearest and most tender images that Jesus used to describe Himself is the image of the good shepherd. In biblical times, shepherds were responsible for guiding, protecting, feeding, and caring for their flock. They risked their lives for the sheep, fought against wolves, thieves, and wild beasts, and ensured that every sheep was safe. Jesus takes this same imagery and applies it to Himself, teaching us not only what He does, but who He is. He is not just any shepherd—He is the good shepherd. This means He is faithful, caring, loving, attentive, and protective. He does not abandon us when danger comes; instead, He gives His life for us.

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

John 10:11-14

Unlike hired workers who only care about earning a wage, Jesus is committed to His flock with an eternal love. A hireling sees danger and runs away, but Jesus saw death, sin, and the wrath of God approaching—and instead of fleeing, He willingly stepped forward and laid down His life. He knows His sheep by name; He knows our thoughts, our wounds, our fears, and our needs. And those who truly belong to Him also know His voice. In a world filled with false voices and deceptive teachings, the voice of Christ remains clear to His people. He leads us to pasture, restores our souls, and walks with us through valleys of darkness.

Jesus is the true vine

In another powerful metaphor, Jesus presents Himself as the true vine. The vine is the plant that produces grapes, and it is the source of nourishment and life for its branches. Without the vine, the branches wither and die; without the vine, there is no fruit. Jesus is saying that He alone is the source of spiritual life, growth, and fruitfulness. Notice that He does not call Himself simply “a vine” but “the true vine,” meaning that outside of Him everything else is false, insufficient, or powerless. Our relationship with Him is not optional; it is essential.

1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

John 15:1-4

We are the branches, completely dependent on Him. Without Jesus, we cannot bear fruit, no matter how gifted or disciplined we may be. True transformation, holiness, power, and perseverance come only from abiding in Christ. The Father, as the gardener, purifies and prunes us—not to destroy us, but so we may grow stronger and bear more fruit. Sometimes the pruning hurts, but it is always for our good. A Christian disconnected from Jesus becomes spiritually dry, weak, and fruitless. But a Christian who abides in Him becomes a testimony of His grace and strength.

Jesus is the way

Many people say that all roads lead to God, that each person can choose their own path, and that sincerity is enough. But Jesus contradicts this idea completely. He does not say that He knows the way, or that He shows the way—He says He is the way. There is no other path, no alternative route, no other door. Salvation is exclusively found in Him. He is the truth—unchanging, eternal, and absolute. And He is the life, meaning that apart from Him there is only spiritual death. To seek God without Christ is impossible, for Christ alone reconciled us to the Father through His death and resurrection.

5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

John 14:5-7

There is no salvation through religion, through good works, through human effort, or through any other name. Only Jesus. He is the only mediator, the only bridge, the only Savior. To know Jesus is to know the Father; to reject Jesus is to reject the Father.

Jesus has many attributes because He is God—eternal, sovereign, holy, omnipotent, compassionate, righteous, and faithful. But these three portraits—the Good Shepherd, the True Vine, and the Way—help us understand His character, His mission, and His deep love for us.

Dear reader, for you, who is Jesus? Your answer to this question defines your life and your eternity. He is not just a historical figure or a moral teacher—He is the Lord of glory, the Savior of the world, the Son of God who invites you to know Him, follow Him, and abide in Him forever.