Booger McLovin

When considering the identity of Jesus of Nazareth, the options are limited. He cannot be reduced to a vague moral teacher or a misunderstood prophet. His life, words, and the events surrounding His death force us to confront a direct question: Was Jesus telling the truth about who He was, or was He a deceiver, or was He delusional? The historical and scriptural record leaves little room for neutrality.

The Crucifixion Shows His Claims Were Divine

Jesus was not crucified for teaching general morality or for healing the sick. Many rabbis and teachers in first-century Judea were respected for doing those things. The reason for His execution was rooted in His repeated claim to divine authority.

When questioned under oath by the high priest, Jesus declared, “I am; and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62). This statement combined imagery from Psalm 110 and Daniel 7, passages understood by the Jewish leadership as describing a figure with divine authority. The high priest tore his garments and pronounced the statement as blasphemy. The charge was not political sedition. It was theological: Jesus claimed equality with God.

Before Pilate, the Jewish leaders shifted their accusation to Roman terms, saying, “We have a law, and by that law He ought to die because He made Himself out to be the Son of God” (John 19:7). In both Jewish and Roman settings, the consistent reason for His execution was His identity.

The Timing Shows He Knew and Accepted the Penalty

The Sanhedrin had a problem. Jerusalem was overflowing with pilgrims for Passover, many of whom admired Jesus. Arresting Him publicly could cause a riot (Matthew 26:4–5). They needed a private opportunity. Judas provided it, arranging for the arrest in Gethsemane at night, away from the crowds.

Yet the timing was not accidental. The arrest, trial, and execution all took place in the narrow window before the Sabbath during Passover week. This was the very time when lambs were being sacrificed in remembrance of the Exodus. Jesus had already told His disciples, “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion” (Matthew 26:2). He walked into Jerusalem knowing exactly what was about to happen. The timing was part of the plan.

Why He Cannot Be a Liar

If we set aside the miracles for a moment and consider only His words, we find that Jesus made claims that are typically easy to disprove. A liar cannot maintain such a message without cracks appearing. Religious frauds are often exposed when their predictions fail or their private lives contradict their public message. Yet Jesus was publicly examined, questioned, and tested repeatedly, and His answers consistently silenced His opponents.

His words drew thousands. In a culture without mass media, such crowds reflected a level of influence comparable to the most celebrated figures of an entire generation. Most popular leaders of the time achieved this by appealing to nationalistic pride, promising political deliverance, or exploiting fear. Jesus did none of these. His central message was love—love for God and love for one another, even for enemies.

Madmen and liars typically seek personal gain in the form of money, power, or pleasure. Jesus sought none of these. He owned no home (Matthew 8:20), refused to be made king by force (John 6:15), and kept no army or political structure. He did not use His followers to enrich Himself or to build a dynasty. Instead, He told them, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). These are not the ambitions of a fraud.

Why He Cannot Be a Madman

Some have suggested that Jesus may have sincerely believed false things about Himself. This would make Him delusional rather than deceptive. Yet His teaching shows none of the confusion or incoherence associated with madness. He spoke with clarity, authority, and deep insight into human nature. Even His enemies acknowledged His wisdom, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth” (Matthew 22:16).

Madmen often display erratic behavior, but Jesus’ actions consistently matched His message. He did not waver in purpose, even when facing torture and death. His composure during His arrest, trial, and crucifixion is striking. He prayed for His executioners, cared for His mother from the cross, and forgave a repentant thief. This is moral and mental coherence under the most extreme pressure.

The Resurrection Confirms His Identity

If Jesus had died and remained in the grave, it would be reasonable to conclude He was mistaken. But the resurrection changes everything. The tomb was empty. The first witnesses were women, whose testimony carried little legal weight in that culture, which makes the account unlikely to be fabricated. Multiple individuals and groups claimed to have seen Him alive, including more than five hundred people at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6).

The transformation of the disciples is also powerful evidence. They fled in fear at His arrest, yet became bold proclaimers of His resurrection within weeks. Most endured imprisonment, torture, and execution for this testimony. People may die for something they believe to be true, but no one willingly dies for what they know to be a lie.

The Verdict

The crucifixion proves that Jesus claimed divinity. The timing proves that He knowingly accepted the penalty. His life and teaching disprove the possibility that He was a liar or a madman. The resurrection vindicates His identity beyond question.

That leaves only one conclusion: Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be, God in the flesh.

The question He asked His disciples remains for each of us: “But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). The evidence demands an answer. Neutrality is not an option.