Depending on how much you’ve read or heard, you will know that in the world today there are many ideas, theories and explanations of who Jesus is. Jesus’ name appears everywhere, it is used in religious services and used as a swear word. Ask someone who is using Jesus’ name in these ways, “Do you know Jesus?” and they may just give you a blank stare. What is it about this person that keeps people asking the question: Who is Jesus and can Jesus really be known?

These are good questions to ask. A lot of confusion exists because people often don't ask questions. Some have been told that “faith” doesn’t ask questions, the truth is faith is full of questions. Having faith doesn’t mean that every question can be answered, but it does mean that questions should be asked to gain understanding of the truth.

Who is Jesus and can he be known?

There are lots of opinions on this subject, it’s amazing how often opinions get sorted out and truth is clarified when we read what the Bible actually says. The Gospels—the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the New Testament—tell the story of Jesus’ life. They show that this question was an extremely popular one when Jesus was walking the earth. He was aware of the question, and he even asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man [a term referring to Jesus] is?” The disciples gave him assorted answers. Then he asked, “But who do you say I am?” Speaking for the rest, Peter said, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” Jesus agreed with him. (See Matthew 16:13–17).

The answer to the question, “Who is Jesus?” has to start with exploring Jesus’ own claims. He described himself as God Mark 2:1-12. He also demonstrated himself to be fully man (he wept, thirsted, and died). He claimed to be both Saviour (Luke 19:9-10) and Friend (see John 15:13-15. For that, you will need to explore the New Testament books that record his life. The question is important enough that it deserves the investment on your time.

Can Jesus can be known by someone today

When people look to discover more about who Jesus is, they also find out that they can know him personally. In one of Jesus’ last prayers he said, “And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth” (John 17:3).

How do you answer the question “Who is Jesus?” right now?

If you don’t have an answer or feel like you’ve been using someone else’s answer, the Bible is the ultimate source for finding the answer.