Jesus Denies Being God

Many people hold strong beliefs about the nature of Jesus. But what did Jesus himself say about his own identity in relation to God? This article explores several passages from the Gospels that shed light on this profound question, presenting his words for your own consideration.

Direct Denies

So He said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. -- Matthew 19:17 (NKJV); Mark 10:18; Luke 18:19

So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing...

How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father.

-- John 5:19,44-45 (ESV)

Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that He is your God. -- John 8:54 (KJV)

Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given him authority over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as You have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. -- John 17:1-3 (NKJV)

Implicit Denies

But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. -- Mark 13:32 (ESV)

Jesus called himself "the Son", therefore he implied that he is not our Father God.

Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and He is the judge. -- John 8:49-50 (ESV)

Jesus made a clear distinction between himself and the Father, implying that he is not the Father.

Conclusion

The Gospels present several instances where Jesus's own words appear to draw a clear line between himself and God.

He made direct statements questioning being called good, a quality he attributed to God alone, and referred to the Father as "the only true God."
He also made implicit denials by stating his own limitations in knowledge compared to the Father and emphasizing that he honors the Father, not himself.

These passages are central to understanding the nature of Jesus as depicted in the biblical texts.