Scholar Reveals TRUTH - Jesus DID CLAIM to Be God (Brant Pitre)

Look at historical Jesus scholarship. It Look at historical Jesus scholarship. It is almost universally recognized that is almost universally recognized that is almost universally recognized that Jesus of Nazareth was crucified by Jesus of Nazareth was crucified by Jesus of Nazareth was crucified by Pontius Pilot. Like this is something as Pontius Pilot. Like this is something as Pontius Pilot. Like this is something as accepted as a historical fact. Um so accepted as a historical fact. Um so accepted as a historical fact. Um so there's no there's no argument about there's no there's no argument about there's no there's no argument about whether he was crucified. But when you whether he was crucified. But when you whether he was crucified. But when you actually press into it and ask well why actually press into it and ask well why actually press into it and ask well why was he crucified? What's the reason for was he crucified? What's the reason for was he crucified? What's the reason for the crucifixion? Then it actually gets the crucifixion? Then it actually gets the crucifixion? Then it actually gets more complicated. It's fascinating that more complicated. It's fascinating that more complicated. It's fascinating that there's lots of disagreement about the there's lots of disagreement about the there's lots of disagreement about the causes or the reasons that led to the causes or the reasons that led to the causes or the reasons that led to the crucifixion. Some people say, "Oh, well, crucifixion. Some people say, "Oh, well, crucifixion. Some people say, "Oh, well, he was a false prophet, or he was he was a false prophet, or he was he was a false prophet, or he was executed for being a deceiver, he was executed for being a deceiver, he was executed for being a deceiver, he was executed for being against the law, or executed for being against the law, or executed for being against the law, or he was executed for being against the he was executed for being against the he was executed for being against the temple, or he was executed because he temple, or he was executed because he temple, or he was executed because he made a claim to be the Messiah." And made a claim to be the Messiah." And made a claim to be the Messiah." And >> so, obviously, you have so many >> so, obviously, you have so many >> so, obviously, you have so many different views there, including what different views there, including what different views there, including what Muslims believe that Jesus didn't claim Muslims believe that Jesus didn't claim Muslims believe that Jesus didn't claim to be God, but he was crucified. Well, to be God, but he was crucified. Well, to be God, but he was crucified. Well, he didn't actually crucified. It was he didn't actually crucified. It was he didn't actually crucified. It was switched somehow the body, like almost switched somehow the body, like almost switched somehow the body, like almost like a there was divine intervention on like a there was divine intervention on like a there was divine intervention on the crucifixion. And then obviously you the crucifixion. And then obviously you the crucifixion. And then obviously you got the Jews that believe that he wasn't got the Jews that believe that he wasn't got the Jews that believe that he wasn't the Messiah. Um so there's there's such the Messiah. Um so there's there's such the Messiah. Um so there's there's such a different scope of the reason that the a different scope of the reason that the a different scope of the reason that the man Jesus of Nazareth was crucified. And man Jesus of Nazareth was crucified. And man Jesus of Nazareth was crucified. And it's fascinating because you got the it's fascinating because you got the it's fascinating because you got the likes of Baron who was an incredible likes of Baron who was an incredible likes of Baron who was an incredible historian who believes that Jesus didn't historian who believes that Jesus didn't historian who believes that Jesus didn't get crucified for claiming to be God.

get crucified for claiming to be God. get crucified for claiming to be God. But you have you know in the Gospel of But you have you know in the Gospel of But you have you know in the Gospel of John which is the latest where Jesus John which is the latest where Jesus John which is the latest where Jesus said before before Abraham was I am but said before before Abraham was I am but said before before Abraham was I am but it's the written the latest as I'm sure it's the written the latest as I'm sure it's the written the latest as I'm sure you know about the arguments there. It's you know about the arguments there. It's you know about the arguments there. It's interesting what he's saying here interesting what he's saying here interesting what he's saying here because there is such a vast array of because there is such a vast array of because there is such a vast array of reasons that Jesus was crucified. And reasons that Jesus was crucified. And reasons that Jesus was crucified. And this is so key to actually what it is to this is so key to actually what it is to this is so key to actually what it is to be a Christian because we are saying be a Christian because we are saying be a Christian because we are saying that scripture predicted and Jesus that scripture predicted and Jesus that scripture predicted and Jesus fulfilled. But for someone who is not a fulfilled. But for someone who is not a fulfilled. But for someone who is not a Christian, who does not believe that Christian, who does not believe that Christian, who does not believe that Jesus, the man who walked the earth, who Jesus, the man who walked the earth, who Jesus, the man who walked the earth, who performed miracles, was Lord, was God, performed miracles, was Lord, was God, performed miracles, was Lord, was God, was divine, if they are to admit and see was divine, if they are to admit and see was divine, if they are to admit and see that ground that he did fulfill all that ground that he did fulfill all that ground that he did fulfill all these prophecies, he did do all these these prophecies, he did do all these these prophecies, he did do all these things, then it's then difficult for things, then it's then difficult for things, then it's then difficult for them to say he wasn't God. So there's them to say he wasn't God. So there's them to say he wasn't God. So there's also, I think, a lot of bias in the way also, I think, a lot of bias in the way also, I think, a lot of bias in the way we actually view Jesus's divinity and we actually view Jesus's divinity and we actually view Jesus's divinity and did he actually claim to be God? There's did he actually claim to be God? There's did he actually claim to be God? There's obviously ways that people do think he obviously ways that people do think he obviously ways that people do think he claimed to be God. you know, forgave claimed to be God. you know, forgave claimed to be God. you know, forgave sins, raised Lazarus from the dead, he sins, raised Lazarus from the dead, he sins, raised Lazarus from the dead, he was worshiped, and for a Jew back then was worshiped, and for a Jew back then was worshiped, and for a Jew back then to do something like that would been to do something like that would been to do something like that would been crazy. Obviously, there's loads of crazy. Obviously, there's loads of crazy. Obviously, there's loads of different um views there because of how different um views there because of how different um views there because of how the way people viewed Moses or people the way people viewed Moses or people the way people viewed Moses or people use arguments, well, they did this for use arguments, well, they did this for use arguments, well, they did this for this prophet, they did this for this this prophet, they did this for this this prophet, they did this for this prophet. So, how does Jesus distinguish prophet. So, how does Jesus distinguish prophet. So, how does Jesus distinguish that? Or if you look at Peter when he that? Or if you look at Peter when he that? Or if you look at Peter when he comes out the boat and he steps on the comes out the boat and he steps on the comes out the boat and he steps on the water, Jesus says, because of your water, Jesus says, because of your water, Jesus says, because of your faith, lack of faith, you sank. But faith, lack of faith, you sank. But faith, lack of faith, you sank. But there was a point where he would stand there was a point where he would stand there was a point where he would stand there. Which means, did the divinity of there. Which means, did the divinity of there. Which means, did the divinity of someone rely on faith? And if that was someone rely on faith? And if that was someone rely on faith? And if that was the case, was Jesus just an extremely the case, was Jesus just an extremely the case, was Jesus just an extremely faithful Jew rather than the Messiah?

faithful Jew rather than the Messiah? faithful Jew rather than the Messiah? Now, there's so many different arguments Now, there's so many different arguments Now, there's so many different arguments there. So, it's going to be really there. So, it's going to be really there. So, it's going to be really interesting to see what this really interesting to see what this really interesting to see what this really knowledge knowledgeable scholar actually knowledge knowledgeable scholar actually knowledge knowledgeable scholar actually says. Most of those charges, although says. Most of those charges, although says. Most of those charges, although they're reasonable kind of in the they're reasonable kind of in the they're reasonable kind of in the abstract, if you look at the sources, abstract, if you look at the sources, abstract, if you look at the sources, there's not a lot of evidence to support there's not a lot of evidence to support there's not a lot of evidence to support those things with the sole exception of those things with the sole exception of those things with the sole exception of messianic claim. Obviously, the messianic claim. Obviously, the messianic claim. Obviously, the messianic claim plays a part in his messianic claim plays a part in his messianic claim plays a part in his Roman execution because it's there on Roman execution because it's there on Roman execution because it's there on the title of the cross, Jesus Nazareth, the title of the cross, Jesus Nazareth, the title of the cross, Jesus Nazareth, king, king, king, >> king of the Jews. >> king of the Jews. >> king of the Jews. >> But the problem with even with that one >> But the problem with even with that one >> But the problem with even with that one is that it isn't a crime in Judaism to is that it isn't a crime in Judaism to is that it isn't a crime in Judaism to claim to be the Messiah. If by Messiah claim to be the Messiah. If by Messiah claim to be the Messiah. If by Messiah you simply mean the heir to the Davidic you simply mean the heir to the Davidic you simply mean the heir to the Davidic throne. throne. throne. >> And this is a key thing to note that >> And this is a key thing to note that >> And this is a key thing to note that what the Jews viewed was the Messiah and what the Jews viewed was the Messiah and what the Jews viewed was the Messiah and and a Jew viewing them as God was two and a Jew viewing them as God was two and a Jew viewing them as God was two different things. Now we we we often different things. Now we we we often different things. Now we we we often speak about Messiah and God as the same speak about Messiah and God as the same speak about Messiah and God as the same thing. But for a Jew back then to thing. But for a Jew back then to thing. But for a Jew back then to believe that it was very different, believe that it was very different, believe that it was very different, right? Because one the view they had of right? Because one the view they had of right? Because one the view they had of the Messiah was very different and also the Messiah was very different and also the Messiah was very different and also their view of God and what God is is their view of God and what God is is their view of God and what God is is different. And I think this is a really different. And I think this is a really different. And I think this is a really good distinction to make and he's going good distinction to make and he's going good distinction to make and he's going to explain this in way more detail than to explain this in way more detail than to explain this in way more detail than I ever could. If it were a cl crime to I ever could. If it were a cl crime to I ever could. If it were a cl crime to claim to be the Messiah, then how would claim to be the Messiah, then how would claim to be the Messiah, then how would you ever know who the Davidic heir was, you ever know who the Davidic heir was, you ever know who the Davidic heir was, right? You know, I'm the heir of David's right? You know, I'm the heir of David's right? You know, I'm the heir of David's throne. Kill him. that it doesn't make throne. Kill him. that it doesn't make throne. Kill him. that it doesn't make sense. It's not plausible within a sense. It's not plausible within a sense. It's not plausible within a Jewish context. So the question also has Jewish context. So the question also has Jewish context. So the question also has to be not only why did the Roman but why to be not only why did the Roman but why to be not only why did the Roman but why is he handed over for execution by the is he handed over for execution by the is he handed over for execution by the Jewish authorities to the Romans? And so Jewish authorities to the Romans? And so Jewish authorities to the Romans? And so that actually pushes the point that that actually pushes the point that that actually pushes the point that Anthony Harvey made a long time ago um Anthony Harvey made a long time ago um Anthony Harvey made a long time ago um in his book on Jesus and the constraints in his book on Jesus and the constraints in his book on Jesus and the constraints of history that the only charge that we

of history that the only charge that we of history that the only charge that we have that all four gospels agree on as a have that all four gospels agree on as a have that all four gospels agree on as a cause for his execution is the cause for his execution is the cause for his execution is the accusation of blasphemy. accusation of blasphemy. accusation of blasphemy. >> Blasphemy. This is really really >> Blasphemy. This is really really >> Blasphemy. This is really really important. So if you look for example at important. So if you look for example at important. So if you look for example at Mark chapter 14, although for example Mark chapter 14, although for example Mark chapter 14, although for example Jesus's um the so-called cleansing of Jesus's um the so-called cleansing of Jesus's um the so-called cleansing of the temple where he turns over the the temple where he turns over the the temple where he turns over the tables, that's certainly a factor in his tables, that's certainly a factor in his tables, that's certainly a factor in his arrest, but he is not charged with any arrest, but he is not charged with any arrest, but he is not charged with any kind of capital crime for what he does kind of capital crime for what he does kind of capital crime for what he does in the temple. Uh most people will argue in the temple. Uh most people will argue in the temple. Uh most people will argue that's the reason for his execution. But that's the reason for his execution. But that's the reason for his execution. But not only was it not a capital crime, the not only was it not a capital crime, the not only was it not a capital crime, the gospels themselves don't even tell us gospels themselves don't even tell us gospels themselves don't even tell us that was the reason. If you look at the that was the reason. If you look at the that was the reason. If you look at the gospels, the reason he is sentenced to gospels, the reason he is sentenced to gospels, the reason he is sentenced to death, the reason he is handed over to death, the reason he is handed over to death, the reason he is handed over to the Roman authorities is the charge of the Roman authorities is the charge of the Roman authorities is the charge of blasphemy. Now, the reason that matters blasphemy. Now, the reason that matters blasphemy. Now, the reason that matters is because in a first century Jewish is because in a first century Jewish is because in a first century Jewish context, as I said, it isn't blasphemy context, as I said, it isn't blasphemy context, as I said, it isn't blasphemy simply to claim to be the Messiah. simply to claim to be the Messiah. simply to claim to be the Messiah. >> But it would be blasphemy to claim to be >> But it would be blasphemy to claim to be >> But it would be blasphemy to claim to be a divine figure, to be more than just a divine figure, to be more than just a divine figure, to be more than just the Messiah. And I think that's exactly the Messiah. And I think that's exactly the Messiah. And I think that's exactly what happens in Mark chapter 14 in the what happens in Mark chapter 14 in the what happens in Mark chapter 14 in the famous scene before Caiaphas and the famous scene before Caiaphas and the famous scene before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin. And a really interesting Sanhedrin. And a really interesting Sanhedrin. And a really interesting point to make out is John the Baptist, a point to make out is John the Baptist, a point to make out is John the Baptist, a lot of people thought he was the Messiah lot of people thought he was the Messiah lot of people thought he was the Messiah and they thought he was divine and he and they thought he was divine and he and they thought he was divine and he obviously paved the way for Jesus and obviously paved the way for Jesus and obviously paved the way for Jesus and was the person who baptized Jesus.

was the person who baptized Jesus. was the person who baptized Jesus. However, he was not crucified. Now, However, he was not crucified. Now, However, he was not crucified. Now, there would have been so many grounds if there would have been so many grounds if there would have been so many grounds if messianic qualities were the reason messianic qualities were the reason messianic qualities were the reason people got crucified. There would have people got crucified. There would have people got crucified. There would have been so many grounds to do that for John been so many grounds to do that for John been so many grounds to do that for John the Baptist, but it was Herod who the Baptist, but it was Herod who the Baptist, but it was Herod who executed him and chopped his head off. executed him and chopped his head off. executed him and chopped his head off. It was not because he claimed to be the It was not because he claimed to be the It was not because he claimed to be the Messiah because so many po people Messiah because so many po people Messiah because so many po people actually thought that John the Baptist actually thought that John the Baptist actually thought that John the Baptist was who they were waiting for, who was was who they were waiting for, who was was who they were waiting for, who was the person who came. So it I think the person who came. So it I think the person who came. So it I think that's also an interesting point that he that's also an interesting point that he that's also an interesting point that he doesn't make here. If the claim of doesn't make here. If the claim of doesn't make here. If the claim of messianic qualities but not being God is messianic qualities but not being God is messianic qualities but not being God is the reason Jesus got charged, then why the reason Jesus got charged, then why the reason Jesus got charged, then why wasn't John the Baptist crucified? It's wasn't John the Baptist crucified? It's wasn't John the Baptist crucified? It's a very good point. I think he doesn't a very good point. I think he doesn't a very good point. I think he doesn't even make it but he might go on to make even make it but he might go on to make even make it but he might go on to make it but I think that's that's just it but I think that's that's just it but I think that's that's just something I thought of randomly there. something I thought of randomly there. something I thought of randomly there. So you the fa passage is familiar but So you the fa passage is familiar but So you the fa passage is familiar but I'll read it just to be so we're sorry. I'll read it just to be so we're sorry. I'll read it just to be so we're sorry. When Caiaphas says to him are you the When Caiaphas says to him are you the When Caiaphas says to him are you the Christ messiah Messiah in Hebrew Christo Christ messiah Messiah in Hebrew Christo Christ messiah Messiah in Hebrew Christo in Greek the son of the blessed Jesus in Greek the son of the blessed Jesus in Greek the son of the blessed Jesus says in Mark I am so it gives an says in Mark I am so it gives an says in Mark I am so it gives an affirmative there it's just an answer to affirmative there it's just an answer to affirmative there it's just an answer to the question I think and see this the the question I think and see this the the question I think and see this the point and you will see the son of man point and you will see the son of man point and you will see the son of man sitting at the right hand of power and sitting at the right hand of power and sitting at the right hand of power and coming with the clouds of heaven. Now coming with the clouds of heaven. Now coming with the clouds of heaven. Now pause in that answer. Jesus does not pause in that answer. Jesus does not pause in that answer. Jesus does not simply say I'm the Davidic heir. He adds simply say I'm the Davidic heir. He adds simply say I'm the Davidic heir. He adds to it an illusion to psalm to Daniel 7 to it an illusion to psalm to Daniel 7 to it an illusion to psalm to Daniel 7 which depicts the one like a son of man which depicts the one like a son of man which depicts the one like a son of man coming on the clouds of heaven right and coming on the clouds of heaven right and coming on the clouds of heaven right and receiving the latria that you talked receiving the latria that you talked receiving the latria that you talked about earlier the worship. Um he in about earlier the worship. Um he in about earlier the worship. Um he in other words he's a heavenly being who

other words he's a heavenly being who other words he's a heavenly being who appears to be human and then is given appears to be human and then is given appears to be human and then is given the kingdom and the power and the glory the kingdom and the power and the glory the kingdom and the power and the glory and all that. And Jesus alludes to Psalm and all that. And Jesus alludes to Psalm and all that. And Jesus alludes to Psalm 110 which says, "The Lord says to my 110 which says, "The Lord says to my 110 which says, "The Lord says to my Lord, sit at my right hand until I make Lord, sit at my right hand until I make Lord, sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your foottool." So it's your enemies your foottool." So it's your enemies your foottool." So it's again a kind of royal psalm that's again a kind of royal psalm that's again a kind of royal psalm that's depicting a heavenly enthronement of the depicting a heavenly enthronement of the depicting a heavenly enthronement of the Davidic heir. So what Jesus says is, Davidic heir. So what Jesus says is, Davidic heir. So what Jesus says is, "I'm the Messiah, but I'm not just any "I'm the Messiah, but I'm not just any "I'm the Messiah, but I'm not just any Messiah. I'm the Messiah, the heavenly Messiah. I'm the Messiah, the heavenly Messiah. I'm the Messiah, the heavenly being of Daniel 7 who comes on the being of Daniel 7 who comes on the being of Daniel 7 who comes on the clouds and receives worship and all clouds and receives worship and all clouds and receives worship and all that. And I'm the superdevidic messiah that. And I'm the superdevidic messiah that. And I'm the superdevidic messiah of Psalm 110 who sits on the throne of Psalm 110 who sits on the throne of Psalm 110 who sits on the throne beside God which in an ancient near beside God which in an ancient near beside God which in an ancient near eastern context if you sit on a divine eastern context if you sit on a divine eastern context if you sit on a divine throne it implies equality with the throne it implies equality with the throne it implies equality with the divine regent with the divine king. divine regent with the divine king. divine regent with the divine king. >> So by making that answer Jesus doesn't >> So by making that answer Jesus doesn't >> So by making that answer Jesus doesn't just affirm his messiahship. He goes just affirm his messiahship. He goes just affirm his messiahship. He goes beyond and implicitly claims to be a beyond and implicitly claims to be a beyond and implicitly claims to be a heavenly messiah like in Daniel 7 and a heavenly messiah like in Daniel 7 and a heavenly messiah like in Daniel 7 and a co-equal or divine authority like in co-equal or divine authority like in co-equal or divine authority like in Psalm 110. So this is a really great Psalm 110. So this is a really great Psalm 110. So this is a really great point and I love how he used Mark here point and I love how he used Mark here point and I love how he used Mark here because obviously Mark is the earliest because obviously Mark is the earliest because obviously Mark is the earliest gospel and it's brilliant to see him gospel and it's brilliant to see him gospel and it's brilliant to see him speaking about and obviously I'm biased speaking about and obviously I'm biased speaking about and obviously I'm biased because I am a Christian. I do believe because I am a Christian. I do believe because I am a Christian. I do believe Jesus was God and did claim to be God.

Jesus was God and did claim to be God. Jesus was God and did claim to be God. But it's great to see him using Mark of But it's great to see him using Mark of But it's great to see him using Mark of any gospel to affirm this because so any gospel to affirm this because so any gospel to affirm this because so often we see the argument of John being often we see the argument of John being often we see the argument of John being Jesus, you know, expanding and saying Jesus, you know, expanding and saying Jesus, you know, expanding and saying that this proves he was God before that this proves he was God before that this proves he was God before Abraham was I am. But he is using Mark Abraham was I am. But he is using Mark Abraham was I am. But he is using Mark of anything. And he's actually saying he of anything. And he's actually saying he of anything. And he's actually saying he goes above and beyond. So it's not just goes above and beyond. So it's not just goes above and beyond. So it's not just he claims to be God. No, he goes above he claims to be God. No, he goes above he claims to be God. No, he goes above and beyond to make it super clear. And and beyond to make it super clear. And and beyond to make it super clear. And it's it's fascinating really because you it's it's fascinating really because you it's it's fascinating really because you don't often see this. I feel like a lot don't often see this. I feel like a lot don't often see this. I feel like a lot of people sweep this under the rug. Even of people sweep this under the rug. Even of people sweep this under the rug. Even Christians who do believe Jesus was God. Christians who do believe Jesus was God. Christians who do believe Jesus was God. Like I'm I've I've heard this before, Like I'm I've I've heard this before, Like I'm I've I've heard this before, but I didn't realize how much he went but I didn't realize how much he went but I didn't realize how much he went above and beyond in saying that. So, above and beyond in saying that. So, above and beyond in saying that. So, it's absolutely fascinating. it's absolutely fascinating. it's absolutely fascinating. >> And in reaction to that, the high priest >> And in reaction to that, the high priest >> And in reaction to that, the high priest says he tears his mantle, which is a says he tears his mantle, which is a says he tears his mantle, which is a reaction to blasphemy, by the way, in reaction to blasphemy, by the way, in reaction to blasphemy, by the way, in the Old Testament. It's a kind of the Old Testament. It's a kind of the Old Testament. It's a kind of visible way of showing shock and horror. visible way of showing shock and horror. visible way of showing shock and horror. >> And he says, "Why do we still need >> And he says, "Why do we still need >> And he says, "Why do we still need witnesses? You've heard his blasph witnesses? You've heard his blasph witnesses? You've heard his blasph blasphemy. What is your decision?" and blasphemy. What is your decision?" and blasphemy. What is your decision?" and they all condemned him as deserving they all condemned him as deserving they all condemned him as deserving death. Right? So I think that's also an death. Right? So I think that's also an death. Right? So I think that's also an important point to make from Mark how important point to make from Mark how important point to make from Mark how they then condemned him to death not for they then condemned him to death not for they then condemned him to death not for what he did before not for lashing out what he did before not for lashing out what he did before not for lashing out in the temple not for all of that but in the temple not for all of that but in the temple not for all of that but what he said there which shows a what he said there which shows a what he said there which shows a complete difference there because if complete difference there because if complete difference there because if someone was to think that that was the someone was to think that that was the someone was to think that that was the other reasons of the way he acted and other reasons of the way he acted and other reasons of the way he acted and what he did before that may that be what he did before that may that be what he did before that may that be breaking Sabbath may that be lashing on breaking Sabbath may that be lashing on breaking Sabbath may that be lashing on the temple was the reason he got to his the temple was the reason he got to his the temple was the reason he got to his place crucifixion then this clearly place crucifixion then this clearly place crucifixion then this clearly shows no it was what he said here that shows no it was what he said here that shows no it was what he said here that crucified him.

crucified him. crucified him. >> The gospel narrative there makes it >> The gospel narrative there makes it >> The gospel narrative there makes it really clear that Jesus is accused of really clear that Jesus is accused of really clear that Jesus is accused of blasphemy in the context of a question blasphemy in the context of a question blasphemy in the context of a question about his identity. Who are you? Are you about his identity. Who are you? Are you about his identity. Who are you? Are you the Messiah, the son of the blessed? And the Messiah, the son of the blessed? And the Messiah, the son of the blessed? And he answers it by alluding to those he answers it by alluding to those he answers it by alluding to those scriptures. So what I think is important scriptures. So what I think is important scriptures. So what I think is important about this passage is that it shows at about this passage is that it shows at about this passage is that it shows at least the level of the gospel narrative least the level of the gospel narrative least the level of the gospel narrative that the reason Jesus is handed over to that the reason Jesus is handed over to that the reason Jesus is handed over to the authorities is not because he's a the authorities is not because he's a the authorities is not because he's a false prophet, not because he's a false prophet, not because he's a false prophet, not because he's a deceiver, not because he made a mess in deceiver, not because he made a mess in deceiver, not because he made a mess in the temple or because he was against the the temple or because he was against the the temple or because he was against the law. It's because he made a divine claim law. It's because he made a divine claim law. It's because he made a divine claim about himself or claim about himself about himself or claim about himself about himself or claim about himself that goes beyond what they think would that goes beyond what they think would that goes beyond what they think would be acceptable for a merely human be acceptable for a merely human be acceptable for a merely human messiah. He claims to be a heavenly messiah. He claims to be a heavenly messiah. He claims to be a heavenly Messiah, a divine Messiah. And that kind Messiah, a divine Messiah. And that kind Messiah, a divine Messiah. And that kind of claim would be blasphemy and would be of claim would be blasphemy and would be of claim would be blasphemy and would be guilt uh would would merit death. So I guilt uh would would merit death. So I guilt uh would would merit death. So I think that the blasphemy charge which is think that the blasphemy charge which is think that the blasphemy charge which is not just in Mark it's also in Matthew not just in Mark it's also in Matthew not just in Mark it's also in Matthew and also in John as well uh John think and also in John as well uh John think and also in John as well uh John think of John 19 we have a law and by that law of John 19 we have a law and by that law of John 19 we have a law and by that law he deserves to die. It's an illusion to he deserves to die. It's an illusion to he deserves to die. It's an illusion to to the book of Leviticus the the capital to the book of Leviticus the the capital to the book of Leviticus the the capital crown of blasphemy. Uh if you put that crown of blasphemy. Uh if you put that crown of blasphemy. Uh if you put that all together, I think the most plausible all together, I think the most plausible all together, I think the most plausible explanation for why Jesus is handing explanation for why Jesus is handing explanation for why Jesus is handing handed over to crucifixion is because he handed over to crucifixion is because he handed over to crucifixion is because he makes the a divine claim in the context makes the a divine claim in the context makes the a divine claim in the context of the Sanhedrin that they perceive as of the Sanhedrin that they perceive as of the Sanhedrin that they perceive as blasphemous and that's what ultimately blasphemous and that's what ultimately blasphemous and that's what ultimately leads to his crucifixion. So from my leads to his crucifixion. So from my leads to his crucifixion. So from my point of view, um as Sanders said, the point of view, um as Sanders said, the point of view, um as Sanders said, the the smoke of the early divine the smoke of the early divine the smoke of the early divine christologology really originates in the christologology really originates in the christologology really originates in the fire of Jesus's divine claim that we see

fire of Jesus's divine claim that we see fire of Jesus's divine claim that we see leads to his death. And that's why I leads to his death. And that's why I leads to his death. And that's why I think the divine Jesus is actually the think the divine Jesus is actually the think the divine Jesus is actually the most crucifiable Jesus in terms of most crucifiable Jesus in terms of most crucifiable Jesus in terms of historical vulnerability than all these historical vulnerability than all these historical vulnerability than all these other scenarios in which he's not making other scenarios in which he's not making other scenarios in which he's not making divine claims and yet somehow still ends divine claims and yet somehow still ends divine claims and yet somehow still ends up um handed over by the authorities up um handed over by the authorities up um handed over by the authorities >> for for a capital crime. >> for for a capital crime. >> for for a capital crime. >> I don't doubt that that is the most >> I don't doubt that that is the most >> I don't doubt that that is the most crucifiable version of Jesus. Um of crucifiable version of Jesus. Um of crucifiable version of Jesus. Um of course this is the big climax, but there course this is the big climax, but there course this is the big climax, but there are a number of questions which jump out are a number of questions which jump out are a number of questions which jump out of this for me and it's it's a strong of this for me and it's it's a strong of this for me and it's it's a strong case and and people make it all the case and and people make it all the case and and people make it all the time. And they sort of quite confidently time. And they sort of quite confidently time. And they sort of quite confidently say, well, look, Jesus is clearly when say, well, look, Jesus is clearly when say, well, look, Jesus is clearly when he says, you will see the son of man sat he says, you will see the son of man sat he says, you will see the son of man sat at the right hand of power coming with at the right hand of power coming with at the right hand of power coming with the clouds of heaven. These are these the clouds of heaven. These are these the clouds of heaven. These are these are illusions to the divine Messiah. And are illusions to the divine Messiah. And are illusions to the divine Messiah. And it's like instantly the high priest it's like instantly the high priest it's like instantly the high priest recognizes that these are illusions to recognizes that these are illusions to recognizes that these are illusions to Daniel and to Psalms and says this man Daniel and to Psalms and says this man Daniel and to Psalms and says this man is blaspheming. And that must be because is blaspheming. And that must be because is blaspheming. And that must be because he's claiming to be God. A few things he's claiming to be God. A few things he's claiming to be God. A few things that I want to point out. Firstly, this that I want to point out. Firstly, this that I want to point out. Firstly, this is not the only time when Jesus is is not the only time when Jesus is is not the only time when Jesus is accused of blasphemy for claiming to be accused of blasphemy for claiming to be accused of blasphemy for claiming to be God. Right? This also happens in John God. Right? This also happens in John God. Right? This also happens in John chapter 10, chapter 10, chapter 10, >> uh, where Jesus says, "I and the father >> uh, where Jesus says, "I and the father >> uh, where Jesus says, "I and the father are one." We don't have time to get into are one." We don't have time to get into are one." We don't have time to get into that at the moment. I talked about it in that at the moment. I talked about it in that at the moment. I talked about it in my debate with with David Wood. I have a my debate with with David Wood. I have a my debate with with David Wood. I have a whole interpretation as to why I really whole interpretation as to why I really whole interpretation as to why I really don't think he's claiming to be God by don't think he's claiming to be God by don't think he's claiming to be God by doing that.

doing that. doing that. >> Could be, but I don't think it's >> Could be, but I don't think it's >> Could be, but I don't think it's obvious. The important thing to note is obvious. The important thing to note is obvious. The important thing to note is that that that when the the Jewish opponents pick up when the the Jewish opponents pick up when the the Jewish opponents pick up stones to stone him and he says why why stones to stone him and he says why why stones to stone him and he says why why are you doing this? You know for which are you doing this? You know for which are you doing this? You know for which of these good works you stoning me? He of these good works you stoning me? He of these good works you stoning me? He says we're stoning you for blasphemy says we're stoning you for blasphemy says we're stoning you for blasphemy because you a mere man are claiming to because you a mere man are claiming to because you a mere man are claiming to be God. And in my interpretation of the be God. And in my interpretation of the be God. And in my interpretation of the story Jesus then goes on to basically story Jesus then goes on to basically story Jesus then goes on to basically say you've misunderstood me. Maybe maybe say you've misunderstood me. Maybe maybe say you've misunderstood me. Maybe maybe that is what he meant. But it it at that is what he meant. But it it at that is what he meant. But it it at least leaves room for just the idea that least leaves room for just the idea that least leaves room for just the idea that yeah, these people instantly said, yeah, these people instantly said, yeah, these people instantly said, "You're blaspheming, claiming to be "You're blaspheming, claiming to be "You're blaspheming, claiming to be God." But maybe they were wrong because God." But maybe they were wrong because God." But maybe they were wrong because Jesus is speaking quite uh cryptically Jesus is speaking quite uh cryptically Jesus is speaking quite uh cryptically here when he says he makes these here when he says he makes these here when he says he makes these illusions that seem to maybe be implying illusions that seem to maybe be implying illusions that seem to maybe be implying this or implying that and the and the this or implying that and the and the this or implying that and the and the priest hears it and goes, "You've heard priest hears it and goes, "You've heard priest hears it and goes, "You've heard the blasphemy. Like we need to stone the blasphemy. Like we need to stone the blasphemy. Like we need to stone this man." There's no obvious this man." There's no obvious this man." There's no obvious indication. There's no it's not obvious indication. There's no it's not obvious indication. There's no it's not obvious to me that Jesus couldn't if he wanted to me that Jesus couldn't if he wanted to me that Jesus couldn't if he wanted to say like, "No, you're still not quite to say like, "No, you're still not quite to say like, "No, you're still not quite getting it." But he sort of goes along getting it." But he sort of goes along getting it." But he sort of goes along with it as part of God's plan. I I just with it as part of God's plan. I I just with it as part of God's plan. I I just want to point out that that a lot of the want to point out that that a lot of the want to point out that that a lot of the time when Jesus is accused of blasphemy, time when Jesus is accused of blasphemy, time when Jesus is accused of blasphemy, they're getting it wrong. Right? And they're getting it wrong. Right? And they're getting it wrong. Right? And that might be what's happening here. So that might be what's happening here. So that might be what's happening here. So then what about this illusion to Daniel, then what about this illusion to Daniel, then what about this illusion to Daniel, this son of man who's given lua worship this son of man who's given lua worship this son of man who's given lua worship and all of this power. The question that and all of this power. The question that and all of this power. The question that jumps out to me and what I want to ask jumps out to me and what I want to ask jumps out to me and what I want to ask you is like you is like you is like this is part of the Hebrew scripture, this is part of the Hebrew scripture, this is part of the Hebrew scripture, right? Before Jesus came along, Caiaphas right? Before Jesus came along, Caiaphas right? Before Jesus came along, Caiaphas would have been aware would have been aware would have been aware >> that there is this Danielic son of man >> that there is this Danielic son of man >> that there is this Danielic son of man and that there is this uh there is this and that there is this uh there is this and that there is this uh there is this psalm which which is a messianic psalm psalm which which is a messianic psalm psalm which which is a messianic psalm which is God sort of talking about the which is God sort of talking about the which is God sort of talking about the the promised messiah who everyone knew the promised messiah who everyone knew the promised messiah who everyone knew was coming. If and and Jews believed

was coming. If and and Jews believed was coming. If and and Jews believed that these figures were were coming, that these figures were were coming, that these figures were were coming, right? And so if Jesus claims to be that right? And so if Jesus claims to be that right? And so if Jesus claims to be that person person person >> and Caiaphas instantly goes, "He's >> and Caiaphas instantly goes, "He's >> and Caiaphas instantly goes, "He's claiming to be God." claiming to be God." claiming to be God." >> Mhm. Did Caiaphas already interpret this >> Mhm. Did Caiaphas already interpret this >> Mhm. Did Caiaphas already interpret this Danielic son of man and the Messiah Danielic son of man and the Messiah Danielic son of man and the Messiah promised in the Psalms as God? Yeah, you promised in the Psalms as God? Yeah, you promised in the Psalms as God? Yeah, you see what I'm saying? Like in order for see what I'm saying? Like in order for see what I'm saying? Like in order for him to think that Jesus identifying with him to think that Jesus identifying with him to think that Jesus identifying with these figures he's claiming to be God, these figures he's claiming to be God, these figures he's claiming to be God, >> he would have already had to think >> he would have already had to think >> he would have already had to think before Jesus came along that these before Jesus came along that these before Jesus came along that these figures in the Hebrew scripture which he figures in the Hebrew scripture which he figures in the Hebrew scripture which he believes in describe a coming promised believes in describe a coming promised believes in describe a coming promised human figure who is also God, which human figure who is also God, which human figure who is also God, which seems kind of out of line with Jewish seems kind of out of line with Jewish seems kind of out of line with Jewish teaching. So it seems a little bit weird teaching. So it seems a little bit weird teaching. So it seems a little bit weird to me. to me. to me. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> That Yeah. Yeah, I mean, yeah, there's a >> That Yeah. Yeah, I mean, yeah, there's a >> That Yeah. Yeah, I mean, yeah, there's a really obviously Jesus is alluding to really obviously Jesus is alluding to really obviously Jesus is alluding to Daniel here, but to say that therefore Daniel here, but to say that therefore Daniel here, but to say that therefore he's claiming to be this divine figure he's claiming to be this divine figure he's claiming to be this divine figure would imply that Caiaphas would know would imply that Caiaphas would know would imply that Caiaphas would know that the son of man was going to be like that the son of man was going to be like that the son of man was going to be like God himself in in the flesh, which seems God himself in in the flesh, which seems God himself in in the flesh, which seems like implausible to me. You know what I like implausible to me. You know what I like implausible to me. You know what I mean? So that is a brilliant point mean? So that is a brilliant point mean? So that is a brilliant point because if you look at how the Jews did because if you look at how the Jews did because if you look at how the Jews did get it wrong and who they thought God get it wrong and who they thought God get it wrong and who they thought God would be, if Caiaphas is getting angry would be, if Caiaphas is getting angry would be, if Caiaphas is getting angry at Jesus' claim there, then you could at Jesus' claim there, then you could at Jesus' claim there, then you could almost think to yourself, well, did they almost think to yourself, well, did they almost think to yourself, well, did they did Caiaphas literally know he was God?

did Caiaphas literally know he was God? did Caiaphas literally know he was God? Because obviously I don't think he did Because obviously I don't think he did Because obviously I don't think he did when he was top of the Sanhedrin. Why when he was top of the Sanhedrin. Why when he was top of the Sanhedrin. Why would he then permit God to death? It would he then permit God to death? It would he then permit God to death? It wouldn't make sense. It's an really wouldn't make sense. It's an really wouldn't make sense. It's an really interesting point, Alex makes. I think interesting point, Alex makes. I think interesting point, Alex makes. I think >> there's a great objection. I I really >> there's a great objection. I I really >> there's a great objection. I I really well put I totally get where you're well put I totally get where you're well put I totally get where you're coming. So I'll respond if you if you coming. So I'll respond if you if you coming. So I'll respond if you if you got a second I'll I'll try to obviously got a second I'll I'll try to obviously got a second I'll I'll try to obviously it's so it's so it's so >> yeah this is a great point. So I would >> yeah this is a great point. So I would >> yeah this is a great point. So I would answer it in this way. first um it answer it in this way. first um it answer it in this way. first um it actually isn't in tension with you know actually isn't in tension with you know actually isn't in tension with you know common Jewish teaching because if you common Jewish teaching because if you common Jewish teaching because if you look at apocalyptic Jewish texts from look at apocalyptic Jewish texts from look at apocalyptic Jewish texts from the first century AD I'm thinking here the first century AD I'm thinking here the first century AD I'm thinking here of texts like fourth Ezra test texts of texts like fourth Ezra test texts of texts like fourth Ezra test texts like first Enoch like the similitudes of like first Enoch like the similitudes of like first Enoch like the similitudes of Enoch which is from the first century as Enoch which is from the first century as Enoch which is from the first century as well as desi scrolls like 11 cumized um well as desi scrolls like 11 cumized um well as desi scrolls like 11 cumized um the idea that of a superhuman messiah is the idea that of a superhuman messiah is the idea that of a superhuman messiah is something that actually is present in something that actually is present in something that actually is present in apocalyptic Jewish texts and interpret apocalyptic Jewish texts and interpret apocalyptic Jewish texts and interpret retations of especially interpretations retations of especially interpretations retations of especially interpretations of Daniel for four for Ezra and first of Daniel for four for Ezra and first of Daniel for four for Ezra and first Enoch are both interpreting the Danielic Enoch are both interpreting the Danielic Enoch are both interpreting the Danielic figure in Daniel 7 not just as the figure in Daniel 7 not just as the figure in Daniel 7 not just as the Messiah but as a pre-existent heavenly Messiah but as a pre-existent heavenly Messiah but as a pre-existent heavenly being who's been hidden from all time being who's been hidden from all time being who's been hidden from all time and is now being revealed. Now just and is now being revealed. Now just and is now being revealed. Now just because those Jews believe in that kind because those Jews believe in that kind because those Jews believe in that kind of super exalted divine Messiah like of super exalted divine Messiah like of super exalted divine Messiah like whoever the authors of the first Enoch whoever the authors of the first Enoch whoever the authors of the first Enoch literature were think here maybe of the literature were think here maybe of the literature were think here maybe of the Essenes and the figures like the authors Essenes and the figures like the authors Essenes and the figures like the authors of the Dead Sea Scroll Library doesn't of the Dead Sea Scroll Library doesn't of the Dead Sea Scroll Library doesn't mean that every Jew accepts that as an mean that every Jew accepts that as an mean that every Jew accepts that as an orthodox interpretation of those texts orthodox interpretation of those texts orthodox interpretation of those texts does that make sense and the debate over does that make sense and the debate over does that make sense and the debate over those very cryptic and enigmatic texts

those very cryptic and enigmatic texts those very cryptic and enigmatic texts is going to continue well into the is going to continue well into the is going to continue well into the rabbitic Jewish period. So Alan Seagull rabbitic Jewish period. So Alan Seagull rabbitic Jewish period. So Alan Seagull a late Jewish scholar wrote a famous a late Jewish scholar wrote a famous a late Jewish scholar wrote a famous book called two powers in heaven where book called two powers in heaven where book called two powers in heaven where he talked about the fact that in some he talked about the fact that in some he talked about the fact that in some even the later rabbitic texts there's even the later rabbitic texts there's even the later rabbitic texts there's this notion that if anyone interprets this notion that if anyone interprets this notion that if anyone interprets Daniel 7 as a second power in heaven Daniel 7 as a second power in heaven Daniel 7 as a second power in heaven that's a blasphemous exugesus of that that's a blasphemous exugesus of that that's a blasphemous exugesus of that text right so these are not univically text right so these are not univically text right so these are not univically interpreted passages in first century interpreted passages in first century interpreted passages in first century Judaism but they don't have to be in Judaism but they don't have to be in Judaism but they don't have to be in fact the fact that they might be fact the fact that they might be fact the fact that they might be controversial questions actually lends controversial questions actually lends controversial questions actually lends credence to the idea idea or credence to the idea idea or credence to the idea idea or controversial texts that if Jesus cites controversial texts that if Jesus cites controversial texts that if Jesus cites them and then seems to interpret them as them and then seems to interpret them as them and then seems to interpret them as being a divine messianic figure. It being a divine messianic figure. It being a divine messianic figure. It doesn't have to have, by the way, it doesn't have to have, by the way, it doesn't have to have, by the way, it doesn't have to be like fully incarnate doesn't have to be like fully incarnate doesn't have to be like fully incarnate in the way we understand through nine. in the way we understand through nine. in the way we understand through nine. He only has to be making a superhuman or He only has to be making a superhuman or He only has to be making a superhuman or super, you know, divine power claim for super, you know, divine power claim for super, you know, divine power claim for it to be sufficient for blasphemy, it to be sufficient for blasphemy, it to be sufficient for blasphemy, right? I mean, Antiochus isn't claiming right? I mean, Antiochus isn't claiming right? I mean, Antiochus isn't claiming to be God made man. He's still to be God made man. He's still to be God made man. He's still blaspheing when he says he can walk on blaspheing when he says he can walk on blaspheing when he says he can walk on the sea or whatnot. So the the fact that the sea or whatnot. So the the fact that the sea or whatnot. So the the fact that Jesus interprets those texts in a Jesus interprets those texts in a Jesus interprets those texts in a potentially controversial but not potentially controversial but not potentially controversial but not implausible and not unprecedented way is implausible and not unprecedented way is implausible and not unprecedented way is totally sufficient grounds especially if totally sufficient grounds especially if totally sufficient grounds especially if the sen hasn't is looking for a reason the sen hasn't is looking for a reason the sen hasn't is looking for a reason to execute this figure that they've had to execute this figure that they've had to execute this figure that they've had problems with and they and they're and problems with and they and they're and problems with and they and they're and has caused them trouble um in the past.

has caused them trouble um in the past. has caused them trouble um in the past. So um that's how I would read that and So um that's how I would read that and So um that's how I would read that and that's how I respond to that. Yes, that's how I respond to that. Yes, that's how I respond to that. Yes, Caiaphas would I think you can make a Caiaphas would I think you can make a Caiaphas would I think you can make a plausible case that he would be aware of plausible case that he would be aware of plausible case that he would be aware of that kind of exalted apocalyptic that kind of exalted apocalyptic that kind of exalted apocalyptic interpretation of the Daniel figure or interpretation of the Daniel figure or interpretation of the Daniel figure or of Psalm 110 because we have evidence in of Psalm 110 because we have evidence in of Psalm 110 because we have evidence in the scrolls, we have evidence in the the scrolls, we have evidence in the the scrolls, we have evidence in the Jewish pseudapigrapha um that those Jewish pseudapigrapha um that those Jewish pseudapigrapha um that those interpretations were in the air in the interpretations were in the air in the interpretations were in the air in the first century AD. first century AD. first century AD. >> So what an incredible take there by this >> So what an incredible take there by this >> So what an incredible take there by this incredible scholar. Do listen to the incredible scholar. Do listen to the incredible scholar. Do listen to the full point and debate he proves in the full point and debate he proves in the full point and debate he proves in the podcast description below and thanks so podcast description below and thanks so podcast description below and thanks so much for watching. Do check out these much for watching. Do check out these much for watching. Do check out these two videos here if you'd enjoy it. But two videos here if you'd enjoy it. But two videos here if you'd enjoy it. But yeah, love you all. I'll see you in the yeah, love you all. I'll see you in the yeah, love you all. I'll see you in the next one very soon. Peace.