Why the Old Testament Does Not Explicitly Describe Jesus as God

Normalization of the term "Old Testament" is commonly practiced in English literature. However, it is important to recognize that this term can be offensive to some as it implies a rejection or downplaying of the religious text from the perspective of Judaism. Therefore, we refer to this text as "the Tanakh," as it is the most respectful and accurate term for the Hebrew scriptures.

Despite common misconceptions, the Tanakh does provide strong evidence of the prophet Isaiah's prophecy regarding the arrival of the Messiah. This prophecy is accurately captured in Isaiah 7:14, which speaks of a young woman who will bear a son and name him Immanuel ("God with us"). This verse provides a clear sign that a child would be born who would be a sign of the Divine presence.

Isaiah's Prophecy and the Messiah

Isaiah 7:14 states:

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: behold, the young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.

Immanuel signifies the presence of God. This prophecy indicates that a human child who would be named Immanuel would be a manifestation of the Divine. However, it does not explicitly state that this child was to be God himself. It portrays him as a sign of God's presence in the world, emphasizing his significance but not his deity.

Different Interpretations and Religions

While many Christians interpret this verse to predict the coming of Jesus, other religious perspectives offer different understandings. Islam, for instance, is a monotheistic religion that speaks of a prophet, Jesus (al-Masih), without equating him to divinity. In contrast, Christianity developed the belief that Jesus was the incarnation of God, which sets it apart from Islam and Judaism.

Islam and Jesus: In Islam, Jesus is seen as a prophet, a righteous man, and a miracle worker. The Bible verse mentioned by John (10:37) is not applicable to Islam, as Muslims do not believe Jesus has such signs. To Muslims, the idea that Jesus could be considered God is a fundamental contradiction to their faith.

The Koran's stance on Jesus is quite different from that of the New Testament. According to the Bible verse in Matthew (7:15-16), Christians often use signs and miracles to prove their claims, but Muslims do not require signs for belief in Jesus. Hence, the distinction is that the Koran does not affirm the presence of such signs for Mohammed, and thus, why should one believe in Mohammed over Jesus?

The Earliest Followers of Jesus

It is essential to note that the earliest followers of Jesus were all Jews. They did not view Jesus as a god while he was alive, and he did not refer to himself as a god. Jesus did not consider himself to be a king, but rather a king-like figure, who was expected by many to bring about a new kingdom.

The Romans eventually crucified Jesus. This was not due to his claim of divinity but because he was perceived as a political threat. As recorded in John 19:1-3 of the Tanakh:

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head and put on him a purple robe. They kept coming up to him, saying, 'Hail, King of the Jews! ' and were striking him on the face.

It was only after reports of his supposed resurrection that the idea of Jesus as a god emerged among his followers. The early Christians began to reinterpret his role and exalt him to a divine status over time, which was not the initial expectation of the early Jewish disciples.

Theological Gradations in the Ancient World

In ancient societies, the concept of deified emperors was not unheard of. Emperors were considered divine, but they were not seen as equal to major gods such as Zeus or Hermes. This understanding, though strange to modern eyes, aligns more closely with the early Christian view of Jesus. It is possible that some early Christian thinkers did not immediately elevate Jesus to the status of the Father.

Over the centuries, particularly among the Greeks, the distinction blurred, and Jesus was eventually elevated to be on par with God. This shift was less accepted by Jewish followers of Jesus, who remain strict monotheists.

The Moslems, like the Jews, are strict monotheists and could not accept the idea of another god. They viewed Jesus as a prophet with divine gifts, such as the ability to heal, and could not imagine a prophet being humiliated by crucifixion. Islamic tradition holds that Jesus was not crucified and was instead taken up to heaven, a different narrative from the Christian account.

Conclusion

The Tanakh does provide prophetic evidence that points to a coming Messiah, but it does not describe him as a god. The understanding of Jesus's role has varied across different cultures and religions. While Christians believe in the incarnation of God in Jesus, other religions hold different views. Understanding these differences helps us appreciate the complex nature of religious texts and practices.