Lord, Liar, or Lunatic Exploring the Divinity of Jesus Through Historical Evidence

Few questions have sparked as much debate and reflection as the identity of Jesus of Nazareth. The famous trilemma posed by author C.S. Lewis challenges us to confront a stark choice: if Jesus claimed to be God, then He was either telling the truth, deliberately lying, or mentally unstable. This challenge remains relevant today because Jesus made extraordinary claims that set Him apart from other teachers and prophets.

Good teachers do not claim to be the eternal Judge of all humanity. Enlightened prophets do not invite worship or demand to be called Lord. Yet Jesus repeatedly made statements such as, “Before Abraham was born, I am” (John 8:58, NIV). This was not poetic language. The Jewish leaders understood exactly what He meant, and their reaction was to pick up stones to kill Him. This post explores the historical evidence surrounding Jesus’ divinity and what it means for us today.

The Trilemma: Lord, Liar, or Lunatic

C.S. Lewis framed the question simply but powerfully. Jesus’ claims about Himself force a decision:

• If Jesus was telling the truth, He is Lord, fully divine and worthy of worship.

• If He was lying, He was a deliberate fraud who deceived many.

• If He was mentally unstable, His teachings lose credibility due to delusion.

  
  

Most people agree that Jesus was a great moral teacher. But great teachers do not claim to be God. This leaves only three options, none of which can be ignored lightly.

Jesus’ Claims and the Jewish Response

Jesus’ statement “I am” echoes the divine name revealed to Moses in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14). The Jewish leaders recognized this claim as blasphemy if false, which explains their violent reaction. This shows that Jesus did not merely hint at divinity; He openly declared it.

Moreover, Jesus accepted worship from His followers, something no mere prophet or teacher would do. He spoke of His authority over life and death, promising eternal life to those who believed in Him. These claims were radical and unprecedented.

Early Non-Christian Sources Confirm Jesus’ Divinity Claims

Historical records outside the Bible provide important context. These sources show that Jesus’ followers worshiped Him from the very beginning, not centuries later as some skeptics suggest.

• Pliny the Younger (early 2nd century) wrote to Emperor Trajan describing Christians worshiping Christ as a god.

• Tacitus, a Roman historian, confirmed Jesus’ execution under Pontius Pilate, placing Him firmly in history.

• Celsus, a critic of Christianity, acknowledged that Christians believed Jesus was divine, even mocking the claim.

• The Talmud, a central Jewish text, records accusations against Jesus for sorcery, which aligns with claims of His miraculous powers.

• Early martyrs died for their faith in Jesus as a living, divine person, not just an idea or philosophy.

  
  

These sources show that belief in Jesus’ divinity was not a later invention but a core part of Christian faith from the start.

Why the Early Church’s Belief Matters

If Jesus was only a moral teacher, the early church misunderstood Him completely. If He was a fraud, He deceived not only His followers but countless others over centuries. But if He was who He claimed to be, then this belief demands a response.

The early Christians faced persecution and death for their faith. They did not die for a vague idea but for a person they believed was truly divine and alive. This commitment suggests their belief was based on more than myth or legend.

What This Means for Us Today

The question is no longer whether Jesus was more than a man. The evidence points to Him being either Lord, Liar, or Lunatic. Each option has profound implications:

• If Lord, He deserves our worship and obedience.

• If Liar, we must reject His teachings as false.

• If Lunatic, we should avoid following someone who was mentally unstable.

  
  

The historical evidence challenges us to make a personal decision about Jesus. This decision shapes our worldview, values, and ultimately, our lives.

Reflecting on the Evidence

The case for Jesus’ divinity rests on multiple pillars:

• His own claims and the reaction they provoked

• Early worship by His followers recorded by non-Christian sources

• The willingness of believers to suffer and die for their faith

• Historical confirmation of His existence and execution

  
  

Together, these points create a strong foundation for considering Jesus as Lord.

Moving Forward

Exploring the question of Jesus’ identity is not just an academic exercise. It invites us to examine our own beliefs and how they affect our lives. Whether you approach this topic as a skeptic, seeker, or believer, the historical evidence encourages honest reflection.

What will you do with the claim that Jesus is Lord? This question remains open, waiting for each person to answer.

This exploration shows that the trilemma remains a powerful tool for understanding Jesus. The historical evidence supports the view that Jesus was not merely a teacher or prophet but claimed and was recognized as divine. The choice to accept or reject this claim shapes the course of history and individual lives.