The Extraordinary Rise of Jesus: From Crucified Man to Divine Worship

Millions admire Jesus of Nazareth. Billions invoke His name. Yet admiration alone does not explain the extraordinary fact that within just a few years after His death, Jesus was worshiped as God. How did a man, executed by crucifixion under Roman authority, become the central figure of worship in the very empire that condemned Him? This transformation challenges simple explanations and points to something unique about His identity and impact.

The Historical Context of Jesus’ Death

Jesus lived in a turbulent time under Roman rule. Crucifixion was a punishment reserved for the lowest criminals and rebels. It was a public, humiliating death meant to deter dissent. Jesus’ execution was intended to end His influence. Instead, it sparked a movement that grew rapidly.

The Roman Empire was vast and diverse, with many gods and philosophies. None of these traditions worshiped a crucified man as divine. Philosophers were respected for wisdom, but they were not worshiped. Fraudulent leaders were quickly forgotten or condemned. Jesus’ followers, however, claimed something different: that He was God in human form.

Early Beliefs of Jesus’ Followers

The beliefs of those closest to Jesus provide the clearest insight into how He was understood. Within two decades of His death, early Christians were already proclaiming His divinity. This is evident in early Christian creeds and hymns, some preserved in the New Testament.

One of the most significant texts is found in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, written around AD 60 but reflecting a creed from the 30s:

“…being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant…”

(Philippians 2:6–7, NIV)

This passage shows that Jesus was not just a great teacher or prophet. His followers believed He existed in the form of God before becoming human. They saw His humility and suffering as part of a divine plan, not a sign of weakness or failure.

The Spread of Worship in the Roman Empire

The rapid spread of Jesus’ worship is remarkable. Within a few decades, Christian communities appeared throughout the Roman Empire, from Jerusalem to Rome and beyond. These communities worshiped Jesus as God, celebrated His resurrection, and lived by His teachings.

Several factors contributed to this growth:

• Eyewitness Testimonies: Many early believers claimed to have seen the risen Jesus. These testimonies gave credibility to their faith.

• Community and Support: Early Christians formed tight-knit groups that cared for each other, attracting more followers.

• Moral Teachings: Jesus’ message of love, forgiveness, and hope appealed to people across social classes.

• Martyrdom: The willingness of believers to die for their faith convinced others of its truth.

  
  

The Roman authorities often viewed Christians with suspicion or hostility, yet the movement continued to expand. This persistence suggests that the worship of Jesus was not a passing fad but a profound shift in religious belief.

Theological Significance of Jesus’ Divinity

Understanding why Jesus was worshiped as God requires exploring the theological claims of early Christianity. Jesus was seen as:

• The Son of God: Not merely a title, but a statement of unique relationship and nature.

• The Saviour: His death and resurrection were believed to bring salvation to humanity.

• The Word Made Flesh: God becoming human to live among people and reveal divine truth.

  
  

These beliefs were revolutionary. They challenged existing religious ideas and offered a new way to relate to God. The early creeds and writings show that Jesus’ followers did not gradually develop these ideas under external influence. Instead, they proclaimed them from the start.

Why This Matters Today

The transformation of Jesus from a crucified man to an object of worship is more than a historical curiosity. It shapes the faith of billions and influences culture, ethics, and spirituality worldwide. Understanding this rise helps clarify what early Christians believed and why their message spread so powerfully.

For those exploring faith or history, this story invites reflection on the nature of belief, identity, and the impact of one life on the world.