Why is Jesus Called the Son of God?

Jesus’ parentage has fascinated Christian scholars for two thousand years. Though mortal, Jesus was called the Son of God. We can understand this divine paradox through the recorded histories in the Bible.

An angel explained to the young virgin Mary about her heavenly charge.

“Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women… you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus” (Luke 1:28,31 NKJV).

Mary was confused about how this would be possible, as she was only betrothed to her future husband, Joseph. How would she conceive such a son?

The angel answered her, “He… will be called the Son of the Highest… the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:32,35 NKJV).

God identified Jesus as His Son at Jesus’ baptism, as recorded in Matthew: “(S)uddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’” (Matthew 3:17 NKJV).

Jesus Christ is the Son of God and is therefore heir to “All things that the Father has” (John 16:15 NKJV). Jesus’ divine and mortal parentage made it possible for Him to go through the all encompassing pain necessary to save us from our sins.