A summary of key scriptures
Some people have argued that since Jesus never said the three words, “I am God,” he never claimed to be God. While it is true that Jesus never said those exact three words in that order, the Bible clearly says that Jesus was (and still is) God. It does this in four ways:
(a) Jesus did claim to be God, (b) he did things only God can do, (c) his disciples believed he was God, and (e) he was killed because he claimed to be God.
(a) Jesus claims to be God
In the Bible, there are many names for God. The most important one is Yahweh, which translates into “I am who I am.” It may sound a little funny in English, but this name describes total self-sufficiency. He was no beginning or end. He has always existed and he will always exist.
When talking to some Pharisees (Jewish religious leaders), Jesus said, “‘Very truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’ At this, they picked up stones to stone him…” (John 8:58-59)
With this statement, Jesus made a clear claim that he was God. It may not be clear to us, but two thousand years ago, his Jewish audience understood it perfectly. It made them angry enough to kill Jesus.
(b) Jesus did things only God can do.
Only God can forgive sins, because Jesus was God, he also forgives sins. Here is one example from Scripture:
“Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” (Matthew 9:2-3)
Jesus also healed the blind, and this had never been done before. While this doesn’t prove he was God, it does set him apart from every other prophet.
(c) Jesus’ disciples believed he was God
John was a disciple (follower) of Jesus. At the beginning of his Gospel (the story of Jesus), he wrote:
“1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” … 18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and f is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. (John 1:1; 14; 18)
After the resurrection, Tomas said:
“Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” John 20:28-29
(d) Jesus was killed because he claimed to be God
61 “Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62 “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 63 The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. 64 “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” They all condemned him as worthy of death.” (Mark 14:61–64)
The rest of the New Testament clearly teaches that Jesus was fully God (and fully human…but that’s a topic for another post).
solid articles:
Where Did Jesus Claim to Be God? (str.org)
Did Jesus Claim to Be God? – What Jesus Said about Himself (christianity.com)
Jesus Knew He Was God, and Said So | Catholic Answers Magazine