Understanding Jesus as Fully God, Fully Man, and His Use of the Word of Knowledge Through the Holy Spirit

The Bible boldly declares the truth that Jesus is both fully God and fully man—a mystery that anchors the Christian faith. But what does it mean, practically, for us as believers? Jesus didn’t perform miracles or operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit simply as God; He demonstrated how a Holy Spirit empowered life could look for any believer. One of these gifts, the Word of Knowledge, stands out as a clear example of the Holy Spirit working through Jesus’ humanity. Whether identifying people’s hidden thoughts, revealing Godly wisdom, or calling out the truth no one else could know, Jesus used this gift flawlessly.

We’ll explore how Scripture not only attests to Jesus being God but also highlights His reliance on the Holy Spirit. This isn’t just theology—it’s a call to action. If Jesus walked in the power of the Holy Spirit, we’re meant to do the same. Ready to uncover Biblical insights and deepen your understanding? Let’s follow His example in operating with the Holy Spirit’s gifts. For a deeper dive into how the gifts of the Spirit function today, check out The 9 Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Biblical Truths, Historical Context.

For more insights, this video sheds light on Jesus being fully God and fully man:

Where in the Bible Does it Say Jesus Is Fully God and Fully Man?

The Bible paints a powerful picture of Jesus Christ as both fully God and fully man. This harmonious dual nature of Christ serves as a cornerstone of Christian theology. It’s not just a lofty idea—it’s the lens through which we understand Jesus’s mission, His connection to humanity, and the fact that Jesus is God. Let’s dive into Scripture to shine light on this profound truth.

Key Scriptures Addressing Jesus as Fully Man

The Bible doesn’t shy away from Jesus’s humanity. In fact, it underscores it repeatedly. Take Hebrews 2:17, for example:

“For this reason, He had to be made like His brothers and sisters in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest in service to God.”

This verse reminds us that Jesus became fully human to bridge the gap between us and God. Can you imagine the humility needed for the Creator to take on the form of His creation? It’s an incredible act of love. He faced temptation, suffered, and even cried, just like we do.

Another key passage is Philippians 2:6-8, which emphasizes Jesus’s willingness to humble Himself:

“…who, 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, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

These Scriptures show us a Savior who fully immersed Himself in the human experience, yet without sin. The Word of God doesn’t paint Him as someone merely pretending to be human—He was human.

For a deeper understanding of the Biblical basis for Jesus’s humanity, check out The Fullness of the Godhead Bodily.

Key Scriptures Addressing Jesus as Fully God

While Jesus took on flesh, His divinity remained fully intact. One of the most famous statements of His divine nature can be found in John 1:1-3:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.”

This passage not only calls Jesus God but positions Him as the Creator of all. What’s even more awe-inspiring is how John later declares that this same Word became flesh in John 1:14.

Another striking affirmation that Jesus is God is found in Colossians 1:15-17. This passage calls Jesus “the image of the invisible God” and places Him at the center of creation:

“He is the image of the invisible God, the Firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”

Think of this: the same Jesus who walked the dusty roads of Galilee is the One holding the universe together. His divinity is not a distant reality—it’s an ever-present truth.

Want to explore more about Jesus’s divine essence? Dive into Pentecost and the Deity of Christ.

The combination of these truths—the humanity and divinity of Christ—is central to our faith. It allows us to relate to Jesus as a man while worshiping Him as God. Every time we experience the Holy Spirit working through us, we’re stepping into the very pattern Jesus modeled for us: fully human, fully empowered by God, and that is why the Bible calls us who are born again a New Creature, because we are not merely human anymore. For additional insights, take a look at this comprehensive explanation: Why Did Jesus Need The Holy Spirit If He Is God?.

Now that we’ve laid the foundation for understanding who Jesus is, let’s go even deeper into His use of the Holy Spirit’s gifts during His earthly ministry.

What the Bible Says About the Gift of the Holy Spirit Called Word of Knowledge

The Word of Knowledge is one of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8. It is defined as supernatural insight into a fact, situation, or truth that could only be known by revelation from God. This gift is not about intellectual ability or accumulated knowledge—it’s about discerning specific information through the Holy Spirit’s inspiration. Jesus Christ, in His earthly ministry, demonstrated this gift with perfect accuracy, showing us how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to walk in truth and bear witness to God’s glory.

For believers today, operating in the Word of Knowledge can transform lives, bring healing, and glorify God. Let’s explore examples from Jesus’s ministry and see how this gift applies to Christians in the modern day.

Examples of Jesus Using the Word of Knowledge

Throughout His ministry, Jesus used the Word of Knowledge to reveal divine truths, expose hearts, and glorify God. Here are five powerful examples:

1. The Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4:16-19):
   Jesus, during His conversation with the Samaritan woman, revealed knowledge about her private life, stating she had had five husbands and the man she was with was not her husband. She was stunned, responding, “Sir, I can see that you are a prophet.” This moment led her to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah and spread the good news to her community.
2. Calling Nathaniel (John 1:47-50):
   When Nathaniel approached, Jesus declared that he was “a true Israelite in whom there is no deceit,” despite never having met him. In response to Nathaniel’s shock, Jesus revealed He had seen him under the fig tree before meeting him. This demonstration of Holy Spirit insight led Nathaniel to declare, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”
3. Revealing Judas’s Betrayal (John 13:10-11):
   At the Last Supper, Jesus used the Word of Knowledge to reveal that one of the disciples would betray Him. He named Judas Iscariot as the betrayer before Judas even acted on his plans. This act served as a profound example of His Holy Spirit awareness, despite His fully human experience.
4. Peter’s Denial (Luke 22:31-34):
   Jesus told Peter that, despite his protests of loyalty, Peter would deny Him three times before the cock crowed, but Jesus was not talking about a rooster. This knowledge deeply impacted Peter once it unfolded, leading to repentance and a recommitment to Jesus.
5. The Coin in the Fish’s Mouth (Matthew 17:24-27):
   When asked about paying the temple tax, Jesus knew exactly how to solve the situation. He told Peter where to find a specific coin inside a fish’s mouth—a detail only supernaturally known and revealed to Jesus by the Holy Spirit, which allowed them to meet their obligation.

These examples underline how Jesus walked in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, using the gifts of the Holy Spirit to glorify God, expose truth, and bring others closer to the Father.

For a more extensive look at the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how they function, review Gifts of the Spirit Explained.

The Relevance of the Word of Knowledge to Christians Today

Why does the Word of Knowledge matter to believers now? This gift, empowered by the Holy Spirit, allows Christians to reveal divine truths that can inspire faith, bring healing, and advance God’s Kingdom. It’s not about calling attention to ourselves—it’s about pointing others to Christ and expanding His Church.

In modern applications, the Word of Knowledge can manifest in various ways:

• Healing Ministry: A believer may receive knowledge about a condition someone is struggling with, prompting them to pray specifically. For instance, knowing someone has back pain without being told can open doors for physical and spiritual healing.
• Evangelism: Just as Jesus used it with the Samaritan woman, the Word of Knowledge allows us to connect with others on a deeper level, showing God’s intimate care for their lives.
• Encouragement: It can be a means to edify someone’s faith by revealing something only they and God could know. This supernatural affirmation of God’s presence often leaves a lasting impact.

For example, many Christians see this gift operating during prayer meetings or outreach events, where a Holy Spirit revelation leads to decisions for Christ and breakthroughs in people’s lives.

By trusting the Holy Spirit, we allow this gift to flow through us, just as it did through Jesus. Interested in learning more about how this and other gifts of the Spirit shape ministry today? Explore resources on Charismatic Miracles and Gifts.

As followers of Christ, the Word of Knowledge invites us to tune into God’s voice and partner with Him in extraordinary ways. Could you be listening for that still, small voice revealing something profound yet simple to act on today?

Jesus and the Nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The life of Jesus provides a beautiful template for how any believer, fully empowered by the Holy Spirit, can operate in the nine spiritual gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. Each gift manifested in His ministry was a testament to His reliance on the Holy Spirit, not His divine nature, showing us what’s possible for humanity when fully surrendered to God. Let’s take a closer look at how Jesus demonstrated each gift and what it means for us.

Revealing Each Gift in Jesus’s Ministry

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are categorized into three groups: revelation gifts, power gifts, and utterance gifts. These categories help us see the unique purposes of each gift. Below, we’ll review an example of every gift as seen through Jesus’s life on earth.

1. Word of Wisdom
   In John 8:1-11, Jesus displayed the Word of Wisdom when the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery. Instead of falling into their trap, Jesus wisely instructed, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” His wisdom from the Holy Spirit dismantled their schemes and demonstrated God’s grace.
2. Word of Knowledge
   The Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:16-19) is a classic example. Jesus revealed intimate details about her life that only she and God would know. Her astonished response changed her life and the lives of many in her town.
3. Faith
   The calming of the storm in Matthew 8:23-27 reveals the gift of faith. Jesus, unshaken by fear, rebuked the fierce winds and calmed the sea instantly. His unwavering confidence in God’s power reminds us of the authority we possess by faith. Interestingly, this event was also prophesied in detail by Jesus centuries earlier through the psalmist in Psalm 107:23-32 when Jesus as the Word of God spoke through all His prophets before He took on a human body as Jesus.
4. Gifts of Healing
   One of the clearest moments of healing occurred in Mark 5:25-34, where a woman suffering for twelve years touched the hem of His garment and was instantly healed. Jesus’s response highlights this gift in action, combined with the woman’s faith.
5. Working of Miracles
   Feeding the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish (John 6:1-14) epitomizes the miraculous. Jesus multiplied meager resources to abundantly bless a multitude. This was no mere provision—it was a supernatural display of God’s abundant power.
6. Prophecy
   Jesus regularly operated in prophecy, especially when foretelling future events. For example, He prophesied Peter’s denial in Luke 22:31-34, accurately describing what would happen before the cock crowed—a sobering yet crucial moment that led Peter to repent.
7. Discerning of Spirits
   In Mark 9:25, Jesus identified an unclean spirit tormenting a boy and commanded it to leave. This gift demonstrated His ability to discern and address spiritual realities that weren’t visible to others.
8. Speaking in Different Kinds of Tongues
   While some debate the manifestation of this gift in Jesus’s ministry, His ability to speak in such a way that people encountered deep truths often mirrored the Holy Spirit’s power in tongues. For example, when Jesus prayed in John 11:41-42, His words carried profound spiritual resonance.
9. Interpretation of Tongues
   Jesus interpreted spiritual truths in ways even laypeople could understand, as seen in Luke 4:18-21, when He read from Isaiah in the synagogue and declared Himself to be the Messiah. His interpretation unlocked a deeper understanding of God’s promises.

Each gift points us to Jesus’s dependence on the Holy Spirit. Instead of performing miracles solely because He is God, He leaned on the Holy Spirit, modeling an example we’re called to follow.

If Jesus did everything simply because He is God, then we could not truly follow Him and that would also make Jesus a liar when He said in The Answered Prayer, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.“

In The Answered Prayer, Jesus is saying that whatever we ask in His Name that glorifies the Father through Him, Jesus will do. See, it is still Jesus doing the works on earth, continuing His ministry through us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Since there are now a billion or more Holy Spirit filled Christians walking around the earth, we can do much greater works than Jesus did because He was one human person and we are many human people. The greater works is quantity, not quality.

Application for Believers

If Jesus, as a man, relied on the Holy Spirit to manifest these gifts, what’s stopping us? The gifts of the Spirit aren’t limited to Biblical times—they’re available to every believer today, right now! Operating in them allows us to partner with God in bringing His Kingdom to earth.

Think about it. When was the last time you stepped out in faith, trusting the Holy Spirit to work through you? Whether it’s using the Word of Knowledge to encourage someone or the gift of healing to bring physical restoration, the same Holy Spirit that empowered Jesus then is ready to empower you today.

Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 make it clear: the gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to benefit all. They aren’t optional for a thriving Christian life—they’re essential tools for revealing God’s love and presence in the world. For practical guidance on these gifts, check out The Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Operating in the Holy Spirit’s gifts transforms ordinary life into a supernatural adventure. By studying Jesus’s example, we see what it means to live fully surrendered, fully empowered, and fully alive in the Holy Spirit. What steps are you taking to allow the Holy Spirit to work through you today? For a deeper dive into these truths, consider exploring this helpful commentary on Nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:1-11).

Biblical Proof of Jesus as the Word of God and Yahweh

When we study Scripture, it becomes evident that Jesus’s identity as both the Word of God and Yahweh in the flesh is deeply ingrained in Biblical revelation. This isn’t just a theological concept—it’s a transformative truth meant to connect us with the heart of God. By exploring select passages in the Bible, we can see the undeniable evidence that Jesus is God and His role as the visible expression of the invisible God.

Jesus as the Word of God

The Gospel of John begins with a breathtaking proclamation that leaves no doubt that Jesus is God:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (John 1:1-3, NKJV).

This passage isn’t just foundational—it’s explosive. John explicitly introduces Jesus as the “Word” (Logos), an eternal Spirit who was God in the beginning, active in creation, and who is still God today. But what’s truly groundbreaking comes just a few verses later:

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14).

Here, we see that Jesus—the eternal Word—entered human history. For those familiar with the Old Testament, this aligns with God’s pattern of appearing in ways His people could understand. What makes Jesus unique is the permanence of this revelation. He didn’t simply visit earth like He did with the Trinity at the tower of Babel in Genesis 11:7 to create at least 78 different earthly languages; He became one of us!

Let’s jump to Revelation 19:13, where John, again, speaks about Jesus in His Heavenly glory:

“He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God.”

This prophecy places Jesus at the center of God’s plan of redemption. The blood-stained robe points us back to His sacrifice on the cross, while the title “Word of God” reminds us of His eternal authority and the fact that Jesus is God. It’s a striking picture of how Jesus embodies both God’s judgment and His merciful salvation. His robe dipped in blood also means something else. Many scholars believe Petra is the place where Jesus’ robe gets bloodied protecting the remnant from the Antichrist just before Jesus’ return to earth in Revelation 19. 

Want to dig deeper into the transformative power of Christ’s indwelling presence? Check out The Indwelling Christ.

Jesus is Yahweh in the Flesh

One of the most direct claims Jesus made about His divinity is found in John 8:58. During a heated exchange with the Pharisees, He declared:

“Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!”

This isn’t a throwaway phrase—it is an unequivocal claim to being Yahweh. The phrase “I am” echoes God’s declaration in Exodus 3:14, when He revealed His name to Moses:

“God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I am has sent me to you.'”

By using this sacred name for Himself, Jesus identified directly with the God of Israel. It’s no wonder the Pharisees wanted to stone Him immediately after saying this—they understood the gravity of His claim.

Other passages in the New Testament confirm this connection. For instance, Colossians 1:15-20 describes Jesus as “the image of the invisible God,” and Hebrews 1:3 states that He is “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being.” These affirmations all point to the same truth: Jesus is Yahweh, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, made visible to humanity in the flesh.

For additional context, check out Jesus Christ is YAHWEH, where this profound truth is explored in depth.

When we recognize Jesus is Yahweh, everything changes. He’s not just a great teacher or prophet—He’s God with us (Emmanuel). And through Him, we have access to the fullness of God’s grace and truth. The same I Am who spoke to Moses is speaking to you today through the power of the Holy Spirit, calling you to deeper faith!

If this resonates and you’d like to expand your understanding of God’s revelation through Jesus, explore Who is the Holy Spirit?.

The Call to Follow Jesus by Operating in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Following Jesus isn’t just about believing; it’s about imitating Him in every aspect of our lives. Jesus didn’t expect His followers to face life’s challenges with human strength alone. Instead, He provided the Holy Spirit to empower us with supernatural gifts to live a victorious and purposeful life. By looking at how Jesus operated in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we see a clear model of walking in God’s power while remaining fully human. What does it mean to follow this example? Let’s break it down.

How Jesus Demonstrated the Role of the Holy Spirit

Jesus didn’t begin His public ministry until He was baptized and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Luke 4:18-19 echoes Jesus’s declaration of dependence on the Holy Spirit:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

In this verse, we see a stunning truth: Jesus credited every aspect of His ministry to the Holy Spirit’s empowerment. This wasn’t just a one-time event—it was a continued reliance. Before performing miracles, teaching profound truths, or enduring the cross, Jesus maintained this connection with the Holy Spirit.

Consider the evidence throughout the Gospels. Every miracle Jesus performed, every word of knowledge He shared, and every person He healed was done through the Holy Spirit’s power—not simply because Jesus is God. Why is this important? Because it shows what’s possible when any believer is fully in tune with the Holy Spirit.

When we read verses like John 14:12, where Jesus says, “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these,” it’s clear that He invites all His followers into this same dynamic relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Ready to explore more about the mystery of God’s Spirit working in our lives? Consider visiting this resource on the power of the Holy Spirit.

Practical Steps for Believers to Operate in the Gifts

The same Holy Spirit that empowered Jesus is available to every believer today. But how do we practically begin to operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Here are some powerful, actionable steps to get started:

1. Prayer: Spend intentional time asking God to fill you with His Spirit and reveal which gifts He’s given you. Prayer isn’t just about asking—listen for God’s voice, whether through Scripture, impressions, or confirmations from others.
2. Study Scripture: Dive deep into passages like 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12, studying how spiritual gifts operate Biblically. Seeing these examples provides clarity on how they can manifest in your own life.
3. Seek Activation: Just like a lamp needs electricity to shine, spiritual gifts need activation through obedience. Be willing to step out in faith, whether it’s sharing a word of encouragement, praying for healing, or using discernment in a tough situation.
4. Rely on the Holy Spirit Daily: It’s easy to rely on our own abilities, but true transformation happens when we surrender control to the Holy Spirit. Remember, the gifts aren’t for your glory—they’re to glorify God and build His Kingdom.

Operating in these gifts isn’t about perfection; it’s about obedience and growth. Not sure where to start? Check out this insightful article on how to operate in the gifts of the Spirit.

The beauty of following Jesus is that we’re not called to do it alone. Just as Jesus walked with the Holy Spirit, we’re called to partner with Him daily. Are you ready to allow God’s immense power to flow through you as you walk in His gifts? The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you—what an incredible invitation to step into!

Conclusion

Jesus’s life and ministry demonstrate that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are not reserved for a select few—they are vital for every believer living a Holy Spirit empowered life. Jesus’ identity as fully God and fully man underscores the truth that through the Holy Spirit, we too can walk in God’s power. Whether it was the Word of Knowledge at the well in Samaria or miraculous acts like raising Lazarus, Jesus gave us a blueprint for how to rely on the Holy Spirit in our own lives.

The gifts weren’t just theological for Jesus—they were practical tools for revealing God’s love. And they can be for us, too. Are you ready to take that step of faith, trusting the Holy Spirit to work through you for God’s glory?

For more insight into embracing the Holy Spirit’s dynamic role in your life, visit Revelation 3:7-8 Explained: Embrace God’s Open Door. Don’t wait—seek God’s Spirit today and let Him transform your ordinary moments into extraordinary ones.