Does Jesus Have a God?

Does Jesus have a God? I heard this question today, and at first, it may feel a bit strange. But it’s actually among the most profound theological questions you could ask. This question digs deep into some heavy theological mud—but let’s admit, it’s fun mud. The kind I often get in my face. So let’s dive in.

To start, let’s note that Jesus Himself said in John 20:17, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” He also said in John 14:28, “The Father is greater than I.” Finally, His words from the Cross cannot be ignored: “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46). These passages challenge us to ask: in what sense does Jesus have a God? And how do we make sense of this before the incarnation, during His earthly life, and after His ascension?

But before answering those questions, we need to define what we mean by “God.” Because honestly, this whole discussion hinges on that.

What Does “God” Mean?

There are three ways to define God:

1. God as Creator: God is the one who created all things, including us. If we’re asking if Jesus has a God, we need to ask whether He has a Creator.
2. God as a Superior Being: Sometimes, “god” refers to a being who is far more powerful than us—a celestial being, like how Superman could be viewed as a “god” by Lex Luthor. This definition doesn’t necessarily imply worship, just superiority.
3. God as the Object of Worship: God is also defined as the one we worship. So does Jesus worship the Father, or does the Father worship Jesus? How does this fit within the Trinity?

To properly call someone “our God,” all three criteria must be met: they must be our Creator, they must be superior to us as a result of being our Creator, and, because of this superiority, they must also be the one we worship. However, for now, we are going to keep these separate and evaluate them one at a time with regard to Jesus.

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Now, let’s now look at whether Jesus “has a God” before the incarnation, during His earthly ministry, and after His ascension.

Before the Incarnation

Before the incarnation, does Jesus have a God? The answer is no. Let’s walk through the three definitions:

1. Does Jesus have a Creator God? No. Jesus is co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit. He was never created but is Himself the Creator (John 1:3).
2. Does Jesus have someone more powerful than Him? No. Jesus, as the second person of the Trinity, is fully God and shares in the omnipotence of the Godhead. There is no power imbalance within their divine essence.
3. Does Jesus have someone He worships? No. In eternity past, Jesus does not worship the Father or the Spirit. The members of the Trinity are perfectly united and share the same divine essence.

Even though there is distinction between the persons of the Trinity, and perhaps even a functional hierarchy (I know, I’m wading too deep!), there is no sense in which Jesus had a God before the incarnation.

After the Incarnation (During His Earthly Life)

Now we come to Jesus after the incarnation, during His earthly life. Here, the answers shift:

1. Does Jesus have a Creator God? Yes. In His human nature, Jesus was created. The Father and the Spirit were involved in His conception (Luke 1:35). While His divine nature is eternal, His humanity had a beginning, so in this sense, He has a Creator. However, this does not imply that the person of the sun came into existence during the incarnation. He was with God and was God before the incarnation (John 1:1).
2. Does Jesus have someone more powerful than Him? Yes. During the incarnation, Jesus willingly submitted to the Father’s will. He limited Himself by taking on human form (Philippians 2:6-8) and depended on the Father’s authority and power. This does not mean He did not have immediate access to His powers (as demonstrated by Satan’s temptations in the wilderness — Matt 4:1-11), but that he relinquished independent right to use those powers as a rule of the incarnation.
3. Does Jesus have someone He worships? Yes. During His earthly ministry, Jesus worshiped the Father. He prayed to Him, obeyed Him, and lived in perfect submission to His will (John 17).

During this time, Jesus demonstrates functional subordination to the Father. His life reflects a perfect example of worship and submission, fulfilling His role as the incarnate Son.

Post-Ascension (Christ Still Incarnate)

Finally, we come to the post-ascension state, where Jesus is glorified but still incarnate. This is the one I am leased sure about. We would probably have to further define all the aspects of what it means to be God. Nevertheless, here’s here is how my somewhat timid answers look:

1. Does Jesus have a Creator God? No. While Jesus remains fully human and fully divine, His humanity is glorified. His divine nature was never created, and His glorified humanity no longer relates to the Father as a “Creator.”
2. Does Jesus have someone more powerful than Him? No. Post-ascension, Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). He now has full access to his divinity, unfettered. He reigns as King of kings, fully equal with the Father and the Spirit.
3. Does Jesus have someone He worships? This is less clear. Scripture emphasizes that Jesus is now the one worshiped by all creation (Philippians 2:9-11). However, as the eternal representative of humanity and our advocate before God, it’s possible that Jesus continues to submit to the Father in some sense as he stands before Him always making intercession for believers (Heb. 7:25). As well, be the second Adam and the pioneer of the new humanity, he will forever carry the human nature (Rom. 5:12-21, 1 Cor. 15:45, Heb. 12:2). We will always need and have representation before the Father through Jesus Christ.

One final qualification as I can feel myself getting in trouble: While Scripture doesn’t explicitly state that Jesus worships the Father post-ascension, it’s possible that His ongoing role as our mediator means He still relates to the Father as “His God.” This area remains open to interpretation, but it’s worth considering.

Conclusion: Does Jesus Have a God?

So, does Jesus have a God? The answer depends on when we’re asking the question.

• Before the incarnation: Jesus did not have a God in any sense.
• During His earthly life: As the incarnate Son, He did have a God, fulfilling His role in functional subordination.
• Post-ascension: It’s less clear. While Jesus reigns with all authority, there may still be a sense in which He acknowledges the Father as His God in His role as our eternal advocate.

Finally, one important caveat (this really is the last!): I tentatively believe that functional subordination within the Trinity lasts for all eternity. While the Son and Spirit are fully equal with the Father in their divine essence, the Son’s submission to the Father is not a temporary role but an eternal one, reflecting the perfect unity and order within the Godhead. Additionally, the term “Father” is not merely an illustrative reference to help us understand the Father-Son relationship on earth. Rather, it’s the other way around: the earthly father-son relationship is a type, a shadow, a reflection of the eternal Father-Son relationship in heaven, which is the Antitype. It’s a mystery and a great blessing that comes by way of our creation in the image of God.

There. I think I’m done. I think enough cans have been opened for this to react some great discussion.

there. I think I’m done. I think enough cans have been opened for this to react some great discussion.

What do you think? Does Jesus have a God?

Discuss here.