Who is Jesus Christ to You?

Throughout history, people have asked, Who is Jesus of Nazareth? Was He merely a wise teacher, a moral philosopher, or something more? In a world filled with conflicting views of Christ—some simplifying His teachings, others distorting His mission—it’s crucial to return to His own words and example.

President Jeffrey R. Holland, in his powerful General Conference address, “I Am He,” brings us to a pivotal moment in Christ’s mortal ministry: His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. In this sacred scene, Jesus steps forward to meet His captors, declaring with divine authority, “I am He.” At these words alone, the soldiers stagger backward and fall to the ground. What does this moment teach us about the nature of Christ, His unwavering obedience, and His boundless love?

A Savior Unlike Any Other

President Holland highlights that Christ’s power was not in wealth, political influence, or military might, but in His complete submission to the will of the Father. His love, often misunderstood or diluted in modern discourse, was not a passive acceptance of all things—it was a perfect balance of grace and truth.

  • True Love is Obedient: Christ taught that real love is inseparable from keeping God’s commandments: “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
  • True Love is Sacrificial: The ultimate expression of Christ’s love was His willingness to drink the bitter cup and suffer for our sins, even when He felt abandoned.
  • True Love is Persistent: Through sorrow, fatigue, and loneliness, Christ’s love never failed—and neither does the Father’s love for us.

For those facing doubts, struggling with faith, or wondering if Christ is truly present in their lives, President Holland’s message is clear: Even when we feel forsaken, Christ is carrying us. His declaration, “I am he,” is not just a historical moment—it is a personal affirmation for each of us.

What does it mean for us to recognize Christ as the Great I Am in our own lives? And how can understanding His divine love and obedience help us navigate our own trials of faith?

Doctrine: The Nature of Christ’s Love and Commandments

Misconception: Christ’s Love Means Accepting Everyone Without Expecting Change

Some believe that because Jesus is loving and merciful, He accepts all people without requiring obedience to His commandments. This view suggests that any call to repentance or adherence to divine law contradicts Christ’s teachings on love and inclusion.

Response:

President Holland reminds us that Christ’s love is both accepting and transformative. Throughout the scriptures, Jesus welcomes sinners, the outcast, and the brokenhearted—but He never leaves them unchanged. He says to the woman taken in adultery, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). He calls Peter from his fishing nets to become a “fisher of men” (Matthew 4:19). He invites all to come unto Him, promising that His love will give them rest but also reshape their lives (Matthew 11:28-30). Christ meets us where we are, but He loves us too much to leave us there.

Common Fallacies:

False Dilemma (Either/Or Thinking) – 

    • This fallacy assumes that love and obedience must be at odds. Some argue that either Christ is entirely accepting or He demands rigid change. The truth is that His love does both. He meets people with perfect compassion and calls them to follow Him into a higher way of living. Solution: Recognizing that grace and growth go hand in hand helps us avoid distorting Christ’s message. True love does not enable self-destruction but empowers real transformation. When we understand this, we can offer the same love to others—welcoming them as they are while encouraging them to move toward Christ.

Doctrine: The Power and Authority of Jesus Christ

Question: Why Did the Soldiers Fall When Jesus Declared, ‘I Am He’?

Some question why a simple statement from Christ would cause an armed group of soldiers to stumble and fall. If He was a mere mortal, His words alone should not have had such an effect. Was this event exaggerated or symbolic rather than literal?

Response:

President Holland highlights that Christ’s words carried divine authority. When Jesus declared, “I am he” (John 18:5), He was not just identifying Himself—He was affirming His divine identity as Jehovah, the great I AM of the Old Testament. This declaration of power momentarily overwhelmed those who sought to take Him captive. Even in His moment of submission, Christ demonstrated His supreme authority, choosing to allow His arrest rather than being overpowered by men.

Common Fallacies:

Appeal to Incredulity (Argument from Personal Incredulity) – 

    • This fallacy occurs when someone dismisses an event as impossible simply because it doesn’t fit within their expectations or experiences. Some assume that because they haven’t seen words physically knock someone down, the event must be exaggerated or fabricated. Solution: Understanding divine authority requires faith. Throughout scripture, God’s words have real power—whether in creation, healing, or revelation. Christ’s ability to command nature, heal the sick, and even cause His captors to stumble is consistent with His divine role. Instead of dismissing miraculous events, we should ask how they align with His mission and authority.

Defending Divine Doctrines: Christ’s Divine Authority and Identity as Jehovah

Explanation of Doctrine:

President Holland teaches that Jesus Christ is not just a wise teacher or prophet—He is Jehovah, the God of the Old Testament, made flesh. His power is evident even in moments of apparent weakness, such as His arrest in Gethsemane, when His mere words caused armed soldiers to fall to the ground (John 18:4–6). Christ’s divine identity is central to our faith; He is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the only way to eternal life. Understanding this doctrine strengthens our conviction in His role as our Redeemer.

Here’s how this doctrine defends core beliefs:

  • Some claim Jesus was merely a great moral teacher, not divine. However, His own words and actions contradict this view. He repeatedly identified Himself as the I AM (John 8:58), the same title used by Jehovah in Exodus 3:14. If Christ was not divine, His claims would be blasphemous—yet His teachings, miracles, and resurrection affirm His true identity.
  • Skeptics argue that Christ’s arrest proves He was powerless. However, President Holland highlights that Jesus voluntarily submitted to His captors. His words alone knocked them backward, revealing that He could have stopped them at any time. His obedience to the Father’s will—despite His divine power—demonstrates that His sacrifice was not forced, but given willingly for our salvation (John 10:17–18).

Application

  • How this teaching clarifies misunderstandings: Many critics see Jesus as simply a historical figure, but this doctrine reaffirms that He is the living Christ. Recognizing Him as Jehovah strengthens our understanding of His eternal role in our salvation. His submission in Gethsemane was not weakness—it was the ultimate act of divine strength and obedience.
  • Practical application:
    • When discussing Jesus’ divinity, point to scriptural evidence where He declares Himself as I AM (John 8:58, John 18:5).
    • In conversations about Christ’s power, highlight that His voluntary sacrifice fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 53:7).
    • Strengthen personal faith by reflecting on times when God’s power has sustained you, even when He allowed trials to continue.

Historical and Doctrinal Connections

Contextual Background:

In President Holland’s talk, he recounts the moment when Jesus identified Himself to the soldiers by saying, “I am he” (John 18:5), causing them to fall backward. This declaration echoes the divine name of Jehovah given in Exodus 3:14, where God reveals Himself to Moses as “I AM.” This moment in Gethsemane is not merely a display of Christ’s power but a fulfillment of prophecy—affirming that the same Jehovah who led Israel is now standing before them as their Redeemer.

This connects to Doctrine and Covenants 19, where Christ directly explains His suffering: “For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent” (D&C 19:16). In this section, Christ clarifies that His suffering was infinite, voluntary, and necessary. The same Jesus who stood before Roman soldiers and declared His divinity later describes in D&C 19 how He willingly bore the unimaginable weight of justice so we would not have to.

Doctrinal Connections:

This week’s Come, Follow Me lesson on Doctrine and Covenants 19 aligns with President Holland’s message by emphasizing the depth of Christ’s suffering and His willingness to obey the Father’s will.

  • Clarifying misunderstandings: Some wonder why Christ’s Atonement required such suffering. D&C 19 explains that He took upon Himself the full punishment of sin so that we could be spared. His agony was not only for those who accept Him—it was for all, though only those who repent will be fully freed from it.
  • Strengthening faith: President Holland’s reminder that Christ’s charity is evident in His obedience ties into D&C 19:18, where Christ describes how He trembled because of pain, and bled at every pore. Understanding that He endured this for each of us personally strengthens our ability to trust in Him.
  • A new perspective for modern readers: Many struggle with feelings of unworthiness or doubt whether Christ truly understands their suffering. D&C 19 proves that He does. He experienced both physical and spiritual agony beyond human comprehension, and He did it out of love. His obedience was not just submission—it was the ultimate act of love.

Living Apologetics

Practical Application

President Holland’s talk reminds us that faith in Jesus Christ requires both trust and action. His obedience to the Father’s will—despite suffering and opposition—teaches that our love for God is demonstrated by our choices. When we deepen our understanding of Christ’s role as Jehovah and Redeemer, we can confidently defend our beliefs and strengthen our testimony.

Here are two practical ways to apply apologetic principles from this talk:

  1. Use Scripture to Reaffirm Christ’s Identity and Power
    In conversations about Christ, emphasize scriptures that show His divine authority. Many misunderstand Jesus as just a great teacher, but passages like John 8:58, John 18:5, and Doctrine & Covenants 19:16-19 prove that He is Jehovah and the Savior of the world. When discussing faith with others, use these scriptures as anchors to clarify His role.
  2. Reframe Hard Questions with a Focus on Christ
    Some struggle with historical or doctrinal questions and lose sight of the gospel’s core. When engaging in discussions, redirect the focus to who Christ is and what He has done for us. Ask, “Does this question change my belief in Jesus Christ as my Savior?” Helping others recognize that faith is built on Christ—not secondary concerns—can anchor them in truth.

Application Ideas – share what you’ve learned –

To personally strengthen faith and deepen understanding, try these three study and faith-building practices:

  1. Study Christ’s “I Am” Statements
    Read Exodus 3:14, John 8:58, John 18:5, and 3 Nephi 11:10-11. Reflect on how these scriptures confirm that Christ is Jehovah and has always had divine authority.
  2. Memorize Doctrine & Covenants 19:16-19
    These verses give one of the most personal accounts of the Savior’s suffering. Writing them down or repeating them daily can strengthen appreciation for the Atonement.
  3. Pray with a Focus on Obedience
    Just as Christ submitted to the Father’s will, ask in prayer how you can align your life more fully with God’s plan. Seek guidance on one area where you can improve in faith and action.

This talk provides powerful tools for strengthening testimony and engaging in meaningful apologetics. By focusing on Christ’s divinity, His obedience, and His love, we can defend our faith with confidence and compassion.

Quick Reference: Key Defenses and Facts

Defensive Highlights

  • Jesus Christ is Jehovah, the Great “I AM.” When Christ declared, “I am he” (John 18:5), He was not just identifying Himself—He was affirming His divine identity as Jehovah. His words alone caused the soldiers to fall back, demonstrating His divine authority.
  • Christ’s suffering was voluntary, not forced. Some claim that Jesus was powerless in His arrest and Crucifixion, but Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19 clarifies that He willingly endured the Atonement, knowing it was the only way to redeem mankind.
  • Obedience to God is not weakness—it is divine strength. President Holland emphasizes that Christ’s complete submission to the Father was not a sign of defeat but the ultimate act of love and power. True discipleship means following Christ’s example in trusting God even when we do not fully understand.

Conclusion

Encouragement and Reflection

President Holland’s talk reaffirms that Jesus Christ is both all-powerful and all-loving. His declaration, “I am he,” reminds us that He is Jehovah, the Savior, and the perfect example of obedience to God’s will. Even in suffering, He remained steadfast, showing us that true faith means trusting in God through every trial.

When we encounter doubts or challenges, we can anchor ourselves in Christ’s identity and mission. His power is real, His love is infinite, and His example is one we can follow.

How can you trust in Christ’s power and love more fully in your life today?

…Down through history many have simplified, even trivialized our image of Him and His witness of who He was. They have reduced His righteousness to mere prudishness, His justice to mere anger, His mercy to mere permissiveness. We must not be guilty of such simplistic versions of Him that conveniently ignore teachings we find uncomfortable. This “dumbing down” has been true even regarding His ultimate defining virtue, His love.  –Jeffrey R. Holland

 

The Consider Conference series by FAIR offers an in-depth look at recent General Conference talks to help members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints navigate common questions, misunderstandings, and criticisms. Each post provides doctrinal insights, historical context, and practical ways to apply gospel principles in everyday conversations. Through this series, we hope to equip readers with faith-promoting resources that encourage thoughtful reflection, respectful dialogue, and a stronger foundation in gospel truths, fostering both personal conviction and meaningful discussions with others.

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