Throughout human history, individuals in various fields have impacted the world, with their relevance and popularity enduring over hundreds and even thousands of years. These figures range from philosophers such as Socrates and Aristotle, to religious and spiritual guides like Muhammad and Gautama Buddha. They also encompass military leaders like Napoleon, Alexander the Great, and Winston Churchill, as well as creative geniuses like William Shakespeare, Leonardo da Vinci and Johann Sebastian Bach. Yet, among these legendary personalities, most people would agree that one towers above the rest: Jesus of Nazareth. While many celebrated figures have dimmed in the shadows of time, what is it that still inspires more than two billion Christians to follow Jesus today?  Sure, he was a compelling leader to those who directly witnessed His preaching and miracles two thousand years ago, but what would persuade a Nobel-prize-winning scientist to accept His teachings in our modern world? Why is Jesus Christ, an uneducated carpenter from a small town in the Middle East, still so popular in our high-tech culture? 

Background

Most of us are familiar with the narrative of Jesus’s birth. He was born around 5 BC in the humble town of Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph, a carpenter by trade. Apart from Jesus’s one adventure around age 12, when he became separated from His parents for three days while visiting Jerusalem for a religious festival, little is known about His early life. Then, at age 30, when He transformed water into wine while attending a wedding at Cana, his public ministry began, spanning only about three years. So, what sets Jesus’s life apart from other prominent figures in history? Let’s take a look at how Jesus compares, for example, with some famous philosophers. 

What Traits Does Jesus Share with Famous Philosophers? 

There are various similarities between Jesus and other popular figures, especially Greek philosophers. For example, one can draw a number of parallels between Jesus and Socrates, a pivotal figure in Western philosophy, as summarized below:

Similarities between Socrates and Jesus

• Shared an allegiance to a single God
• Did NOT hold public office, advocate violence, or personally pen their own writings
• Taught the value of spirituality and the afterlife
• Instructed followers to obey God and reject materialism
• Primarily spoke to the common people
• Had committed followers 
• Refused to compromise the truth
• Polarized the population
• Were unjustly accused of crimes and convicted in a tribunal
• Willingly faced death and were executed, with Jesus nailed to a cross and Socrates sentenced to drinking hemlock

But that’s where the similarities end.

Differences Between Socrates and Jesus

Pre-History

Christians profess that Jesus existed before Socrates, Adam and Eve, the creation of the earth, and even time as we understand it. While Christ’s preexistence can be difficult to comprehend, if true it undeniably points to Jesus’s extraordinary nature. As the divine Son of God, Jesus is described as “the first-born of all creation” (Col. 1:15), suggesting His existence even before the “Big Bang” that began our universe. In this regard, Jesus presents a unique aspect of His being, setting Him apart from any mere human, including philosophers like Socrates. In addition, the Old Testament Bible, written hundreds of years before Jesus’s birth, surprisingly predicts more than 100 details of his life, which are documented in the New Testament. These details include His virgin birth and birthplace, details of his public ministry (e.g., miracles, teacher of parables), death (betrayal, mocked, crucified with thieves), Resurrection from the dead (see Ps. 16:10; Isa. 53:10–11), and thus role as the Messiah, judge, and Son of God.

Humanity’s Flaws vs. Divine Perfection

Socrates, a notable figure in human history, was subject to the same flaws that have plagued humanity since Adam and Eve, who in their quest for independence shattered their relationship with God. In stark contrast, Jesus embodies perfection and thus is devoid of all sin (Heb. 4:15; 5:7–10). And Jesus, because He is God, is omniscient and omnipotent. He created time and space and thus cannot be constrained by them. Many examples of His divine power are documented in the New Testament (e.g., John 12:9–11; 16:30). Moreover, as God, Jesus is worthy of worship, a reverence not rendered to any mere human, Socrates included. While Socrates was committed to acquiring knowledge and wisdom and living a virtuous life, Jesus transcended the confines of human limitations, emphasizing instead belief, faith, and trust in Him, our Creator (Col. 1:16–17; see John 8:58). 

More Than a Man

Jesus proclaims Himself as “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Because He is God, Jesus has authority over heaven and earth (Matt. 28:18), and so the power to both judge and forgive sins, thereby offering life after death (John 5:25, Matt. 9:1–8). Christians believe that Jesus is the Savior of the world and so the only One through whom we can gain heavenly redemption (Acts 4:12), as foretold in the Old Testament Bible (Isa. 52:13—53:12). 

Summary

When contrasting Jesus with other historical figures like Socrates, it quickly becomes evident that the differences far outweigh any similarities. As the divine Son of God, Jesus infinitely surpasses all mere humans. C. S. Lewis captured His uniqueness when he wrote that Jesus is either “Lord, liar, or lunatic”. Because of Jesus’s remarkable statements, especially about Himself (John 14:6; 8:58), He cannot merely be a wise and holy man. It’s your decision: 1.) Liar, 2.) Crazy, or 3.) God. We pray you choose wisely, and consider entering the Christian story.

Please click on the links provided for access to videos, documents, quotes, and books that offer deeper insight into how Jesus is unique and thus more than just a great human teacher and witness.