Some people say that, as Jesus claimed and thought of himself as God, then he must have been deluded or self-deceived, suffering from some sort of mental illness in which he believed himself to be God.

 

Psychologists and psychiatrists have studied the biographies of Jesus, known as the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John for evidence of mental instability.  They've looked at Jesus' emotional responses because people suffering from mental illnesses will, at times, display inappropriate or erratic emotional reactions.  But, when you look at Jesus, his emotional responses were those of a healthy, balanced individual.  For example, he cried at the death of his friend Lazarus (John 11:32-36).  When he was angry at the money changers in the Temple (John 2:13-16 ), it was a righteous response to injustice rather than uncontrolled anger at people that were annoying him.

 

Another sign of mental instability in people can be irrational misperceptions such as thinking that people are watching them or trying to get at them when they're not.  Or, they may find it difficult to have a rational or logical conversation, jumping to faulty or irrational conclusions. Erratic thoughts and behaviours can cause difficulties in relating socially to other people.  But, Jesus spoke clearly, sharing insights that amazed people around him.  He interacted with a wide variety of people with various needs and from diverse backgrounds.  He maintained balance despite a busy and demanding lifestyle. He was sensitive to the individual needs of people and responded with what each one uniquely needed.

 

What Jesus claimed about himself may have sounded crazy to some people at the time but that doesn't necessarily mean that it is untrue.  If we travelled back in time and claimed that people can fly, we would probably be called crazy too!  There is no evidence to suggest that Jesus was insane.  His actions and reactions were those of a highly relational, healthy, stable individual who spoke the truth when he claimed he was the Christ, the Son of the living God.