Introduction

For many, the question of whether God walked on Earth is a deep and profound one. The teachings of Jesus Christ offer unique insights into this existential query, weaving a tapestry of divine Truth and human understanding.

Jesus and Divine Identification

Jesus, according to Christian doctrine, identified himself as part of the Godhead, explicitly stating, 'before Abraham was, I am.'

“I tell you the truth, before Abraham was, I am.” — John 8:58

This statement places Jesus at the very beginning of time, aligning him with the divine identity of God - Yahweh, El, or Elohim, establishing a direct link between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

No Direct Sightings of God on Earth

While Jesus declared his divine status, he also emphasized that no man had ever seen God directly. According to John 1:18, 'No man has seen God at any time. The only-begotten God, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.' This verse clarifies that while Jesus, referred to as the 'only-begotten God,' is a manifestation of God, man has not directly witnessed the Father.

“No man has seen God at any time, the only-begotten God, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.” — John 1:18

The Word Became Flesh

The Gospel of John further elaborates on Jesus's incarnation as 'the Word became flesh and dwelt among us' (John 1:14). This indicates that while God has never walked on Earth in a direct, human form, Jesus, as the Word, did embody this divine presence. He 'had a view of his glory, a glory such as belongs to the only-begotten Son from the Father,' suggesting a divine revelation through his words and actions.

“And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” — John 1:14, 17

The Tabernacle and Divine Presence

The biblical narrative also indicates that God affirmed His willingness to dwell among people, as seen in the story of Moses building the tabernacle. When Moses erected the tabernacle, God declared, 'I will dwell among the people…' This highlights that where a house is dedicated to God and accepted by Him, the divine presence can reside.

Jesus Proving His Divinity

Jesus's own words and actions provide compelling evidence of His divinity. By rising from the dead, He proved His connection to the divine, confirming His identity beyond mere mortal origin. Furthermore, His words in John 20:27–28, 'Reach out your hand and touch me; see for yourself that a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have,' solidified His divine nature.

“Thomas said to him, 'Lord, we have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?' Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me… then you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.'” — John 14:5, 13

The Mystery of Divine Revelation

Through the embodiment of Jesus Christ, God revealed aspects of His nature. In the Gospel of Thomas, Jesus is said to have revealed that heaven is spread all over the Earth and that God's home is everywhere. This theology emphasizes the omnipresence of God, suggesting that while divine presence is everywhere, it remains hidden in the illusion of human reality.

“He showed me both Mary and Mary's house. And how Mary was in her house, but I was outside the house, and I was in a trance, and I saw Mary talking with him. And I said to him: Master, she is in her house and I am outside the house. Who are you to keep talking with her? You are descended from the stars, you have a spirit, and you have a face like a spirit. And he from below called her from above that she may learn things unknown to Mary, which is beyond all knowledge.” — Gospel of Thomas

Conclusion

The concept of God walking on Earth remains a mystery that evokes deep contemplation. While Jesus Christ revealed aspects of God's divine nature, He Himself stated that direct sight of the Father was never seen by men. However, through His words, actions, and the divine revelation embodied in His life, Jesus confirmed His connection to the divine, much like God's willingness to dwell in the tabernacle and among His people.

This perspective invites a deeper understanding of the divine presence and the nature of God, highlighting the complexity of human-divine relationships.