How do I show a Jehovah’s Witness that Jesus is God?

This is a nuanced challenge because Jehovah’s Witnesses (JWs) follow a strict non-Trinitarian theology, believing Jesus is God’s first and only direct creation (Michael the archangel), not God Himself. To have a productive conversation, focus on what the Bible says—using their own New World Translation (NWT) where possible—without heated debate. Here are key biblical approaches:

**1. Jesus receives worship (proskynēō) – something only God can accept.**
- **Matthew 28:17** – Disciples worship Jesus; He doesn’t stop them. In the NWT, “did obeisance” still implies divine worship in context.
- **Hebrews 1:6** – “Let all God’s angels worship Him [the Son].” If Jesus were a created angel, this would be idolatry.

**2. Jesus claims divine titles and attributes.**
- **John 8:58** – “Before Abraham was, I am” (echoing Exodus 3:14 – “I AM”). JWs translate “I have been,” but the Greek ego eimi echoes Yahweh’s name.
- **Revelation 1:17-18** – “I am the First and the Last” (same title as God in Isaiah 44:6).

**3. Jesus does what only God can do.**
- **Mark 2:5-7** – Forgives sins; scribes correctly note only God can forgive. Jesus proves His authority by healing.
- **Colossians 1:16-17** – “All things were created through Him and for Him” – if He were a creature, He’d be excluded from “all things.”

**4. Thomas calls Jesus “my Lord and my God” (John 20:28)** – Jesus affirms rather than corrects him.

**5. Old Testament “Yahweh” passages applied to Jesus in the New Testament.**
- **Joel 2:32** (Yahweh saves) → **Romans 10:9-13** (call on Jesus = call on Yahweh).
- **Isaiah 45:23** (every knee bows to Yahweh) → **Philippians 2:10-11** (every knee bows to Jesus).

**Tips for the conversation:**
- Ask open-ended questions: “What does this passage mean to you?”
- Avoid “You’re wrong” – instead say, “This is how I understand it; let’s look together.”
- Focus on a few strong verses, not a flood.
- Pray for humility and clarity beforehand.

Most JWs are taught Trinitarian proof texts are misinterpretations. Your goal isn’t to “win” but to plant seeds. Respect their sincerity, share gently, and trust that truth resonates over time.