Is Jesus actually Michael the archangel?

TL;DR:

Jesus is not actually Michael the archangel. The Bible clearly describes Jesus as the Son of God, the Son of Man, and our Savior.

Jesus is not Michael the archangel; He is the eternal Son of God, fully divine and fully human, distinct from all created beings, including angels. Michael is described as an archangel (Jude 1:9), and angels are created beings not worthy of worship. By contrast, Jesus is worshiped and holds divine authority (John 1:1, 14; Hebrews 1:3-6). Jesus alone completes what no other being could, including salvation and mediation between God and humanity. If Jesus were merely Michael, He would lack the power to forgive sins and redeem humanity, undermining the gospel. Hebrews 1 highlights Jesus’ supremacy over all angels, affirming His divine identity and eternal authority (Hebrews 1:5-8). Because Jesus is greater than all spiritual beings, believers can confidently approach God, receive forgiveness, and rely on His unchanging provision. His unique role as Savior, Mediator, and King guarantees the promises of God and assures us of eternal life.

from the old testament

Though angels are sometimes called sons of God (Genesis 6:2–4; Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7), Jesus is clearly and repeatedly divine, and called THE Son of God (see Hebrews 1:8; Matthew 4:3–6). Jesus and Michael the archangel are absolutely different.

from the new testament

Michael is the only angel described in the Bible as an "archangel" (Jude 1:9), but he is not God and doesn't hold a divine status as Jesus does.
The difference between Jesus and Michael is best noted in Matthew 4:10 where Jesus rebukes Satan, and in Jude 1:9 where Michael "contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, 'The Lord rebuke you.'" Jesus and Michael the archangel are clearly different.
Jesus is God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14) and is worthy of worship. No angel is ever worthy of worship.
Hebrews 1:3-6 and 7-9 clearly and directly set Jesus apart from all angels. There, Scripture describes Jesus as God's only Son, exhibiting God like no other and completing work that no one else could.

implications for today

The Bible presents Jesus not as a created angel but as God the Son—eternal, divine, and worthy of worship. If Jesus were simply Michael, then He would be a created being and not God Himself. That would undermine His power to save us because only God can forgive sins and provide eternal redemption. Hebrews 1 specifically contrasts Jesus with angels, stating that He is greater than all of them and is addressed by the Father as God (Hebrews 1:5-8).

The Jehovah’s Witnesses claim that Jesus is Michael the archangel, a created being who was the first and greatest of God’s angels, but the Bible clearly distinguishes Jesus from angels. He is God made flesh, greater than all the angels. Because Jesus is greater than the angels, we have confidence that His sacrifice brings us the forgiveness of sins. We can trust in His provision of salvation. We have comfort, knowing that He mediates between us and the Father and secures our eternal inheritance. Unlike angels, He is eternal, unchanging, and fully God, able to meet every spiritual need. We can worship Him with full assurance, knowing He alone has the power to save, redeem, and bring us into God’s presence. His supremacy over all spiritual beings highlights His unique role as Savior and King. Ultimately, Jesus’ divine identity guarantees the reliability of the promises of God for our salvation and eternity.

For more information, we recommend: http://www.4jehovah.org/is-jesus-christ-the-archangel-michael

understand

Jesus is the eternal Son of God, fully divine and fully human, distinct from all angels.
Michael is a created angel, while Jesus is God Himself.
Jesus’ supremacy ensures our access to God, salvation, and His unique role as Savior and King.

reflect

How does knowing that Jesus is fully God, not a created angel, affect the way you approach Him in prayer and worship?
What does Jesus’ unique role as Savior and Mediator teach you about His role in your life?
How does it change your perspective on life knowing of Jesus’ supremacy over everything?

engage

How can we help others understand the difference between Jesus and angels?
What does Jesus’ eternal and divine nature mean for the promises of God?
How does recognizing Jesus as greater than all angels shape the way we respond to spiritual challenges or doubts?