Why didn’t Jesus ever say, 'I am God, and there is none else,' especially when this is crucial to Christian doctrine?

The reason Jesus did not say 'I am God' is rooted in the cultural and theological context of first-century Judaism. At that time, the concept of God was primarily understood as a singular entity dwelling in heaven, and any claim to divinity would have been interpreted as a claim to be Yahweh, which would have been seen as blasphemous. New Testament scholars like Raymond E. Brown and Ben Witherington emphasize that Jesus was aware of the implications of such a statement and chose to communicate his identity in a manner that would not alienate his audience or hinder his mission. Additionally, the New Testament frequently refers to God as the Father, and Jesus' relationship to the Father is distinct yet unified in essence. This distinction is crucial in understanding the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, which was not a concept familiar to the Jews of Jesus' time. Therefore, Jesus' approach was to reveal his identity gradually and in private discussions with his disciples, rather than making a public declaration that could lead to misunderstanding and rejection of his message. Ultimately, the infrequent use of the term 'God' in reference to Jesus in the New Testament aligns with the understanding that while Jesus shares the same divine essence with the Father, he is a distinct person within the Godhead. This careful articulation of his identity was essential for the early Christian community and continues to be a foundational aspect of Christian belief today.