Is Jesus equal to or lesser than God?

Jesus Christ is the second member of the trinity and is therefore equal to God Himself. The Bible tells us that Jesus has been around since before the universe and by implication, is eternal. Jesus Christ made Himself less by confining Himself to the limitations of a human body. This is why Jesus said that even He did not know when the rapture would be. Jesus Christ claimed to be equal with God numerous times, and was almost stoned for it. He was eventually crucified for claiming Divinity.