When did the demand for explicit deity claims by Jesus emerge?

It is my opinion that the demand or challenge to point to explicit deity claims by Jesus in the Bible began in very recent times—possibly not until the 20th century, by groups that denied his deity. If this challenge didn't begin in the last century, then it definitely must have gained popularity recently because it seems to have become a focal point among recent Christian apologists. Is there any evidence for such a trend at any particular time or place, such as in the United States in the 20th century?