Exploring the Identity of Jesus: Truth or Myth?
Summary
In today's gathering, we embarked on a journey to explore the profound question of who Jesus truly is. This marks the beginning of our new series, "The Jesus Code," where we will delve into the identity of Jesus Christ, examining whether He was a liar, a lunatic, or indeed the Lord. As we navigate through a world filled with diverse opinions about Jesus, it's crucial to understand the historical and spiritual significance of His existence.
We began by acknowledging the undeniable impact Jesus has had on history. Despite the skepticism surrounding His existence, historical records and secular sources affirm that Jesus was a real person. Figures like Tacitus, Josephus, and Pliny the Younger, who were not Christians, documented His life and influence, providing strong evidence against the notion that Jesus is merely a myth. These historical accounts align with the New Testament, reinforcing the truth of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
The genealogy of Jesus, meticulously recorded in the Gospels, further establishes His historical presence. His lineage traces back to Abraham and David, fulfilling messianic prophecies and affirming His role as the Messiah. Unlike mythical figures, Jesus' family tree is documented and verifiable, underscoring His reality.
As we continue this series, the pivotal question remains: Who do you say Jesus is? This question transcends historical evidence and challenges us to consider our personal relationship with Him. Jesus' existence is not just a matter of historical record; it is a call to recognize Him as Savior and Lord. The decision to follow Jesus is the most significant choice we can make, impacting our lives now and for eternity.
In the coming weeks, we will explore the claims of Jesus and the transformative power of His love. Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, I invite you to journey with us as we uncover the truth of who Jesus is and what He means for each of us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Historical Evidence of Jesus: Jesus' existence is supported by historical records from non-Christian sources, such as Tacitus and Josephus, which align with the New Testament accounts. This evidence challenges the notion that Jesus is a myth and affirms His reality as a historical figure. [29:37]
2. Genealogical Significance: The genealogy of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels, links Him to Abraham and David, fulfilling messianic prophecies. This meticulous record underscores His historical presence and divine purpose, distinguishing Him from mythical figures. [40:01]
3. The Question of Identity: The central question we must confront is not whether Jesus existed, but who we say He is. This question challenges us to consider our personal relationship with Him and the implications of recognizing Him as Savior and Lord. [49:25]
4. The Cost of Belief: The willingness of early Christians to die for their faith in Jesus underscores the depth of their conviction. People do not willingly die for a lie, highlighting the transformative power of Jesus' life and message. [36:36]
5. The Universality of Jesus' Love: Jesus' love extends to all, regardless of background or circumstance. His message of salvation is for everyone, challenging us to embrace His love and grace without prejudice. [49:25]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:00] - Introduction to "The Jesus Code"
- [10:15] - The Impact of Jesus on History
- [15:30] - Historical Evidence of Jesus
- [20:45] - Genealogical Significance
- [25:00] - Skeptics' Claims Addressed
- [30:15] - Secular Sources Confirming Jesus
- [35:30] - The Question of Identity
- [40:45] - The Cost of Belief
- [45:00] - The Universality of Jesus' Love
- [50:15] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
- [55:00] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "The Jesus Code"
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 2:1 - "In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world."
2. Matthew 1:1 - "This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham."
3. John 18:37 - "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
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Observation Questions:
1. What historical evidence outside of the Bible was mentioned in the sermon to support the existence of Jesus? [36:36]
2. How does the genealogy of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels, support His identity as the Messiah? [40:01]
3. What are some of the claims skeptics make about Jesus' existence, and how does the sermon address these claims? [32:33]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the willingness of early Christians to die for their faith in Jesus? [36:36]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the historical evidence presented in the sermon challenge the notion that Jesus is a myth? What impact does this have on one's faith? [36:36]
2. In what ways does the genealogy of Jesus fulfill messianic prophecies, and why is this important for understanding His identity? [40:01]
3. The sermon discusses the question, "Who do you say Jesus is?" How does this question challenge individuals to reflect on their personal relationship with Jesus? [49:25]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the universality of Jesus' love, and how does this challenge common perceptions of who Jesus' message is for? [49:25]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the historical evidence of Jesus' existence. How does this evidence strengthen or challenge your current understanding of Jesus? [36:36]
2. The genealogy of Jesus links Him to significant figures like Abraham and David. How does this lineage influence your view of Jesus as the Messiah? [40:01]
3. Consider the question, "Who do you say Jesus is?" How does your answer to this question affect your daily life and decisions? [49:25]
4. The sermon highlights the willingness of early Christians to die for their faith. What sacrifices are you willing to make for your faith, and how can you prepare for them? [36:36]
5. Jesus' love is described as universal. How can you extend this love to people from different backgrounds or beliefs in your community? [49:25]
6. The sermon invites listeners to follow Jesus. What steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Him? [49:25]
7. Reflect on the transformative power of Jesus' love mentioned in the sermon. How can you allow this love to impact your interactions with others this week? [49:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Historical Reality of Jesus
The existence of Jesus is not merely a matter of faith but is supported by historical evidence from non-Christian sources such as Tacitus and Josephus. These accounts align with the New Testament, challenging the notion that Jesus is a myth and affirming His reality as a historical figure. The impact of Jesus on history is undeniable, and understanding this historical context is crucial for recognizing His significance. As we explore the historical evidence, we are invited to see Jesus not just as a figure of faith but as a real person who walked the earth and changed the course of history. [29:37]
"For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." (2 Peter 1:16, ESV)
Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus' existence is historically verified impact your faith and understanding of His teachings today?
Day 2: Genealogical Fulfillment of Prophecy
The genealogy of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels, is not just a list of names but a testament to His fulfillment of messianic prophecies. Tracing His lineage back to Abraham and David, the genealogy underscores His historical presence and divine purpose. This meticulous record distinguishes Jesus from mythical figures and affirms His role as the Messiah. Understanding the genealogical significance of Jesus invites us to see the continuity of God's plan throughout history and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. [40:01]
"The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." (Matthew 1:1, ESV)
Reflection: How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' genealogy strengthen your trust in God's promises for your life?
Day 3: Personal Identity of Jesus
The central question we must confront is not whether Jesus existed, but who we say He is. This question challenges us to consider our personal relationship with Him and the implications of recognizing Him as Savior and Lord. Jesus' existence is not just a matter of historical record; it is a call to recognize Him as Savior and Lord. The decision to follow Jesus is the most significant choice we can make, impacting our lives now and for eternity. [49:25]
"Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'" (Matthew 16:16, ESV)
Reflection: Who do you say Jesus is in your life today, and how does this belief shape your daily actions and decisions?
Day 4: The Cost of Belief
The willingness of early Christians to die for their faith in Jesus underscores the depth of their conviction. People do not willingly die for a lie, highlighting the transformative power of Jesus' life and message. This historical reality challenges us to consider the cost of our own belief and the depth of our commitment to following Jesus. The early Christians' sacrifices invite us to reflect on what we are willing to give up for the sake of our faith. [36:36]
"Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name." (Acts 5:41, ESV)
Reflection: What sacrifices are you willing to make for your faith, and how can you demonstrate your commitment to Jesus in your daily life?
Day 5: Universality of Jesus' Love
Jesus' love extends to all, regardless of background or circumstance. His message of salvation is for everyone, challenging us to embrace His love and grace without prejudice. This universality of Jesus' love calls us to reflect on how we can extend His love to others in our own lives. As we recognize the breadth of Jesus' love, we are invited to be conduits of His grace and compassion to those around us. [49:25]
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively show Jesus' love to someone from a different background or circumstance this week?
Quotes
"While roughly 2.4 billion people in this world profess faith in Jesus, 5.6 billion don't. Think of that number for just a minute. 2.4 billion people profess faith in Jesus. 5.6 billion don't. It doesn't mean they don't necessarily believe he was a real person. They just don't profess faith in him. And whether you profess faith in him or you don't, you cannot deny that Jesus is single-handedly one of the most important figures in history." [00:29:14]
"And most of the world as we know it is religious in some form. But only one figure, only one figure has over half the world's attention. I want you to think about this number for a minute. Between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, that's 54% of the world. Those three religions. Now, Judaism rejects Jesus as the Son of God, as the Messiah, but they believe in him. Christianity, of course, he's the foundation of our faith." [00:30:07]
"Josephus, he was a Jewish historian between A.D. 37 and 100. And in the antiquities of the Jews, he references Jesus twice. Right? Mentioning his crucifixion under Pilate and even noting his reported resurrection. What about Pliny the Younger? He was a Roman governor between A.D. 61 and 113. And in his letters to Emperor Trajan, Pliny discusses early Christians worshiping Jesus as divine." [00:37:56]
"Jesus is mentioned in Jewish and pagan sources. Right? The Babylonian Talmud, or the Jewish writings around A.D. 500, speak of Jesus referring to him as a sorcerer who was executed on Passover Eve. Right? Lucian of Samosata, I don't know if I said that right, was a Greek satirist. He mocks Christians for worshiping the crucified sage. Right? They made fun of them, but they acknowledge his existence." [00:38:26]
"Jesus' genealogy links him to Abraham and David fulfilling messianic prophecies. Matthew 1.1, there is a record of the ancestors of Jesus, the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham. Isaiah prophesies in Isaiah 11.1, Out of the stump of David's family will grow a shoot. Yes, a new branch bearing fruit from the old root." [00:41:40]
"One of the most compelling aspects of Jesus' existence is how genealogy is recorded. Luke's genealogy traces Jesus to the lineage of Adam. All the way back to the beginning, Luke meticulously traces Jesus' family line, proving his historical connection to Abraham and to David and unlike mythical figures Jesus's family tree is documented and verifiable." [00:42:04]
"Eyewitnesses lived with, wrote, and died for the truth of Jesus Christ. First John 1 John 1 3 says we proclaim to you that we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us and our fellowship is with the father and with the son and with his son Jesus Christ." [00:47:48]
"All of the disciples except for John most if not all died as martyrs for proclaiming the reality of Jesus while James the son of Zebedee is the only apostle in the Bible mentioned as being a martyr many other Christians are noted in writings and traditions saying that Peter Andrew Thomas Philip Bartholomew Matthew Simon Matthias and the other James Thaddeus and Paul were all executed for their belief in Jesus Christ." [00:48:58]
"People may die for something they think is truth that might be a lie but we ain't dying for something we know is a lie not a single one of us but yet thousands of people now up to this point 2025 millions of people have died and given their life for Jesus Christ people all over the world have given their life for Jesus Christ." [00:51:02]
"And if Jesus is real then his words matter Everything he spoke matters And his death and his resurrection matter How do I know it matters? Because we still fight over him today 2,000 years after he died We are still fighting him and whether he existed or not You don't fight for a lie You don't fight for a lie." [00:54:55]
"Jesus is real I'm still going to give you what everybody says But we're going to show you the scriptures And we're going to show you in history Where Jesus Is Real You know how else I know Jesus is real? Look around this one At lives that should be gone and destroyed But because of Jesus We still have breath in our lungs." [00:56:23]
"See we're good at picking and choosing Who God can and can't love But when I read scripture It lines up with He loves everyone And the question is today Do you believe in him? Here's what you don't have to do You don't have to clean up your mess To come to Jesus All you have to do is come to him And he will help you clean up your mess." [00:58:22]
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