Jesus Is: Understanding His Nature and Purpose

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Is Real—Fully God and Fully Man

Jesus is not a myth, an idea, or merely a good teacher; He is the real, living Son of God who came in the flesh, was seen, heard, and touched by eyewitnesses. This truth is foundational because it means Jesus truly experienced humanity, suffered, died, and physically rose from the dead, defeating sin and death for us. The reality of His bodily resurrection assures us that our faith is not in vain and that we have hope beyond the grave. The world may offer many opinions about Jesus, but the testimony of those who walked with Him is clear: He is real, and He is alive. [01:05:24]

1 John 1:1-2 (ESV)
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—

Reflection: In what ways does the reality of Jesus’ physical life, death, and resurrection change how you approach your doubts or struggles today?

Day 2: Jesus Is the Word of Life—Relationship Over Knowledge

Knowing about Jesus is not the same as knowing Him personally. True Christianity is not just about accumulating knowledge or following rules, but about entering into a living relationship with Christ, the Word made flesh. While studying Scripture is vital, it is the surrender of our hearts and lives to Jesus that brings transformation. The invitation is to move beyond head knowledge to a heart relationship, where Jesus Himself becomes our source of life and meaning. [01:12:29]

John 1:1-4 (ESV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

Reflection: Is your relationship with Jesus more about knowing facts or knowing Him personally? What is one step you can take today to deepen your personal walk with Christ?

Day 3: Jesus Is Our Eternal Life—The Source of True Fellowship

Jesus offers more than just escape from punishment; He is the very source of eternal life and the one who brings us into true fellowship with God and with one another. This fellowship is not just a social connection but a deep, spiritual partnership rooted in Christ. Through Him, we are united with God and with each other, sharing in His grace and blessing. Our relationship with Jesus transforms every other relationship and calls us to live as one body, the family of God. [01:21:14]

1 John 1:3-4 (ESV)
That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

Reflection: Who in your life do you need to intentionally pursue deeper fellowship with, knowing that your unity is rooted in Christ? How can you reach out to them this week?

Day 4: Jesus Is Our Light—Shining in the Darkness

God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. Jesus, as the light of the world, exposes sin, brings truth, and gives life. In a world filled with spiritual darkness and confusion, believers are called to let the light of Christ shine through them, bringing hope and clarity to those around them. This light is not just for our own benefit but is meant to be shared, illuminating the path for others and pushing back the darkness wherever we go. [01:24:14]

1 John 1:5 (ESV)
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Reflection: Where do you see darkness in your community or relationships, and how can you intentionally bring the light of Christ into those places today?

Day 5: Jesus Is Our Joy—Complete and Unshakeable

True joy is not found in circumstances, possessions, or fleeting happiness, but in a sustained relationship with Jesus. This joy is deep, Spirit-produced, and remains even in the midst of trials and hardships. It is rooted in knowing Christ, being united with Him and His people, and living out the purpose for which we were created. When we walk in fellowship with Jesus, our joy is made complete, and we become a source of encouragement and hope to others. [01:23:13]

Philippians 4:4 (ESV)
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are seeking joy apart from Christ? How can you surrender that area to Him and experience His lasting joy today?

Sermon Summary

As we begin our journey through 1 John, it’s important to remember the context in which John wrote: a church divided by false teaching, particularly Gnosticism, which denied the full humanity and divinity of Jesus. John’s response is not just theological correction, but a call back to the heart of the gospel—who Jesus truly is. The world offers many versions of Jesus, but John insists on the real, historical, bodily resurrected Christ, the one who was seen, heard, and touched. This is not a distant, abstract idea, but a living reality that changes everything.

Jesus is real. He is not a myth, a symbol, or a spiritualized idea. John and the other apostles experienced Him physically; they touched Him, ate with Him, and saw Him die and rise again. This matters because our hope is not in a philosophy, but in a person who conquered death in the flesh. Without the bodily resurrection, there is no gospel, no hope, and no victory over sin and death.

Jesus is the Word of Life. He is not just the content of our faith, but the living source of it. The written Word points us to the Living Word. Christianity is not about accumulating knowledge or following rules, but about entering into a relationship with the One who is life itself. It’s not enough to know about Jesus; we are called to know Him personally, to surrender, repent, and receive His life.

Jesus is our eternal life. He doesn’t just offer us a ticket to heaven; He brings us into fellowship with God now and forever. Eternal life is not just a future promise, but a present reality—Christ in us, shaping our lives, our relationships, and our mission. Because He lives, we live, and we are sent as His ambassadors wherever we go.

Jesus is our light and our joy. In a world of spiritual darkness, He is the light that exposes, heals, and guides. His presence brings a joy that is deeper than circumstances—a joy rooted in fellowship with God and with one another. This joy is not fleeting happiness, but a settled confidence that comes from being united with Christ.

Finally, we are called to declare and share this Jesus. Our mission is not just to enjoy fellowship, but to bring the light and life of Christ to a world in darkness. Whether in our neighborhoods, schools, or workplaces, we carry the presence of Christ with us. Our story is meant to point others to His story—the story of the real, risen, reigning Jesus.

Key Takeaways

1. The Reality of Jesus’ Bodily Resurrection The foundation of our faith is not a spiritualized myth, but the historical, bodily resurrection of Jesus. John insists on the physicality of Christ—seen, heard, and touched—because only a real, incarnate Savior can truly conquer sin and death. Our hope is anchored in the fact that Jesus overcame the grave in the flesh, guaranteeing our own resurrection and victory over death. [65:24]
2. Relationship Over Knowledge True Christianity is not about how much we know, but about whom we know. The Gnostic error was to elevate secret knowledge above relationship, but John reminds us that salvation is found in surrendering to the living Christ, not in mastering religious facts. The written Word points us to the Living Word, and only through repentance and faith do we enter into real, transforming fellowship with Him. [72:13]
3. Eternal Life Begins Now Eternal life is not merely a future hope, but a present possession for those in Christ. Through Jesus, we are brought into fellowship with the Father and the Son, experiencing a new quality of life that shapes our identity and purpose. This life is marked by the indwelling presence of Christ, empowering us to live as His representatives in every sphere of life. [74:19]
4. The Church as Light-Bearers in Darkness The world is shrouded in spiritual darkness, unable to see the truth apart from Christ. As those who have received the light, we are called to let it shine—through our countenance, our actions, and our words. Our mission is to bring the hope and clarity of Jesus into every dark place, trusting that even our weakness can be used by God to reveal His glory. [84:14]
5. Fellowship and Joy Flow from Union with Christ True fellowship is not just social connection, but a deep, spiritual partnership rooted in our shared life in Christ. This unity brings a joy that is unshakable, even in hardship, because it is grounded in God’s presence and promises. As we walk in the light together, our joy is made complete, and we become a living testimony to the world of who Jesus is. [81:14]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[55:42] - Introduction to 1 John
[56:14] - The Crisis of False Teaching
[57:25] - Gnosticism and Its Influence
[57:57] - John’s Purpose: Reassurance and Love
[58:33] - Who Is Jesus? Setting the Stage
[59:43] - The Uniqueness of Jesus
[60:32] - The World’s Claims vs. Christ’s Reality
[61:39] - Names and Titles of God and Jesus
[64:11] - Reading 1 John 1:1-5
[65:13] - Jesus Is Real: The Bodily Resurrection
[70:18] - Jesus Is the Word of Life
[73:56] - Jesus Is Our Eternal Life
[77:36] - Jesus Is Our Sight and Our Declaration
[81:14] - Jesus Is Our Fellowship
[83:13] - Jesus Is Our Joy
[84:14] - Jesus Is Our Light
[86:42] - The World’s Darkness and Our Mission
[88:28] - The Uniqueness of Christ Among World Religions
[90:32] - Responding to Jesus: Invitation and Prayer
[96:04] - Living Out the Mission: Prayer, Care, Share
[98:20] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 John 1:1-5 (ESV) — 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—
2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—
3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Observation Questions

According to 1 John 1:1-3, what are the different ways John and the apostles experienced Jesus? (heard, seen, touched, etc.)
What does John say is the purpose of proclaiming what they have seen and heard? (v.3)
In verse 5, how does John describe God, and what does he say about darkness?
The sermon mentioned that John was addressing false teaching in the church. What specific false beliefs was John confronting? [[56:14]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does John emphasize the physical, tangible experience of Jesus (hearing, seeing, touching) instead of just spiritual or philosophical ideas? [[01:05:24]]
The sermon said, “True Christianity is not about how much we know, but about whom we know.” How does this challenge the way people sometimes approach faith? [[01:12:13]]
What does it mean that “eternal life” is not just a future hope, but a present reality for believers? How might this change someone’s daily life? [[01:14:19]]
The sermon described fellowship as more than just social connection. What does real fellowship look like according to John, and how is it connected to joy? [[01:21:14]]

Application Questions

The world offers many versions of Jesus, but John insists on the real, historical, resurrected Christ. Are there “versions” of Jesus you’ve encountered in culture or even in church that don’t match the Jesus John describes? How can you recognize and respond to these? [[01:00:32]]
John and the apostles had a personal, physical relationship with Jesus. While we can’t physically touch Jesus today, what are some practical ways you can deepen your personal relationship with Him this week? [[01:05:24]]
The sermon said, “Christianity is not about accumulating knowledge or following rules, but about entering into a relationship with the One who is life itself.” Are there areas in your life where you tend to focus more on knowledge or rules than on relationship? What would it look like to shift your focus? [[01:12:13]]
Eternal life is described as a present reality—Christ in us, shaping our lives, relationships, and mission. In what area of your life do you need to invite Jesus to be more present and active right now? [[01:14:19]]
The sermon challenged us to be “light-bearers” in a world of spiritual darkness. Where do you see darkness in your community, workplace, or school? What is one specific way you can bring the light of Christ into that situation this week? [[01:24:14]]
John says that true fellowship and joy come from union with Christ and with one another. Is there someone in your church or small group you need to pursue deeper fellowship with? What’s a practical step you can take to build that relationship? [[01:21:14]]
The sermon ended with a call to “declare and share this Jesus.” Who is one person God is putting on your heart to share your story or His story with? What’s a first step you can take this week to reach out to them? [[01:18:01]]

Sermon Clips

``He took our place, our sin upon himself. He took it to the grave. He stayed there three days. Why? Because you had to be there three days to be declared officially dead. He was there for three days. And what did he do on the third day? He resurrected bodily. Not just as a teaching point for the disciples. Not just as a mystic idea. He resurrected bodily. Why? Because he overcame sin and death and hell. And he left all of that in the grave so that he could say what? I'm the way, the truth, and the life. No man can come to the Father except through me. That's who he is. [01:06:28] (32 seconds) #ResurrectedSavior

It's not just about the written word of God. It's not just about the what. The what. I think a lot of times we get this mixed up and what we do is that we think being a Christian is how much I know and that's the whole basis behind the Gnostic idea. It was just based on knowledge because I see a lot of young people come to my classes and they can name every book of the Bible. They can quote you scriptures, but it's pretty obvious by their lifestyle. That they do not have a living relationship with Christ. [01:11:24] (31 seconds) #SurrenderToChrist

Finally, Jesus is our light. He's our light. It says, now this is the message that we've heard from Him and declared to you. God is light and there's absolutely no darkness in Him. In 1 John it says, the word light refers to God's absolute moral purity, truth, and goodness. It is used metaphorically to describe God. One commentator said, as being free from all sin and moral darkness, complete in His knowledge and wisdom and the source of all truth. This stands in contrast with darkness, which represents sin, evil, and falsehood. [01:24:11] (39 seconds) #TrueJoyInChrist

Our world is walking in that kind of spiritual darkness. Look at — come on, we get mad at the world. We get mad at lost people for acting lost, don't we? Come on. We get mad at them because they can't see what we can see. You know why they can't see that? Because they are not redeemed. They don't have the Holy Spirit in them. Our job to take the light into the world, right? This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. [01:26:45] (29 seconds)

Because if I'm right, which I believe I am, I believe we are, if we're believers, then Jesus is Lord. He's master. He's savior. I'm the way, the truth, the life, the only truth, the only life. He's the one who paid the price for our sin. That's who Jesus is. He's that light that will provide light into darkness where we can see where we're going. [01:31:24] (26 seconds)

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