Jesus: The Son of God and Son of Man

 

Summary

In this message, we explore the profound encounter between Jesus and Nathanael, where Nathanael recognizes Jesus as the Son of God and the King of Israel. However, Jesus challenges Nathanael to see beyond this initial revelation, promising that he will witness even greater things. This interaction serves as a pivotal moment, highlighting the dual nature of Jesus as both the Son of God and the Son of Man. Jesus uses the term "Son of Man" to emphasize his role as the Messiah, a concept rooted in the prophecy of Daniel, where the Son of Man is depicted as a figure of universal dominion and eternal kingdom.

The term "Son of Man" is not merely a title; it signifies Jesus' unique position as the bridge between heaven and earth. This is illustrated through the imagery of Jacob's ladder, where Jesus positions himself as the ladder upon which the angels of God ascend and descend. This metaphor underscores Jesus as the sole mediator between God and humanity, the conduit through which divine blessings flow to mankind.

Furthermore, Jesus' role as the Son of Man extends beyond the Jewish expectation of a Messiah who would deliver Israel alone. Instead, he is the Savior of the entire world, drawing all people to himself. This universality is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, emphasizing that salvation is available to all through Jesus Christ.

The message concludes by urging us to recognize Jesus not only as the Son of God but also as the Son of Man, the new Adam who initiates a new humanity. Through his obedience and sacrifice, Jesus offers a new beginning, a new lineage for those who believe in him. This understanding is crucial for experiencing the fullness of God's blessings and entering into a relationship with Him.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Greater Revelation: Nathanael's recognition of Jesus as the Son of God is profound, yet Jesus promises even greater revelations. This teaches us that our spiritual journey is one of continuous discovery, where initial insights are just the beginning of deeper truths about Christ's nature and mission. [06:31]

2. Son of Man as Mediator: Jesus as the Son of Man signifies his role as the mediator between heaven and earth. This imagery of Jacob's ladder illustrates that Jesus is the only link through which we can access God's blessings and presence, emphasizing the necessity of Christ in our spiritual lives. [35:24]

3. Universal Savior: Jesus' mission extends beyond Israel to encompass all humanity. As the Son of Man, he is the Savior of the world, drawing people from every nation to himself. This universality challenges us to embrace a global vision of the gospel. [31:29]

4. New Humanity in Christ: Jesus, as the new Adam, initiates a new humanity. Through his obedience and sacrifice, he offers a new beginning for those who believe, highlighting the transformative power of Christ's work in our lives. [21:53]

5. Exclusive Path to God: Jesus is the only way to God, the sole mediator through whom we receive divine blessings. This exclusivity underscores the importance of faith in Christ for salvation and the futility of seeking God apart from him. [41:42]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:46] - Nathanael's Recognition
- [06:31] - Greater Things to Come
- [09:33] - The Son of Man Explained
- [12:28] - The Prophecy of Daniel
- [14:39] - Jesus as the Messiah
- [17:38] - The New Adam
- [20:50] - Head of a New Humanity
- [23:05] - The Link Between Heaven and Earth
- [26:30] - The Fall and Redemption
- [31:29] - Savior of All Nations
- [35:24] - Jesus as the Ladder
- [41:42] - The Only Way to God
- [46:45] - The Son of Man's Sacrifice
- [49:39] - Conclusion and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 1:49-51
2. Daniel 7:13-14
3. Genesis 28:12-15

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Observation Questions:

1. In John 1:49-51, what does Nathanael initially recognize about Jesus, and how does Jesus respond to him? [04:46]

2. How does Jesus use the imagery of Jacob's ladder in Genesis 28:12-15 to describe his role as the Son of Man? [35:24]

3. According to Daniel 7:13-14, what characteristics are attributed to the "Son of Man," and how do these relate to Jesus' mission? [13:31]

4. What does Jesus mean when he says Nathanael will see "greater things" than his initial recognition of Jesus as the Son of God? [06:31]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does Jesus emphasize his role as the "Son of Man" in response to Nathanael's declaration that he is the Son of God? How does this title expand our understanding of Jesus' mission? [12:28]

2. How does the concept of Jesus as the "ladder" between heaven and earth challenge or affirm your understanding of his role as a mediator? [35:24]

3. In what ways does the prophecy in Daniel 7:13-14 about the "Son of Man" inform our understanding of Jesus' universal mission? [14:07]

4. How does the idea of Jesus as the "new Adam" and the initiator of a new humanity impact the way we view our identity in Christ? [21:53]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you recognized Jesus in a new way, similar to Nathanael's experience. How did that change your spiritual journey? [04:46]

2. Jesus promises that Nathanael will see "greater things." What are some "greater things" you hope to witness in your spiritual life, and how can you remain open to them? [06:31]

3. The sermon emphasizes Jesus as the sole mediator between God and humanity. How does this understanding affect your approach to prayer and seeking God's presence? [35:24]

4. Jesus' mission extends beyond Israel to all humanity. How can you embrace a global vision of the gospel in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to share this message with others? [31:29]

5. Consider the idea of Jesus as the "new Adam." How does this concept of a new beginning in Christ inspire you to live differently? What specific changes can you make to align with this new identity? [21:53]

6. Jesus is described as the exclusive path to God. Are there areas in your life where you seek fulfillment or guidance apart from Christ? How can you refocus on Jesus as your primary source of spiritual nourishment? [41:42]

7. Reflect on the imagery of Jesus as the ladder connecting heaven and earth. How can you be a conduit of God's blessings to others in your community? [35:24]

Devotional

Day 1: Continuous Discovery in Christ
In the encounter between Jesus and Nathanael, Nathanael's recognition of Jesus as the Son of God is a profound moment. However, Jesus promises Nathanael that he will witness even greater things, indicating that the spiritual journey is one of continuous discovery. This teaches us that our initial insights into Christ's nature and mission are just the beginning. As we grow in faith, we are invited to delve deeper into the mysteries of Christ, understanding more about His divine nature and His purpose for our lives. This journey of discovery is not static but dynamic, encouraging us to remain open to new revelations and deeper truths. [06:31]

John 1:50-51 (ESV): "Jesus answered him, 'Because I said to you, "I saw you under the fig tree," do you believe? You will see greater things than these.' And he said to him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.'"

Reflection: What is one new aspect of Jesus' character or mission that you feel called to explore more deeply this week? How can you create space in your daily routine to seek this understanding?


Day 2: Jesus, the Mediator
The title "Son of Man" signifies Jesus' unique role as the mediator between heaven and earth. This is beautifully illustrated through the imagery of Jacob's ladder, where Jesus positions himself as the ladder upon which the angels of God ascend and descend. This metaphor underscores Jesus as the sole mediator between God and humanity, the conduit through which divine blessings flow to mankind. It emphasizes the necessity of Christ in our spiritual lives, as He is the only link through which we can access God's blessings and presence. Understanding Jesus as the mediator invites us to rely on Him fully for our spiritual nourishment and connection with God. [35:24]

1 Timothy 2:5 (ESV): "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

Reflection: In what ways do you currently rely on Jesus as your mediator in your relationship with God? How can you deepen this reliance in your daily spiritual practices?


Day 3: Embracing a Global Vision of the Gospel
Jesus' mission as the Son of Man extends beyond the Jewish expectation of a Messiah who would deliver Israel alone. Instead, He is the Savior of the entire world, drawing all people to Himself. This universality is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, emphasizing that salvation is available to all through Jesus Christ. It challenges us to embrace a global vision of the gospel, recognizing that the message of Christ transcends cultural and national boundaries. As followers of Christ, we are called to share this inclusive message of hope and salvation with people from every nation and background. [31:29]

Revelation 7:9 (ESV): "After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in sharing the gospel with people from different cultures and backgrounds in your community? What steps can you take this week to embrace a more global perspective in your faith journey?


Day 4: The New Humanity in Christ
Jesus, as the new Adam, initiates a new humanity. Through His obedience and sacrifice, He offers a new beginning for those who believe, highlighting the transformative power of Christ's work in our lives. This new humanity is characterized by a renewed relationship with God, where believers are invited to partake in the divine nature and live according to the Spirit. As the head of this new humanity, Jesus provides a model of obedience and sacrificial love, calling us to follow in His footsteps and embrace the new life He offers. This understanding is crucial for experiencing the fullness of God's blessings and entering into a relationship with Him. [21:53]

1 Corinthians 15:22 (ESV): "For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to embrace the new humanity that Christ offers? How can you align your actions and attitudes with the example of Jesus this week?


Day 5: The Exclusive Path to God
Jesus is the only way to God, the sole mediator through whom we receive divine blessings. This exclusivity underscores the importance of faith in Christ for salvation and the futility of seeking God apart from Him. As the bridge between heaven and earth, Jesus invites us to enter into a relationship with God through Him, emphasizing that He is the only path to eternal life. This understanding calls us to place our trust fully in Jesus, recognizing that He alone can provide the spiritual fulfillment and connection with God that we seek. [41:42]

John 14:6 (ESV): "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are seeking fulfillment or connection with God apart from Jesus? How can you refocus your faith and trust in Christ as the exclusive path to God this week?

Quotes



thou art the son of God thou art the king of Israel but you notice the story doesn't end there we might very well imagine that it did in there and indeed many people seem to me in their personal experiences to be content to stop there but the story goes on here you see Jesus answered and said unto him because I said unto thee I saw thee under the fig tree believe us now now that isn't a question that is a statement our Lord is here commending Nathaniel it's put in this form of a question but it's a question that really answers itself he's saying Nathaniel because I said to you that I saw you when you were under the fig tree you have believed on me excellent very good you're right in what you say but that isn't all your confession that I am the son of God that I am the king of Israel is wonderful it is marvelous but Nathaniel you haven't seen it all greater things than these are still to come thou shalt see greater things than these [00:05:00]

henceforth ye shall see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the son of men now then what does he mean by this well this as I say is one of those crucial statements I want to try to show you that here in this extraordinary statement our Lord Himself is making one of the clearest and most important statements about himself and his purpose in coming into this world that even he ever made there is a sense in which this statement is a kind of introduction to nearly all that we find about him in this Gospel according to st. John it's the theme if you like suddenly put performs it now it will be taken up different aspects will be shown and displayed before us but here is the theme here is the essence of the message [00:09:27]

he says you shall see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the son of men what is it well it's a great pictorial representation of the truth concerning himself you've seen he says in effect that I am the son of God I am the king of Israel right beyond that you've got to go on to this I am more there is something further and this is the way in which he puts it now then what we have to do therefore is to examine the two main statements yet henceforth hereafter he shall see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man [00:11:16]

he is saying in effect I am the Messiah the one pictured by Daniel coming in the clouds of heaven to whom this Universal sway and Dominion is to be given is the Messiah he is the deliverer of mankind he's the one who's going to reign over the whole earth and obvious kingdom there shall never be an end the characteristic description of the Messiah and his kingdom which we have in the Old Testament prophecies now then Keller our Lord in speaking to Nathaniel says I am the son of men he applies this designation to himself very well what is he teaching there by what is he saying to Nathaniel [00:14:17]

he says you've just said that I am the son of God you're right but I am also the son of men Nathaniel is perfectly right when he calls him the son of God but Nathaniel and the others have not yet realized that he is also the son of men well then what does that mean well you notice that he doesn't say a son of men he says the son of men and that was his constant way of referring to himself he's not a son of men in other words he's not saying that he is just a man amongst Alamein as they were teeming masses of men in the world he's just a man like everybody else a man amongst men that isn't what he says the son of men [00:15:00]

he is saying there is a sense in which as Adam was the men I am the men there is a parallelism between him and Adam that is something that cannot be said of anybody else all other men that have ever been in this world are just descendants of ever their children of Adam and they are not in the same position as evident because they are descendants not progenitors but here he says I am the son of man I am the man innocence that Adam was the men in other words what he is telling Nathaniel and his companions at this point is this that he is the head of a new humanity that he is if you like a second Adam [00:21:53]

he is the link between heaven and earth as that letter was linking Jacob to heaven he himself links us in heaven and heaven and earth the son of men it's on the son of men the angels will ascend indecent he is the ladder that God has sent down here is the link than Isaac between earth and him and in the same way he is asserting and claiming that he is the bond of union between God and men men as I've been reminding you as the result of Satan has become separated from God he is an alien from God there is a quarrel between God and men and men in sin are strangers to God and they don't know him [00:35:34]

the Lord Jesus Christ says I am the ladder I am the link I am the bond of Union I am the one who has come you're quite right in saying that I am the son of God I am the son of God but I am also the son of men in order that I may link men to God that I marries for the broken communion that I may make possible this Communion and fellowship again the rising and the falling the angels ascending and descending I bring man and God together I am the link between God and men [00:36:59]

he is the way in which God's blessings come to men that was the meaning of the ladder as we have seen that Jacob saw in his dream at Pennell he felt alone he felt deserted he felt helpless never ready been so conscious of his weakness and of the great empty world in which he found himself no one near him absolute loneliness and isolation that awful solitariness that we all come to feel or soon or late left family behind future unknown there he is alone what can he do who's concerned about him suddenly the hems open and the ladder appears and he knows that he is linked to him and God promises through the ladder to shower his blessings upon ah my friends this is just another way of saying what our Lord claims in these extraordinary words [00:38:01]

I am the son of God I am the king of Israel but you will come to see something of infinitely more precious Worth and value to you as the son of men I am the means and the way whereby God's blessings are going to come to you now let me emphasize this as I close in putting it in that form our Lord is claiming and saying that he is the only way and that God's blessings to men kind come through him and through him alone he is the son of men he is the level between earth and heaven and heaven and earth and there is no other [00:39:07]

I am the bread of life there is no life there is no sustenance apart from me he says I am the door there is no way of entering the kingdom of heaven but by me I am the door I am the light of the world there is no light apart from me there are great men there are philosophers there are theories but there's no light no light on God no light on yourself no light on salvation no light on death no light on eternity I am the light of the world there is no light apart from me that's what he's saying [00:40:16]

I am the way the truth and the life no man cometh unto the father but by me oh my dear friend you see the importance of all this you see why I'm stressing it our Lord announces at the very beginning of his ministry for this all sufficient reason until you and I come to see that we have shut up to Christ that there is no deliverer anywhere else no salvation anywhere else we don't know the salvation he is the only way of deliverance the only letter but you remember that not only did he say this his followers kept on saying the same thing [00:41:42]

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Transcript
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