Seeing Jesus: Embracing His Lordship and Salvation
Summary
When we look at Jesus, it’s easy to see Him only as our Savior—the One who rescues us from sin and offers us eternal life. That is a glorious truth, especially as we reflect on the meaning of Easter and the finished work of Christ on the cross. But if we only see Jesus in this “standard definition,” we miss the fullness of who He is. To see Jesus in “high definition” is to recognize that He is not just Savior, but also Lord. This means He is not simply the One who gives us blessings or answers our prayers, but the One who has the right to rule every part of our lives.
The people of Jesus’ day longed for a Messiah who would meet their immediate needs—a political deliverer who would restore Israel’s glory and free them from Roman oppression. Their expectations were shaped by their own desires and limited understanding of Scripture. In the same way, we can fall into the trap of seeking Jesus primarily for what He can do for us, rather than submitting to Him as the rightful King over our lives. We may enjoy the benefits of salvation, but resist the demands of His Lordship.
Jesus challenged the religious leaders’ narrow view by pointing them back to Scripture, specifically Psalm 110. He affirmed that the Scriptures are God-breathed and authoritative, and He used them to reveal that the Messiah is not just David’s descendant, but David’s Lord. This means Jesus is more than a human king—He is the divine Son of God, worthy of our worship and obedience.
We live in a time with unprecedented access to God’s Word, yet we often rely on secondary or even tertiary sources—what others say about the Bible—rather than going to the source ourselves. The Holy Spirit is given to every believer to help us understand and apply Scripture, even when it’s difficult. The mysteries and unanswered questions in God’s Word are not meant to frustrate us, but to draw us deeper into relationship with Him, to seek, to wrestle, and to trust.
Ultimately, seeing Jesus in high definition transforms how we live. It means surrendering every area of our lives to His Lordship, trusting Him with what we cannot control, and finding our identity and security in Him alone. He is not just the man upstairs or a cosmic vending machine—He is the King of kings, seated on the throne, and He is worthy of all that we are.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus cannot be divided into Savior or Lord; He is both, and to accept Him as Savior is to submit to Him as Lord. When we try to keep Jesus in a role that only benefits us, we miss the fullness of His identity and the transformation He brings. True faith means embracing both His saving grace and His sovereign authority over our lives. [02:08]
- Our expectations of Jesus are often shaped by our desires and cultural pressures, just as the Jews expected a political Messiah to meet their needs. We must guard against reducing Jesus to someone who simply fixes our problems or grants our wishes. Instead, we are called to seek Him for who He truly is, not just for what He can do for us. [09:33]
- The authority and sufficiency of Scripture are essential for knowing Jesus rightly. Jesus Himself affirmed that the Scriptures are God-breathed and trustworthy, and He used them to reveal His true identity. We must prioritize direct engagement with God’s Word, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us, rather than relying solely on what others say about it. [16:11]
- The mysteries and unanswered questions in Scripture are invitations to deeper relationship with God, not obstacles to faith. Wrestling with what we do not understand draws us to seek God, depend on Him, and grow in humility. The process of seeking, questioning, and trusting is itself a vital part of spiritual maturity. [38:54]
- Surrendering to Jesus as Lord means letting go of our illusion of control and trusting Him with every area of our lives, even those most precious to us. Whether it’s our relationships, our children, our future, or our pain, He is trustworthy. Our security and identity are found in His unchanging reign, not in our circumstances or others’ opinions. [56:15]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:42] - Jesus: Savior in Standard Definition
[02:08] - The Critical Importance of Lordship
[03:29] - Jesus Questions the Scribes
[05:38] - Jewish Expectations of the Messiah
[08:31] - The Desire for a Political Savior
[11:58] - Our Attitude Toward Jesus’ Role
[14:17] - The Authority of Scripture
[16:11] - Jesus Affirms God-Breathed Scripture
[19:43] - The Meaning of “Lord” in Psalm 110
[21:58] - Jesus as the Ultimate King
[24:09] - The Woman at the Well and True Revelation
[26:24] - Spiritual Blindness and Access to God’s Word
[29:05] - Dangers of Secondary and Tertiary Sources
[34:38] - The Holy Spirit and Understanding Scripture
[38:54] - The Gift of Mystery in Faith
[41:16] - Jesus: The Only Way and the Coming King
[43:31] - Security in Christ’s Lordship
[46:14] - Seeing Jesus in High Definition
[49:00] - The Challenge of Surrender
[51:36] - Responding to the Call of Jesus
[54:49] - Trusting God with What We Cannot Control
[56:15] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Jesus in High Definition
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### Bible Reading
- Mark 12:35-37
*While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, “Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with delight.*
- Psalm 110:1
*The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”*
- John 14:6
*Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”*
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### Observation Questions
1. In Mark 12:35-37, what question does Jesus ask the scribes, and why is it significant that He quotes Psalm 110?
2. According to the sermon, what were the common expectations the Jewish people had for the Messiah in Jesus’ day? [[05:38]]
3. How does Jesus affirm the authority of Scripture in His conversation with the scribes? [[16:11]]
4. What does Psalm 110:1 reveal about the identity of the Messiah?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus challenge the idea that the Messiah is only “the son of David”? What does this reveal about His true identity? [[21:58]]
2. The sermon says that seeing Jesus only as Savior is like seeing Him in “standard definition.” What does it mean to see Jesus in “high definition” as both Savior and Lord? [[02:08]]
3. How does the authority and sufficiency of Scripture help us avoid misunderstandings about who Jesus is? [[16:11]]
4. The sermon mentions that the mysteries and unanswered questions in Scripture are invitations to seek God. How might wrestling with these mysteries actually strengthen our faith? [[38:54]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon warns against seeking Jesus only for what He can do for us, like a “celestial ATM.” In what ways have you been tempted to approach Jesus mainly for your own benefit? How can you shift your focus to seeking Him for who He truly is? [[13:01]]
2. Are there areas of your life where you enjoy the benefits of Jesus as Savior but resist His Lordship? What is one specific area you sense God asking you to surrender? [[52:24]]
3. The Jewish leaders missed Jesus because their expectations were shaped by their own desires and culture. What expectations or assumptions about Jesus might be shaping your relationship with Him today? [[09:33]]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of going to the Bible directly, not just relying on what others say. What is one practical step you can take this week to engage more personally with God’s Word? [[29:05]]
5. The pastor shared that even after decades of study, there are still parts of the Bible he doesn’t understand. How do you usually respond when you encounter something in Scripture that confuses you? How could you turn those moments into opportunities to seek God more deeply? [[38:54]]
6. Surrendering to Jesus as Lord means letting go of our illusion of control. Is there a relationship, situation, or worry you are struggling to trust God with? What would it look like to “let go” and trust Him in that area this week? [[56:15]]
7. The sermon says our identity and security are found in Christ’s unchanging reign, not in our circumstances or others’ opinions. Where do you most often look for your sense of worth or security? How can you remind yourself this week that Jesus is on the throne? [[44:59]]
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Devotional
Day 1: Seeing Jesus in High Definition—Savior and Lord
To truly know Jesus, we must see Him not only as our Savior who rescues us from sin, but also as our Lord who reigns over every part of our lives. Many people are content to accept the blessings and benefits of salvation, but hesitate to surrender to His authority. Yet, Jesus cannot be divided—He is both Savior and Lord, and a right relationship with Him means acknowledging His rightful rule over our hearts, decisions, and daily living. When we see Jesus in high definition, we move beyond a shallow faith that seeks only what He can give us, and instead embrace a life of worship, obedience, and trust in His kingship. [02:08]
Luke 6:46 (ESV)
"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have enjoyed Jesus’ blessings but have resisted surrendering to His authority? What would it look like to give Him Lordship over that area today?
Day 2: The Authority and Power of God’s Word
Understanding who Jesus is depends on how we approach Scripture. Jesus Himself affirmed that the Scriptures are God-breathed and authoritative, not just ancient writings or wise sayings. When we treat the Bible as the living Word of God, we open ourselves to truth, correction, and transformation. Relying on secondary or tertiary sources, or only listening to what others say about the Bible, can lead us astray. Instead, we are called to engage directly with God’s Word, trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide us into understanding and shape our view of Jesus and His will for our lives. [16:11]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Reflection: How much of your understanding of Jesus comes from direct time in Scripture versus what others say? What is one step you can take this week to engage more deeply with God’s Word yourself?
Day 3: Jesus, the Messiah—More Than We Expect
The people of Jesus’ day longed for a Messiah who would meet their immediate needs and restore their nation’s glory, but Jesus revealed that the Messiah is far greater than their expectations. He is not just a descendant of David or a political deliverer, but the very Son of God, the ultimate King who reigns forever. Our own expectations of Jesus can be too small, shaped by what we want Him to do for us rather than who He truly is. Recognizing Jesus as the exalted Messiah calls us to worship, awe, and a willingness to let Him redefine our hopes and dreams. [21:58]
Psalm 110:1 (ESV)
"The Lord says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.'"
Reflection: In what ways have you limited Jesus to your own expectations or desires? How can you open your heart to see Him as the true King and Messiah today?
Day 4: Trusting God’s Lordship in What We Cannot Control
Letting go of control and trusting God’s Lordship is one of the hardest steps of faith. We often cling to relationships, careers, or circumstances, believing we can manage outcomes or protect those we love. Yet, true faith means releasing our grip and entrusting everything to Jesus, who is both loving and sovereign. Even when we face uncertainty, fear, or the unknown, we can rest in the assurance that Jesus is on the throne, and nothing escapes His care. Surrendering to His Lordship brings peace and freedom, knowing that our lives and the lives of those we love are secure in His hands. [56:15]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one thing you are struggling to let go of or control? How can you practically entrust this to Jesus’ Lordship today?
Day 5: Responding to Jesus—A Call to Worship and Obedience
Seeing Jesus in high definition compels us to respond—not just with intellectual agreement, but with heartfelt worship and obedience. When we recognize Him as Lord, our lives are transformed: we desire to serve, to please, and to honor Him in all we do. This means acknowledging our need for Him, repenting of self-reliance, and embracing the healing and wholeness He offers. The invitation is open to all—to come as you are, but not to stay as you are. Jesus calls us to a life of ongoing surrender, growth, and joy in His presence, living each day in the light of His Lordship. [46:14]
Romans 12:1 (ESV)
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can express your worship and obedience to Jesus as Lord today—at home, at work, or in your relationships?
Quotes
When we see Jesus in high definition, we realize that He is both Savior and Lord. And church, that is critical. You see, if Jesus is our Savior but not our Lord, then He's not our Savior. Because you see, Jesus cannot be reduced to an either-or proposition. He is all. [00:01:58] (35 seconds)
Today, our invitation from Jesus is to see Him for all that He is. Not just pieces. He is your Savior. He has provided the only way to God. He is the way, the truth, and the life. There is no other way to God but through Jesus. Through His death, burial, and resurrection on the cross. [00:40:56] (36 seconds)
Only your Creator can tell you who you are. This book, this book will help you find out who you are. Because it is the Word of God. [00:45:38] (15 seconds)
How many of you understand that the first step in truly becoming a follower of Jesus is acknowledging that you are a sinner? Acknowledging that you're not God. And that's a hard one for us humans. We like to think that we're sovereign, don't we? I'm the master of my domain. I control everything. Yeah, right. [00:48:40] (30 seconds)
We heard Jesus tell people the truth with love and invite them to be healed. To go and sin no more. Friends, the church, we've got to get back to unapologetically telling people Jesus is Lord. He's not just Savior. He's Lord. And that means we bow before Him. Amen? Do you see Jesus in high definition? [00:50:38] (41 seconds)
Because the Bible says that because you... Well, thank you. are a vessel of the Holy Spirit because the Spirit of God, God the Spirit dwells within you, you have no need for any man to teach you because the Spirit of God who dwells in you will lead you unto all truth. Do y 'all believe that? Then why don't you read your Bible? [00:34:40] (32 seconds)
After about 35 or 40 years of formally studying the Word of God, I'm happy to report to you that there's still a lot in here that I, quite frankly, do not understand. There are passages of Scripture in here that confound me. But let me tell you this. Jesus, I'd stake my life right now on the truth of this Word. [00:18:44] (29 seconds)
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