The Majesty and Greatness of Jesus Christ
Summary
In reflecting on the greatness of Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the profound mystery and majesty of His dual nature as both fully God and fully man. Despite His humble beginnings and the suffering He endured, Jesus is exalted above all, reigning as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His greatness is not only in His divine nature but also in His humanity, where He experienced the depths of human suffering and rejection. Yet, He rose from these depths to sit at the right hand of God, demonstrating His ultimate victory over sin and death.
The unity of Christ's divine and human natures is a central theme, emphasizing that His acts of salvation are the work of one indivisible person. This unity is beautifully illustrated in the New Testament, where the Holy Spirit speaks of Christ without rigidly distinguishing between His two natures. The blood of God, as mentioned in Acts 20:28, signifies the profound mystery of the incarnation, where the divine and human are perfectly united in the person of Jesus.
Christ's greatness is also evident in His roles as Redeemer, Savior, and King. He has undertaken every office necessary for our salvation, from being our sacrifice and substitute to our prophet and priest. His achievements are unparalleled, having borne the sins of humanity, conquered death, and opened the gates of heaven for all believers. His merits are infinite, covering believers with righteousness and securing every blessing needed for eternal life.
Moreover, Jesus' greatness is reflected in the multitude of His followers, a number that no man can count. His salvation is not limited to a select few but extends to an innumerable company, demonstrating the vastness of His grace and mercy. As believers, we are called to magnify His name, recognizing that His greatness will be fully revealed in His second coming, when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess His lordship.
Key Takeaways:
- The Dual Nature of Christ: Jesus Christ embodies both divinity and humanity, a profound mystery that underscores His greatness. His divine nature is infinite and incomprehensible, while His human experience allows Him to empathize with our struggles. This unity is essential for our salvation, as it is through His dual nature that He accomplishes His redemptive work. [05:47]
- Christ's Exalted Position: Despite His humble beginnings and suffering, Jesus is now exalted, reigning as King of Kings. His resurrection and ascension affirm His victory over sin and death, and His current reign assures us of His ultimate authority and power. This exaltation is a source of hope and assurance for believers. [04:09]
- The Comprehensive Work of Christ: Jesus fulfills every necessary role for our salvation, from Redeemer to King. His life, death, and resurrection are complete and perfect, achieving what no other could. His offices and achievements are a testament to His unparalleled greatness and the depth of His love for humanity. [14:57]
- The Vastness of Christ's Salvation: The scope of Christ's salvation is immense, extending to a multitude that no one can number. This reflects the boundless nature of His grace and the inclusivity of His redemptive work. Believers are part of a vast company, united in worship and adoration of the Savior. [22:58]
- The Future Revelation of Christ's Glory: The full revelation of Christ's greatness is yet to come, with His second advent promising a complete manifestation of His glory. This future hope encourages believers to live in anticipation, knowing that Christ's ultimate victory and reign are assured. [43:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Christ's Greatness
- [01:17] - Humility and Suffering of Christ
- [03:40] - Exaltation of Christ
- [05:06] - Unity of Christ's Natures
- [07:11] - The Inexpressible Glory of Jesus
- [09:51] - Perfection of Christ's Nature
- [13:38] - Christ's Offices and Achievements
- [17:11] - Victory Over Sin and Death
- [21:34] - The Multitude of the Redeemed
- [25:22] - Esteem of Christ Among Believers
- [29:15] - Christ's Glory in Heaven
- [33:04] - Christ's Great Salvation
- [37:18] - The Great Pardon
- [43:18] - Future Revelation of Christ's Glory
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 1:32 - "He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David."
2. Acts 20:28 - "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Luke 1:32, what titles and roles are attributed to Jesus, and how do they reflect His greatness?
2. In Acts 20:28, what does the phrase "purchased with his own blood" imply about the nature and work of Christ? [05:20]
3. How does the sermon describe the unity of Christ's divine and human natures, and why is this significant? [05:47]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the humble beginnings and suffering of Jesus? [01:17]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the dual nature of Christ as both fully God and fully man enhance our understanding of His role as Redeemer and Savior? [04:40]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of Christ's exaltation and current reign as King of Kings? How does this provide hope for believers? [04:09]
3. In what ways does the sermon highlight the comprehensive work of Christ in fulfilling every necessary role for our salvation? [14:57]
4. How does the vastness of Christ's salvation, as described in the sermon, challenge or affirm your understanding of His grace and mercy? [22:58]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the dual nature of Christ. How does knowing that Jesus is both fully God and fully man impact your personal relationship with Him? [05:47]
2. In what ways can you actively acknowledge and celebrate Christ's exalted position in your daily life? Consider specific actions or practices.
3. The sermon emphasizes Christ's comprehensive work for our salvation. How can you live in a way that reflects gratitude for His sacrifice and victory over sin and death? [14:57]
4. How does the sermon’s portrayal of the vastness of Christ's salvation inspire you to share the gospel with others? Identify one person you can reach out to this week. [22:58]
5. The future revelation of Christ's glory is a source of hope. How can you cultivate a sense of anticipation and readiness for His second coming in your spiritual journey? [43:18]
6. Consider the multitude of Christ's followers. How can you contribute to the unity and growth of your local church community? [22:58]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s depiction of Christ’s glory in heaven. How does this vision influence your perspective on earthly challenges and priorities? [29:15]
Devotional
Day 1: The Profound Unity of Christ's Natures
In the mystery of Jesus Christ's dual nature, we find the profound unity of divinity and humanity. This unity is not merely a theological concept but the very foundation of our salvation. Jesus, being fully God, possesses infinite power and wisdom, yet as fully man, He understands our struggles and pain. This indivisible unity is beautifully illustrated in the New Testament, where the Holy Spirit speaks of Christ without rigidly distinguishing between His two natures. The incarnation, where the divine and human are perfectly united in Jesus, is a profound mystery that underscores His greatness. [05:47]
Colossians 2:9-10 (ESV): "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority."
Reflection: How does understanding the unity of Christ's divine and human natures impact your view of His ability to empathize with your personal struggles today?
Day 2: Christ's Exaltation and Our Hope
Despite His humble beginnings and the suffering He endured, Jesus is now exalted, reigning as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His resurrection and ascension affirm His victory over sin and death, providing believers with hope and assurance. This exaltation is not just a future promise but a present reality that assures us of His ultimate authority and power. As believers, we are called to live in the light of this truth, finding strength and encouragement in His reign. [04:09]
Ephesians 1:20-21 (ESV): "That he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come."
Reflection: In what ways can you draw strength from Christ's exalted position in your current life circumstances?
Day 3: The Comprehensive Work of Christ
Jesus fulfills every necessary role for our salvation, from Redeemer to King. His life, death, and resurrection are complete and perfect, achieving what no other could. As our sacrifice and substitute, He bore the sins of humanity, conquered death, and opened the gates of heaven for all believers. His offices and achievements are a testament to His unparalleled greatness and the depth of His love for humanity. This comprehensive work assures us that nothing is lacking in His provision for our salvation. [14:57]
Hebrews 7:25 (ESV): "Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."
Reflection: What specific aspect of Christ's work (Redeemer, Savior, King) do you need to embrace more fully in your life today?
Day 4: The Vastness of Christ's Salvation
The scope of Christ's salvation is immense, extending to a multitude that no one can number. This reflects the boundless nature of His grace and the inclusivity of His redemptive work. His salvation is not limited to a select few but extends to an innumerable company, demonstrating the vastness of His grace and mercy. As believers, we are part of this vast company, united in worship and adoration of the Savior. [22:58]
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 vastness of Christ's salvation with those around you today?
Day 5: The Future Revelation of Christ's Glory
The full revelation of Christ's greatness is yet to come, with His second advent promising a complete manifestation of His glory. This future hope encourages believers to live in anticipation, knowing that Christ's ultimate victory and reign are assured. As we await His return, we are called to magnify His name and live in a manner worthy of His calling, recognizing that His greatness will be fully revealed when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess His lordship. [43:18]
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (ESV): "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to live in anticipation of Christ's return, reflecting His glory in your daily life?
Quotes
He is divine and therefore unique. He is light of light, very God of very God. Jesus is truly equal with God, one with the Father. Jehovah is a being infinite, immeasurable, incomprehensible, inconceivable. He filleth all things and yet is not contained by all things. He is indeed great beyond any idea of greatness that has ever dawned upon us. [00:10:29]
The combined natures of the man, the God, Christ Jesus our Lord, are one person, and all the acts of either nature may be ascribed to that one person. Hence, I for one do not hesitate to sing such verses as these: He that distributes crowns and thrones hangs on a tree and bleeds and groans. [00:06:02]
He is not humanity deified; he is not Godhead humanized. I've admitted latitude of expression, but there is in fact no confusion of the substance. He is God; he is man. He is all that God is and all that man is as God created him. [00:11:31]
He came to be our priest, our prophet, and our king, in each office glorious beyond compare. He came to be our savior, our sacrifice, our substitute, our surety, our head, our friend, our Lord, our life, our all. Pile up the offices and remember that each one is worthy of a God. [00:14:16]
His people's sins were laid upon him, and he bore them up to the cross, and on the cross, he made an end of them so that they will never be mentioned against them anymore forever. Then he went down into the grave and slept there for a little season, but he tore away the bars of the sepulcher. [00:17:26]
He is great indeed, my brethren, when we think that he has clothed us all in his righteousness and washed us all in his blood. Nor us alone, but ten thousand times ten thousand of his redeemed stand today in the wedding dress of his eternal merit and plead before God a claim that never can be denied. [00:20:37]
We rejoice to believe that as many as the stars of heaven shall the redeemed of Christ be, that as many as the sands that are upon the seashore, even an innumerable company, are those for whom Christ has shed his precious blood that he might effectually redeem them. [00:22:46]
He is a great creator, and he is creating a great paradise wherein a great multitude shall be greatly happy forever and ever. He shall be great, great in the bliss of his innumerable elect. If we once get within the pearly gates and walk those golden streets, we are not ashamed tonight to vow that he shall be great. [00:40:38]
The day is coming when the mighty progress of the gospel shall make Christ to be great among men, and then you need not listen long to hear that other trumpet which shall wake the sleeping dead. The risen one descends; resurrection is at hand. [00:44:56]
Oh, what a sight it will be when he is seen as the center, while far away from north, south, east, and west, a blazing host of shining ones, all glorious in his glory, shall an ever-widening circle surround his person and his throne, all bowing down before the Son of God and crying hallelujah. [00:48:20]
Oh, for that grandest of cries, hallelujah, hallelujah, the Lord God omnipotent reigneth, and his Son is exalted to sit with him upon the throne of his glory forever and ever. Truly he shall be great. All make him great tonight, poor sinner, by trusting him. [00:49:25]
Tune your hand, your heart, your tongue to this one song: hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah unto him that loved us and died for us and rose again. Be glory forever and ever to the Lamb that was slain. All honor be paid. Let crowns without number encircle his head. [00:50:19]