Understanding Jesus: The Divine and Human Messiah

 

Summary

In today's exploration of "Who is Jesus?", we delved into the profound necessity of understanding Jesus Christ's true identity. Many contemporary beliefs, like those of Scientology, distort or deny the reality of Jesus, leading to spiritual peril. The right understanding of Jesus is not just a theological exercise but a matter of eternal consequence. As we examined Luke 20, we saw Jesus challenging the prevailing Jewish understanding of the Messiah as merely a descendant of David. Jesus, quoting Psalm 110, reveals that the Messiah is not only David's son but also his Lord, indicating His divine nature.

This dual identity of Jesus as both human and divine is crucial. The Jews expected a Messiah who was a powerful human leader, a son of David who would restore Israel's earthly kingdom. However, Jesus presented Himself as the divine Son of God, whose kingdom transcends earthly expectations. This misunderstanding led to His rejection by the religious leaders, who were more concerned with maintaining their power and traditions than recognizing the truth of Jesus' identity.

The narrative of the poor widow in Luke 21 further illustrates the corruption of the religious system. Her act of giving all she had was not a commendation of sacrificial giving but an indictment of a system that exploited the vulnerable. Jesus' final public teachings were a warning against the false security of religious systems that miss the true nature of God and His Messiah.

Ultimately, Jesus' mission was to fulfill the prophecies of Isaiah 53, becoming the suffering servant who would bear the sins of many. His rejection by Israel was part of God's sovereign plan to offer salvation to all who would look back to the cross and believe. This understanding of Jesus as both the suffering servant and the sovereign Lord is essential for true faith and salvation.

Key Takeaways:

- Understanding Jesus' true identity is crucial for salvation. He is both the son of David and the Son of God, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament and revealing His divine nature. This dual identity is essential for grasping the full scope of His mission and the gospel. [02:35]

- The religious leaders of Jesus' time had a flawed understanding of the Messiah, expecting a political savior rather than a divine redeemer. This misunderstanding led to their rejection of Jesus and serves as a warning against limiting God to our expectations. [19:59]

- The story of the poor widow highlights the corruption of religious systems that exploit the vulnerable. True religion reflects God's heart for justice and compassion, not self-serving practices that devour the defenseless. [39:19]

- Jesus' final public teachings were a call to recognize His divine authority and a warning against the damning power of false religion. His identity as the Messiah is not just a theological concept but a reality that demands a response of faith and obedience. [37:39]

- Jesus' fulfillment of Isaiah 53 as the suffering servant underscores the depth of His love and the extent of His sacrifice. His death and resurrection offer salvation to all who believe, demonstrating God's sovereign plan to redeem humanity through His Son. [52:36]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:25] - Introduction to the Question: Who is Jesus?
[01:33] - The Danger of Misunderstanding Jesus
[02:35] - The Essential Truth of Jesus' Identity
[03:31] - Exploring Luke 20: Jesus' Question to the Pharisees
[05:01] - The Widow's Offering: A Systemic Indictment
[06:31] - The Misconception of the Messiah
[07:57] - Jesus' Final Public Teachings
[09:50] - The Corruption of the Religious System
[11:10] - Jesus' Triumphal Entry and Its Significance
[12:24] - The Cleansing of the Temple
[14:35] - The Pharisees' Hypocrisy
[19:59] - The Jews' Expectation of the Messiah
[22:22] - The Final Invitation
[37:39] - Jesus' Last Public Words
[52:36] - The Fulfillment of Isaiah 53
[58:57] - The Future Realization of Jesus' Mission
[01:00:56] - Closing Prayer and Reflection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Understanding Jesus' True Identity

Bible Reading:
- Luke 20:41-44
- Isaiah 53

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Observation Questions:

1. In Luke 20:41-44, Jesus challenges the prevailing Jewish understanding of the Messiah. What question does He pose to the Pharisees, and how does it reveal His dual identity? [04:24]

2. How does the story of the poor widow in Luke 21 illustrate the corruption of the religious system during Jesus' time? What specific actions of the religious leaders does Jesus condemn? [39:19]

3. According to the sermon, what was the common expectation of the Messiah among the Jews, and how did Jesus' identity differ from these expectations? [19:59]

4. How does Jesus' reference to Psalm 110 in Luke 20:42-44 support His claim to divinity? What is the significance of David calling the Messiah "Lord"? [28:50]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why is it crucial for believers to understand Jesus as both the son of David and the Son of God? How does this dual identity impact the understanding of His mission and the gospel? [02:35]

2. The sermon highlights the danger of religious systems that exploit the vulnerable. How does the story of the poor widow serve as a warning against such systems, and what does it reveal about true religion? [39:19]

3. Jesus' final public teachings were a call to recognize His divine authority. How does this challenge contemporary beliefs that may distort or deny the reality of Jesus? [37:39]

4. In what ways does Jesus' fulfillment of Isaiah 53 as the suffering servant deepen our understanding of His love and sacrifice? How does this fulfillment offer salvation to believers? [52:36]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your understanding of Jesus' identity. How does recognizing Him as both human and divine influence your faith and daily life? [02:35]

2. Consider the expectations you have of God. Are there ways in which you might be limiting God to your own expectations, similar to the religious leaders of Jesus' time? How can you open yourself to a fuller understanding of His nature? [19:59]

3. The story of the poor widow highlights the importance of justice and compassion in true religion. How can you ensure that your faith practices reflect God's heart for justice and compassion, rather than self-serving interests? [39:19]

4. Jesus' final teachings were a warning against false religion. Are there aspects of your faith or church community that might be more focused on tradition or power than on the true nature of God? How can you address these issues? [37:39]

5. Jesus' fulfillment of Isaiah 53 demonstrates the depth of His love and sacrifice. How can you live in a way that honors His sacrifice and shares His love with others? [52:36]

6. Think about a time when you misunderstood or underestimated Jesus' role in your life. How did that affect your relationship with Him, and what steps can you take to deepen your understanding and connection with Him now? [19:59]

7. Identify one area in your life where you feel spiritually vulnerable or exploited. How can you seek God's justice and compassion in that situation, and what practical steps can you take to address it? [39:19]

Devotional

Day 1: The Dual Identity of Jesus
Understanding Jesus' true identity is crucial for salvation. He is both the son of David and the Son of God, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament and revealing His divine nature. This dual identity is essential for grasping the full scope of His mission and the gospel. Jesus' question to the Pharisees in Luke 20 challenges the limited understanding of the Messiah as merely a descendant of David. By quoting Psalm 110, Jesus reveals that the Messiah is not only David's son but also his Lord, indicating His divine nature. This revelation is vital for understanding the full scope of Jesus' mission and the gospel. Recognizing Jesus as both human and divine is not just a theological exercise but a matter of eternal consequence. [02:35]

Psalm 110:1-2 (ESV): "The Lord says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.' The Lord sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies!"

Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as both human and divine change your understanding of His role in your life today?


Day 2: Misunderstanding the Messiah
The religious leaders of Jesus' time had a flawed understanding of the Messiah, expecting a political savior rather than a divine redeemer. This misunderstanding led to their rejection of Jesus and serves as a warning against limiting God to our expectations. The Jews anticipated a Messiah who would restore Israel's earthly kingdom, a powerful human leader in the line of David. However, Jesus presented Himself as the divine Son of God, whose kingdom transcends earthly expectations. This misalignment between expectation and reality led to His rejection by the religious leaders, who were more concerned with maintaining their power and traditions than recognizing the truth of Jesus' identity. This serves as a cautionary tale for us today, reminding us not to confine God to our limited understanding or expectations. [19:59]

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Reflection: In what ways might you be limiting God by your own expectations, and how can you open yourself to His greater plans?


Day 3: The Corruption of Religious Systems
The story of the poor widow highlights the corruption of religious systems that exploit the vulnerable. True religion reflects God's heart for justice and compassion, not self-serving practices that devour the defenseless. In Luke 21, the narrative of the poor widow giving all she had is not a commendation of sacrificial giving but an indictment of a system that exploited the vulnerable. Jesus' observation of her offering serves as a critique of the religious leaders who were more interested in maintaining their power and wealth than in caring for the needy. This story challenges us to examine our own religious practices and ensure they align with God's heart for justice and compassion. [39:19]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: How can you ensure that your religious practices reflect God's heart for justice and compassion today?


Day 4: Recognizing Jesus' Divine Authority
Jesus' final public teachings were a call to recognize His divine authority and a warning against the damning power of false religion. His identity as the Messiah is not just a theological concept but a reality that demands a response of faith and obedience. Jesus' last public words serve as a powerful reminder of His divine authority and the dangers of false religion. The religious leaders' rejection of Jesus was rooted in their desire to maintain control and power, rather than submitting to His authority. This serves as a warning for us to examine our own hearts and ensure we are not clinging to false securities or traditions that hinder our relationship with God. Recognizing Jesus' authority requires a response of faith and obedience, acknowledging Him as both Savior and Lord. [37:39]

Matthew 7:21 (ESV): "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: What areas of your life are you holding back from fully submitting to Jesus' authority, and how can you begin to surrender them today?


Day 5: The Suffering Servant and Sovereign Lord
Jesus' fulfillment of Isaiah 53 as the suffering servant underscores the depth of His love and the extent of His sacrifice. His death and resurrection offer salvation to all who believe, demonstrating God's sovereign plan to redeem humanity through His Son. Jesus' mission was to fulfill the prophecies of Isaiah 53, becoming the suffering servant who would bear the sins of many. His rejection by Israel was part of God's sovereign plan to offer salvation to all who would look back to the cross and believe. This understanding of Jesus as both the suffering servant and the sovereign Lord is essential for true faith and salvation. It highlights the depth of His love and the extent of His sacrifice, calling us to respond with gratitude and faith. [52:36]

Isaiah 53:4-5 (ESV): "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."

Reflection: How does the understanding of Jesus as the suffering servant and sovereign Lord deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice, and how can you live in response to this truth today?

Quotes


The right understanding of Jesus Christ is essential to the gospel and to salvation. "If anybody preaches another Christ, let him be," what? Cursed. The right answer alone can lead to salvation, and you can be very close to the right answer and miss it, and the results are disastrous forever. [00:02:35]

Now you would think today, that if you just get a lot of things right and maybe miss the Jesus part, you're going to heaven. That's the new breadth of tolerance that defines much of contemporary evangelicalism. You don't really have to believe in the gospel of Christ. You don't have to believe in Christ. [00:05:55]

The Pharisees were hypocrites. The scribes were Pharisees who were also hypocrites. The scribes were the law experts who informed the religion of the Pharisees. The Pharisees were the purveyor of that religion throughout the synagogue system, which made it the most populous of all the forms of Judaism. [00:13:41]

The Jews expected that when the Messiah came, he would be a man. He would be a man in the line of David with a royal right to the throne. He would be a man of immense power and influence who would sweep into power, who would overthrow the Romans and all the enemies of Israel. [00:19:51]

The son of David, yes. The Son of God, yes. For the Jews, the answer was strictly, "David's son." A man with a right to the throne of Israel, that's the Messiah. Any Jew would have answered the question that way. They all knew that. That is what the Old Testament taught. [00:24:19]

Jesus said, "David wrote it." Jesus said, "David wrote it by the Holy Spirit." Jesus said David was prophesying concerning Him, the Messiah, and the Messiah is David's Lord. And what did God say to David's Lord? "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." [00:31:36]

This is the only explanation for Jesus, the only one. He showed the ability to create divinely. He shared omnipotence with God the Father, He commanded the elements, He commanded all creatures, He created food, He created whole healthy bodies, He raised the dead, He forgave sin, and He pronounced judgment. [00:32:36]

There is no principle. They don't ask any questions. They get it. Jesus didn't commend her. He didn't say He was proud of her. He didn't say she had a good heart. He didn't say she had a bad heart. He didn't say she had a good attitude or a bad attitude. He didn't say anything about it. [00:48:02]

What He said was this, "Judaism is so corrupt, it devours widows' houses and here's an illustration." Here's an illustration. This poor woman, destitute, is so desperate that she'll give her last cents trying to purchase favor from God. This is the birth of the prosperity preachers. [00:48:52]

The final invitation led to the final condemnation. I think I have enough time just to mention a third point, but for that you need to look at chapter 22 and verse 37. Is this a bad ending? Is this a nightmare for Jesus because now they are so angry? [00:50:27]

Let's call this The Final Realization. The final invitation rejected, the final condemnation pronounced, but even in the condemnation that came on a nation that rejected Him, God accomplished the final realization of His saving purpose. At that moment, Jesus makes the staggering claim that He is the one prophesied in Isaiah 53. [00:52:36]

What did Zechariah 12:10 say? "They will look upon Me and mourn for Me. They will look upon Me whom they have pierced." What's going to come out of the rejection of Israel in the future is the salvation of Israel and not just Israel, but Gentiles, anybody who looks back on the cross and sees the truth. [00:59:14]

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Transcript
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