Understanding Jesus: The Essence of God's Presence and Salvation

Devotional

Day 1: The Significance of Names in Shaping Identity

Our names and roles in life carry unique experiences and meanings, shaping our identity. Just as we accumulate various names and roles throughout our lives, each with its own significance, God's name, Jesus, is the most accessible and revealing of His nature. It embodies His message to humanity, offering a profound understanding of our relationship with God. Recognizing the power of names helps us appreciate the depth of our connection with the divine. By understanding the significance of Jesus' name, we can better grasp the essence of God's love and intentions for us. [19:54]

Isaiah 43:1 (ESV): "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'"

Reflection: Consider the names and roles you hold in your life. How do they shape your identity and relationships? Reflect on how understanding the name of Jesus can deepen your relationship with God today.

Day 2: Jesus as the Living Word

Jesus is the living Word, the ultimate expression of God’s nature and intentions. While the Bible contains words from and about God, Jesus is the divine Logos, God’s communication to the world. This concept challenges our understanding but reveals that Jesus is God’s message in human form. By recognizing Jesus as the Word, we gain insight into the divine nature and intentions, allowing us to align our lives with His teachings. This understanding invites us to see Jesus not just as a historical figure but as the living embodiment of God's message to humanity. [24:28]

Hebrews 1:1-2 (ESV): "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world."

Reflection: How does viewing Jesus as the living Word change your perception of His teachings? What steps can you take today to align your life more closely with His message?

Day 3: Jesus as the Savior

Jesus redefines the divine as one who saves rather than judges. His name means "The Lord saves," and His life, death, and resurrection offer forgiveness and restoration. Jesus saves us emotionally, relationally, physically, and spiritually, demonstrating God’s love and care. This understanding of Jesus as Savior invites us to experience the fullness of salvation in every aspect of our lives. By embracing His saving power, we can find healing and restoration, allowing us to live in the freedom and love that God intends for us. [33:02]

Titus 3:4-5 (ESV): "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need Jesus' saving power today? How can you invite Him into those areas to experience His forgiveness and restoration?

Day 4: Jesus as Emmanuel

Jesus is "God with us," signifying God’s presence in all situations. God’s presence is a promise, not dependent on circumstances. Even when life seems bleak, God is with us, as demonstrated by Jesus’ life and sacrifice. This understanding reshapes our view of God’s presence, reminding us that we are never alone. By recognizing Jesus as Emmanuel, we can find comfort and strength in knowing that God is with us in every moment, guiding and supporting us through life's challenges. [45:39]

Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV): "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."

Reflection: How can you become more aware of God's presence in your daily life? What practices can you incorporate to remind yourself that God is with you, even in difficult times?

Day 5: Reshaping Our View of God

Understanding Jesus as the Word, Savior, and Emmanuel reshapes our view of God, emphasizing His love, presence, and saving power. We must unlearn false assumptions and align our understanding of God with the life and teachings of Jesus. This process invites us to deepen our relationship with God, allowing His love and truth to transform our lives. By embracing a more accurate view of God, we can experience His presence and power in new and profound ways, leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. [47:12]

Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: What false assumptions about God do you need to unlearn? How can you align your understanding of God with the life and teachings of Jesus today?

Sermon Summary

Summary

Throughout life, we accumulate various names and roles that define our relationships and identities. From being a son, brother, friend, husband, pastor, to a father and grandfather, each name carries unique experiences and meanings. Similarly, God has many names, but the name "Jesus" is the most accessible and revealing of His nature. In the first century, "Jesus" was a common name, yet our Jesus is unique due to His extraordinary life, death, and resurrection. Jesus is not just a name to end prayers with; it embodies the essence of God’s message to humanity.

Jesus is the Word of God, the ultimate expression of God’s nature and intentions. While the Bible contains words from and about God, Jesus is the living Word, the Logos, the divine expression of God in human form. This concept challenges our understanding but reveals that Jesus is God’s communication to the world. Jesus is also the Savior, a role that redefines the divine as one who saves rather than judges. His name means "The Lord saves," and His life, death, and resurrection are the epicenter of salvation, offering forgiveness and restoration.

Moreover, Jesus is Emmanuel, meaning "God with us." This name signifies God’s presence with humanity, not just in favorable circumstances but in all situations. God’s presence is a promise, not dependent on our circumstances. Even when life seems bleak, God is with us, as demonstrated by Jesus’ life and sacrifice. Understanding Jesus as the Word, Savior, and Emmanuel reshapes our view of God, emphasizing His love, presence, and saving power in our lives.

Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Names and Identity: Our names and roles in life carry unique experiences and meanings, shaping our identity. Similarly, God's name, Jesus, is the most accessible and revealing of His nature, embodying His message to humanity. Understanding the significance of names helps us appreciate the depth of our relationship with God. [19:54]
2. Jesus as the Word of God: Jesus is the living Word, the ultimate expression of God’s nature and intentions. While the Bible contains words from and about God, Jesus is the divine Logos, God’s communication to the world. This challenges our understanding but reveals that Jesus is God’s message in human form. [24:28]
3. Jesus as Savior: Jesus redefines the divine as one who saves rather than judges. His name means "The Lord saves," and His life, death, and resurrection offer forgiveness and restoration. Jesus saves us emotionally, relationally, physically, and spiritually, demonstrating God’s love and care. [33:02]
4. Jesus as Emmanuel: Jesus is "God with us," signifying God’s presence in all situations. God’s presence is a promise, not dependent on circumstances. Even when life seems bleak, God is with us, as demonstrated by Jesus’ life and sacrifice. This understanding reshapes our view of God’s presence. [45:39]
5. Reshaping Our View of God: Understanding Jesus as the Word, Savior, and Emmanuel reshapes our view of God, emphasizing His love, presence, and saving power. We must unlearn false assumptions and align our understanding of God with the life and teachings of Jesus. [47:12]
** [47:12]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[18:11] - The Evolution of Names
[19:54] - Unique Identity in Names
[21:14] - The Name of Jesus
[22:59] - Beyond a Prayer Ending
[24:28] - Jesus as the Word of God
[25:38] - The Logos Explained
[29:46] - Jesus as Savior
[31:21] - The Meaning of Savior
[33:02] - The Lord Saves
[35:27] - God Came Himself
[36:27] - Communion and Remembrance
[40:04] - Jesus as Emmanuel
[42:43] - Misunderstanding God’s Presence
[45:39] - God’s Presence in Adversity
[47:12] - Reshaping Our View of God

Sermon Clips

As a son, I was the first child, my mom, and her only son, and she knew me that way. And then a little bit later on, she had other human beings, sisters, a couple of younger sisters. And then my name shifted, and I also became a brother. And then I got a little bit older and became a friend and had lots of friends growing up. And eventually went off to college and made more friends, even lifelong friends. And especially one friend, I fell in love with her and married her. [00:17:13] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

It's the name that most people will access me with and through, and it's the name that says the most about who I've become. Jonathan. Now, I hear tell that there are other Jonathans out there. Yep. So it's not exclusive to me, but I'll tell you what is exclusive to me. The experiences attached to my name, Jonathan, are mine. [00:19:54] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

But the same is true for you and your name. And did you know that God also has many names? In fact, theologians have said, and scholars have figured all this out and counted, that no less than 20 different names for God that describe who he is and what he's about. 20 different names. [00:20:42] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

The Bible contains words about God and from God But Jesus is Is the very word of God And that is an exclusive title just for him And you can quote me on that And you can say that I said so Not that that matters That it came from me In fact, it didn't come from me John, the apostle, said it like this The word became flesh And made his dwelling among us So whatever the word is, is a person It ain't a book His Like what? [00:25:38] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

But to them in the first century, that can't be right because they thought gods were all about judgment and vengeance and power and destroying and warring. They knew God and war. They knew, you know, our God is going to defeat your God because we're going to defeat you, which means our God is stronger than your God. That's the way they saw it in the ancient world. [00:32:18] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Jesus is Emmanuel. Like, what's that? It's a great question. You see that word, especially during Christmas time, in all different ways. In places. In Christmas cards. Emmanuel. Jesus is Emmanuel. This interesting, beautiful name is attached to Jesus' name in a way that it summarizes the purposes of God. It really does. [00:40:11] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

God being with you is not about circumstances at all. It's about his presence, which is a promise and a guarantee, regardless of what life looks like, and regardless of what life feels like. Please remember that the day in history, the moment in history when it looked like God was most absent, when Jesus was on the cross, was actually the moment when God was most present. [00:45:39] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?