Understanding the Divine Identity of Jesus Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound question of who Jesus is, delving into the historical and scriptural evidence that supports His divine identity. We began by reflecting on Jesus' own words in John 10:30, where He declares, "I and the Father are one," a statement that led to outrage among the Jews of His time. This claim of unity with God is central to understanding Jesus' identity. We examined the skepticism surrounding Jesus' historicity, particularly from atheistic perspectives that dismiss the supernatural and view Jesus as a myth or legend. However, we countered these views by highlighting the reliability of the Gospels, which were written within a few decades of Jesus' life and are supported by external historical sources like Tacitus, Pliny the Younger, and Josephus.
We also discussed the nature of miracles, emphasizing that they are not violations of natural laws but rather expressions of God's sovereignty over creation. C.S. Lewis' insights helped us understand that miracles are consistent with the character of a God who is both immanent and transcendent. Jesus' miracles, from turning water into wine to calming storms, reveal His divine authority and the reality of His claims.
Furthermore, we explored Jesus' "I am" statements in the Gospel of John, where He identifies Himself with various aspects of God's provision and prophecy, such as "I am the bread of life" and "I am the light of the world." These declarations are not just metaphorical but are deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecies, affirming Jesus' messianic role and divine nature.
The sermon concluded with a call to personal reflection: Who do you say Jesus is? This question is not just academic but deeply personal, challenging each of us to consider the evidence and decide whether to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. The Apostle Paul's words in Colossians 2:6-10 remind us to remain rooted in Christ, avoiding the deceptions of human tradition and embracing the fullness of God revealed in Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus' Claim to Divinity: Jesus' declaration in John 10:30, "I and the Father are one," is a profound assertion of His divine nature. This claim led to outrage among the Jews, who understood it as blasphemy. Understanding Jesus' divinity is crucial for our faith, as it affirms that He is not just a moral teacher but God incarnate, deserving of our worship and obedience. [01:50]
2. The Reliability of the Gospels: The Gospels were written within a few decades of Jesus' life, based on eyewitness accounts, making them historically reliable. External sources like Tacitus, Pliny the Younger, and Josephus also corroborate the life and death of Jesus. This historical evidence challenges the notion that Jesus is a myth and supports the authenticity of the Gospel narratives. [12:43]
3. Nature of Miracles: Miracles are not violations of natural laws but expressions of God's sovereignty. C.S. Lewis explains that miracles are what we would expect when nature is invaded by its Creator. Jesus' miracles, such as turning water into wine and calming storms, reveal His divine authority and the reality of His claims. [09:10]
4. Jesus' "I Am" Statements: Jesus' "I am" statements in the Gospel of John connect Him to Old Testament prophecies and affirm His messianic role. Statements like "I am the bread of life" and "I am the light of the world" are deeply rooted in Jewish expectations of the Messiah and reveal Jesus' divine identity. [17:10]
5. Personal Reflection on Jesus' Identity: The question "Who do you say Jesus is?" is a personal challenge that requires us to consider the evidence and make a decision. The Apostle Paul's exhortation in Colossians 2:6-10 encourages us to remain rooted in Christ, avoiding the deceptions of human tradition and embracing the fullness of God revealed in Jesus. [28:20]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:50] - Jesus' Claim to Divinity
[03:38] - Atheistic Skepticism
[05:32] - Naturalism vs. Supernaturalism
[07:24] - C.S. Lewis on Miracles
[09:10] - Nature of Miracles
[10:55] - Reliability of the Gospels
[12:43] - External Historical Sources
[14:25] - Tacitus, Pliny, and Josephus
[16:18] - Jesus' "I Am" Statements
[17:10] - Old Testament Prophecies
[18:31] - Bold Claims of Jesus
[20:27] - Jesus as the Son of Man
[22:25] - Apostolic Testimonies
[24:17] - Implications of Jesus' Teachings
[26:27] - Personal Reflection
[28:20] - Paul's Exhortation in Colossians
[29:57] - Invitation to Faith
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 10:30-31 (NIV) - "I and the Father are one." Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him.
2. Colossians 2:6-10 (NIV) - "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the Jews when Jesus declared, "I and the Father are one" in John 10:30? ([01:50])
2. According to the sermon, what are miracles described as, and how do they relate to God's sovereignty? ([09:10])
3. What external historical sources were mentioned in the sermon that support the life and death of Jesus? ([12:43])
4. What are some of the "I am" statements made by Jesus in the Gospel of John, and what do they signify? ([17:10])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did Jesus' claim to be one with the Father cause such outrage among the Jews, and what does this reveal about their understanding of His identity? ([01:50])
2. How does the reliability of the Gospels, as discussed in the sermon, challenge the notion that Jesus is a myth or legend? ([12:43])
3. In what ways do Jesus' miracles, as described in the sermon, affirm His divine authority and the reality of His claims? ([09:10])
4. How do the "I am" statements of Jesus connect Him to Old Testament prophecies and affirm His messianic role? ([17:10])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Jesus' claim to divinity in John 10:30, how does this shape your understanding of who Jesus is? How does it impact your daily life and worship? ([01:50])
2. Considering the historical reliability of the Gospels, how can you use this information to strengthen your faith and share the Gospel with others who may be skeptical? ([12:43])
3. How do you perceive miracles in your own life? Can you identify a moment where you felt God's sovereignty at work? How did it affect your faith? ([09:10])
4. Jesus' "I am" statements are deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecies. How can you use these connections to deepen your understanding of the Bible and its unified message? ([17:10])
5. The sermon concluded with a call to personal reflection on Jesus' identity. Who do you say Jesus is, and how does this belief influence your actions and decisions? ([28:20])
6. Colossians 2:6-10 warns against being taken captive by human traditions and philosophies. Are there any philosophies or traditions in your life that you need to re-evaluate in light of your faith in Christ? ([28:20])
7. How can you remain rooted and built up in Christ, as encouraged in Colossians 2:6-10? What practical steps can you take this week to strengthen your relationship with Him? ([28:20])
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Divine Identity
Description: Jesus' declaration in John 10:30, "I and the Father are one," is a profound assertion of His divine nature. This claim led to outrage among the Jews, who understood it as blasphemy. Understanding Jesus' divinity is crucial for our faith, as it affirms that He is not just a moral teacher but God incarnate, deserving of our worship and obedience. This statement is central to the Christian belief that Jesus is God in the flesh, a truth that demands our reverence and shapes our understanding of His teachings and miracles. [01:50]
Bible Passage: "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." (Colossians 2:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as God incarnate change the way you approach your daily life and decisions? What specific actions can you take today to honor His divine authority?
Day 2: The Historical Reliability of the Gospels
Description: The Gospels were written within a few decades of Jesus' life, based on eyewitness accounts, making them historically reliable. External sources like Tacitus, Pliny the Younger, and Josephus also corroborate the life and death of Jesus. This historical evidence challenges the notion that Jesus is a myth and supports the authenticity of the Gospel narratives. Understanding the reliability of these texts helps us trust in the accuracy of Jesus' teachings and the events of His life, reinforcing our faith in the Christian message. [12:43]
Bible Passage: "Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us." (Luke 1:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: How does the historical reliability of the Gospels strengthen your faith? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the historical context of Jesus' life?
Day 3: The Nature of Miracles
Description: Miracles are not violations of natural laws but expressions of God's sovereignty. C.S. Lewis explains that miracles are what we would expect when nature is invaded by its Creator. Jesus' miracles, such as turning water into wine and calming storms, reveal His divine authority and the reality of His claims. These acts demonstrate that Jesus has control over creation, affirming His identity as God and providing a glimpse of the Kingdom of God breaking into our world. [09:10]
Bible Passage: "He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven." (Psalm 107:29-30, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed something that felt like a miracle. How did it impact your faith? How can you remain open to recognizing God's miraculous work in your life today?
Day 4: Jesus' "I Am" Statements
Description: Jesus' "I am" statements in the Gospel of John connect Him to Old Testament prophecies and affirm His messianic role. Statements like "I am the bread of life" and "I am the light of the world" are deeply rooted in Jewish expectations of the Messiah and reveal Jesus' divine identity. These declarations are not just metaphorical but are deeply significant, showing that Jesus fulfills the roles and promises made by God throughout the Scriptures. [17:10]
Bible Passage: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11, ESV)
Reflection: Which of Jesus' "I am" statements resonates most with you today? How can you apply the truth of that statement to your current life situation?
Day 5: Personal Reflection on Jesus' Identity
Description: The question "Who do you say Jesus is?" is a personal challenge that requires us to consider the evidence and make a decision. The Apostle Paul's exhortation in Colossians 2:6-10 encourages us to remain rooted in Christ, avoiding the deceptions of human tradition and embracing the fullness of God revealed in Jesus. This reflection is not just academic but deeply personal, calling each of us to a committed relationship with Jesus as our Lord and Savior. [28:20]
Bible Passage: "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: Who do you say Jesus is in your life? What steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with Him and live out your faith more fully?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "It matters what we believe about Jesus. Is the biblical text about Jesus nothing more than myth and legend? Did a man named Jesus historically live in the first century Judea and die on a cross? And if so, are his teachings nothing more than the truth? And wise advice from a man inspired by God? Was he a blaspheming madman deserving of death, unless, of course, he pulled himself down off of the cross to prove that he is God?" [01:50] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Simply put miracles occur because the supernatural God presses his will onto his natural creation. Jesus's miracles from his virgin birth to his ascension reveal the heart and the hand of God with us Emmanuel. Now I agree with Lewis when he later states in his book that miracles aren't against the laws of nature but are actually the laws of nature expedited." [07:24] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If it is more reasonable as our recent message a few weeks ago stated to believe God exists than that he does not exist then the presence of supernatural miracles should lead us to believe God is both knowable and that he is revealing himself to us. Furthermore if Jesus is the image of our invisible God if he and the father are one then miracles should both inspire awe and fear in the almighty and be expected in the life of Jesus Christ." [09:10] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So who do you say he is? Jesus, the Son of God, has the power to enter into time, space, and material. He is the miraculous incarnation through his virgin birth. The Son of God's knowledge knew when to enter creation, personally, choosing to enter into humanity's suffering and to endure it on the cross. Jesus, the moral lawgiver, God, met justice for sin and offers mercy through life. See, death has no authority over the author of life." [26:27] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Maybe your spirit has hit some sort of a doldrum or you feel like you've plateaued. We often come to a crossroads where our experience of God must be met with our knowledge of God. Sometimes the experience isn't there and we just don't feel it, but feelings don't determine the truth of the matter. We also have to come to the place to say, even when I don't feel it, I don't feel it. I don't feel it. I don't feel it. I don't feel it. I don't feel it. I don't feel it to be true. And so I press on towards the goal, knowing that the experience of God, Emmanuel is still with you." [29:57] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "The historicity of Jesus, and therefore of the gospels, is often denied or rejected by non-believers. Now, recently, I watched a YouTube video presented by a well-known atheist. Believe it or not, I think it's just as healthy to watch videos presented by atheists as I think it is to present videos presented by Christians so that we have a healthy worldview and know how to respond." [03:38] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The gospels are not legend again as garen shared last week about the historicity and the reliability of scripture we have more reliable evidence of the historicity of the gospels and the life of jesus christ than we do of plato of socrates of julius caesar caesar and yet nobody argues about their existence or the words they said the earliest gospels were most likely written and shared within 20 to 30 years after jesus's death and resurrection they were written by the eyewitnesses or by an author interviewing eyewitnesses." [12:43] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If Jesus is not a legend then he must be something else entirely so then we beg the question who is a Jesus Jesus asked his disciples who do you say that I am now in order for them to answer they had to consider his words and his actions his claims and his miracles he didn't ask them this question in a vacuum without having already proven himself to them." [16:18] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Each of these are bold claims if they are false then jesus was a blasphemer we could not say that he was a good man or a great teacher or a worthy prophet but if they're true if they're true then jesus is god he is the messiah he is our savior you and he is worthy of all glory and all praise and all honor and these aren't the only i am statements they are simply his figurative statements." [18:31] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The apostle peter called jesus the messiah in three of the gospels martha the sister of mary and lazarus called jesus the messiah and the son of god in john 11 27 thomas calls jesus my lord and my god in john 20 28 after seeing jesus appear in the flesh with his piercings the apostle john calls jesus god in the first chapter of the gospel john chapter 1 1 through 2 in the beginning was the word and the word was with god and the word was god he was with god in the beginning then down to 14 the word became flesh and dwelt among us we observed his glory the glory is the one and only son from the father full of grace and truth." [22:25] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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