Understanding the Identity and Nature of Jesus

 

Summary

In our discussion today, we delved into the profound question, "Who is Jesus?" This inquiry is not just a theological exercise but a question of eternal significance. Jesus Himself posed this question to His disciples, and it remains a pivotal question for every generation. The claims of Jesus, such as being the way, the truth, and the life, demand a response from us. Our understanding of who Jesus is shapes our faith and our eternal destiny.

To explore this question, we must look beyond the New Testament. The doctrine of Christ, or Christology, is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where the concept of the Messiah is introduced and developed. Jesus fulfills these Old Testament prophecies, and understanding this connection enriches our comprehension of His identity.

Throughout church history, many have attempted to articulate who Jesus is, leading to various heresies and controversies. Figures like Cyril of Alexandria played crucial roles in defending orthodox Christology against these heresies. The early church councils, such as those at Nicaea and Chalcedon, were convened to address these controversies and to clarify the church's understanding of Christ's nature. These councils did not seek to elevate their creeds above Scripture but to articulate what Scripture teaches about Jesus.

The relationship between Christ's divine and human natures is central to Christology. The doctrine of the hypostatic union, which states that Jesus is one person with two natures—fully God and fully man—was a significant outcome of these theological discussions. This doctrine helps us understand how Jesus could perform divine acts while also experiencing human limitations.

In conclusion, understanding who Jesus is requires careful study and reflection. It is not merely an academic pursuit but a journey that deepens our faith and draws us closer to the heart of the Gospel.

Key Takeaways:

- The Significance of Christ's Claims: Jesus' claims about Himself, such as being the only way to the Father, are profound and demand a response. Our understanding of these claims shapes our faith and eternal destiny. [03:12]

- Old Testament Foundations: Christology is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where the Messiah is prophesied. Understanding this connection enriches our comprehension of Jesus' identity and mission. [06:05]

- Role of Church History: Figures like Cyril of Alexandria and the early church councils played crucial roles in defending orthodox Christology against heresies. These efforts were not to elevate creeds above Scripture but to articulate what Scripture teaches about Jesus. [08:24]

- Hypostatic Union: The doctrine of the hypostatic union, which states that Jesus is one person with two natures—fully God and fully man—helps us understand how Jesus could perform divine acts while also experiencing human limitations. [32:43]

- Importance of Studying Christology: Understanding who Jesus is requires careful study and reflection. It is not merely an academic pursuit but a journey that deepens our faith and draws us closer to the heart of the Gospel. [25:30]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to the Discussion
- [00:54] - Reflections on Graduating Students
- [02:38] - Importance of Christology
- [05:32] - Sources for Understanding Christ
- [07:16] - Historical Figures in Christology
- [09:31] - Purpose of Church Councils
- [13:11] - Trinitarian and Christological Controversies
- [15:04] - The Spark of Christological Controversy
- [17:07] - Survey of Christological Heresies
- [22:23] - Modern Misconceptions in Christology
- [28:20] - Defining Orthodox Christology
- [32:43] - Understanding the Hypostatic Union
- [42:33] - Relationship Between Divine and Human Natures
- [54:36] - Challenge to Skeptics and Believers

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Understanding Who Jesus Is

Bible Reading:
1. John 14:6 - "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
2. Luke 24:27 - "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself."
3. Philippians 2:5-7 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."

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Observation Questions:

1. What claims did Jesus make about Himself in John 14:6, and why are these claims significant? [03:12]

2. How does Luke 24:27 illustrate the connection between the Old Testament and Jesus' identity as the Messiah? [06:33]

3. What does Philippians 2:5-7 reveal about the nature of Jesus and His incarnation? How does this relate to the concept of the hypostatic union discussed in the sermon? [32:43]

4. According to the sermon, what role did Cyril of Alexandria play in the development of orthodox Christology? [08:24]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How do Jesus' claims in John 14:6 challenge the beliefs of those who see Him merely as a moral teacher or prophet? What implications does this have for our understanding of salvation? [03:12]

2. In what ways does understanding the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah enrich our comprehension of Jesus' mission and identity? [06:05]

3. How does the doctrine of the hypostatic union help us reconcile the divine and human aspects of Jesus' nature, as discussed in the sermon? [32:43]

4. Why was it necessary for the early church councils to articulate a clear understanding of Christ's nature, and how does this impact our faith today? [11:33]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on Jesus' claim to be "the way, the truth, and the life." How does this shape your personal understanding of faith and salvation? How might it influence your conversations with others about Jesus? [03:12]

2. Consider the Old Testament foundations of Christology. How can you incorporate a deeper study of the Old Testament into your personal Bible study to enhance your understanding of Jesus? [06:05]

3. The sermon discussed the importance of church history in defending orthodox Christology. How can learning about figures like Cyril of Alexandria and the early church councils strengthen your faith and understanding of Jesus? [08:24]

4. The hypostatic union is a complex doctrine. How can you explain this concept to someone who is new to the faith in a way that is both accurate and accessible? [32:43]

5. The sermon emphasized the importance of studying Christology. What steps can you take to deepen your study of who Jesus is, and how can this study impact your daily walk with Christ? [25:30]

6. Reflect on the role of heresies and controversies in shaping orthodox Christology. How can you remain vigilant against false teachings in today's context, and what resources can you use to ensure your beliefs align with Scripture? [11:33]

7. How does understanding the relationship between Jesus' divine and human natures affect your view of His work on the cross and His role as our mediator? [32:43]

Devotional

Day 1: The Profound Claims of Jesus
Understanding the claims of Jesus is crucial for shaping our faith and eternal destiny. Jesus declared Himself to be the way, the truth, and the life, emphasizing that no one comes to the Father except through Him. These claims are not just theological assertions but demand a personal response from each of us. Our understanding of who Jesus is and what He claimed about Himself influences how we live our lives and where we place our hope for eternity. Reflecting on these claims can deepen our faith and draw us closer to the heart of the Gospel. [03:12]

John 14:6-7 (ESV): "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.'"

Reflection: What is one specific claim of Jesus that challenges you the most, and how can you respond to it in your daily life today?


Day 2: Old Testament Foundations of Christology
Christology is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where the concept of the Messiah is introduced and developed. The Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah find their fulfillment in Jesus, enriching our understanding of His identity and mission. By exploring these connections, we gain a deeper appreciation of how Jesus fulfills the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament. This understanding not only strengthens our faith but also provides a richer context for the New Testament narrative. [06:05]

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 understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies change your perspective on His mission and your role in it today?


Day 3: The Role of Church History in Defending Christology
Throughout church history, figures like Cyril of Alexandria and the early church councils played crucial roles in defending orthodox Christology against heresies. These efforts were not to elevate creeds above Scripture but to articulate what Scripture teaches about Jesus. The councils at Nicaea and Chalcedon were convened to address controversies and clarify the church's understanding of Christ's nature. This historical context helps us appreciate the depth and richness of our faith and the importance of maintaining sound doctrine. [08:24]

Jude 1:3 (ESV): "Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints."

Reflection: What is one historical figure or event in church history that has impacted your understanding of Christ, and how can you incorporate this understanding into your faith journey today?


Day 4: Understanding the Hypostatic Union
The doctrine of the hypostatic union, which states that Jesus is one person with two natures—fully God and fully man—helps us understand how Jesus could perform divine acts while also experiencing human limitations. This doctrine is central to Christology and provides insight into the mystery of Jesus' identity. By contemplating the hypostatic union, we can better appreciate the depth of Jesus' love and sacrifice, as He fully entered into our human experience while remaining divine. [32:43]

Colossians 2:9 (ESV): "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily."

Reflection: How does the understanding of Jesus as both fully God and fully man influence your relationship with Him, and how can you live out this understanding in your interactions with others today?


Day 5: The Importance of Studying Christology
Understanding who Jesus is requires careful study and reflection. It is not merely an academic pursuit but a journey that deepens our faith and draws us closer to the heart of the Gospel. By engaging with Christology, we gain a clearer understanding of Jesus' identity and mission, which in turn shapes our faith and how we live our lives. This study is an invitation to grow in our relationship with Jesus and to be transformed by His love and truth. [25:30]

2 Peter 3:18 (ESV): "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."

Reflection: What is one aspect of Christology that you feel called to study more deeply, and how can you take a practical step towards this study today?

Quotes


Well Jesus asked this question himself of his disciples who who do you say that I am who do other people say that I am he was making claims and doing things that nobody else has ever done he says in John chapter 14 I am the way the truth and the life no man can come to the Father except through me. [00:02:52]

When somebody is making the kind of claims Jesus is making and doing the kind of things he's doing when you claim to be God incarnate then it's very important for people to decide is he who he says he is or is he a liar is the a blasphemer this question was presented to those he encountered in the first century. [00:03:17]

The doctrine of Christ is the doctrine of the Messiah christology doctrine of the Messiah where do we go to learn about the Messiah we go to the Old Testament and this goes back all the way to Genesis and traces all the way through through the history of Israel the rise of the Davidic the prophets Jesus himself said in the Gospel of Luke on the road to Emmaus. [00:06:05]

The need for these councils arose because people reading the scriptures noticed in the Gospels in particular that at certain times Jesus is doing and saying things appropriate for human being he's eating hes wery at other times as i mentioned earlier he's doing and saying things appropriate to god he's forgiving sins he is accepting worship and so forth. [00:10:00]

The church needed to proclaim the gospel of Christ with the unified message if we're going to preach Christ and him crucified the church needed to explain who Jesus is and so they would gather together and set boundaries and it wasn't the intention for these councils to replace or usurp Scripture they all councils all theologians are fallible. [00:11:12]

The doctrine of the hypostatic union means involves understanding a little bit more vocabulary because it includes this word high hypostatic coming from hypostasis at the time of the christological and Trinitarian controversies you had several terms that were being used to formulate these doctrines and there was a lot of confusion at the time. [00:33:43]

The hypostatic Union we're talking about the second hypostasis the second person of the Trinity assuming a human nature in union with the divine the divine nature and the human nature are in union in one hypostasis there's one hypostasis and two natures as kelsey diamond's pointing out he's co essential with the father according to his deity. [00:34:59]

The attributes of either nature can be predicated of the one person because the one person of the Sun the hypostasis of the Sun he had a divine nature from all eternity in an appointed time he assumes a human nature which now belongs to him and that's the point that Cyril's making in that passage is the human nature that the Sun assumed is his very own nature. [00:45:19]

The works of both the divine networks that are proper to the divine nature and the works that are proper to the human nature are understood by us as the works of the whole person because of the communication of attributes and all of this goes back to that phrase in the definition of Cassadine that he God became man for us and for our salvation. [00:47:19]

Jesus claimed to be the Son of God he claimed to be the only mid way to salvation those are huge claims is he who he said he is is what he said about himself true we need to know the answer to that everybody here needs to know the answer to that the people who heard and saw him in the first century came to different conclusions. [00:55:49]

If he is who he said he is we need to repent we need to believe we need to place our faith in him and follow him and that you're not going to be able to answer that question unless you read the Gospels unless you look at the claims Christ made for himself so I would say take up and read. [00:56:26]

Thank you that's a good exultation not just to the non-christian but to the Christian as well we should always be going to Scripture and studying and learning and to make sure she said that we are both theologians and not falling into error well dr. Matheson thank you so much for your time today and we do thank you for your service. [00:56:44]

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Transcript
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