Understanding the True Identity of Jesus Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we had the privilege of welcoming my good friend Zibi Marzek from Krakow, Poland, who has been doing incredible work with his church in Ukraine amidst the ongoing war. We prayed for him, his family, and his church, asking for God's favor, resources, and protection.
Our main focus today was on the question, "Who is Jesus?" This is a crucial question that has been debated for centuries and remains relevant today. We delved into John Chapter 7, where Jesus is at the Feast of Tabernacles, a significant Jewish celebration. The chapter reveals three main agendas: the Jews trying to identify Jesus, the authorities plotting against Him, and Jesus teaching the truth about His divine nature.
We discussed the confusion and misinformation surrounding Jesus' identity, both in His time and today. Many people, even within the church, have misconceptions about who Jesus is. Some see Him merely as a good teacher or a prophet, but the Bible clearly teaches that He is fully God. We examined several scriptures, including John 1:1-3, John 10:30, and John 8:58, which affirm Jesus' divinity.
We also addressed common misconceptions, such as the idea that Jesus is a created being. Colossians 1:15-17 clarifies that Jesus is supreme over all creation, not a part of it. We explored the significance of Jesus being the "Son of God," emphasizing that this title speaks to His relationship with the Father rather than His origins.
Understanding Jesus' true identity is vital because it shapes our faith and how we live. Jesus' claim to be the only way to God is exclusive and counter-cultural, but it is the truth we must uphold. We concluded by reflecting on the impact of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, which fulfilled over 351 prophecies and transformed countless lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus' Divinity and Identity: Jesus is not just a good teacher or a prophet; He is fully God. Scriptures like John 1:1-3 and John 10:30 affirm His divine nature. Understanding this is crucial because it forms the foundation of our faith. If Jesus is not God, the entire structure of Christianity collapses. [01:23:27]
2. Misconceptions About Jesus: Many people, even within the church, hold misconceptions about Jesus, such as the belief that He is a created being. Colossians 1:15-17 clarifies that Jesus is supreme over all creation, not a part of it. This understanding helps us refute false teachings and strengthens our faith. [01:27:25]
3. The Significance of Jesus as the Son of God: The title "Son of God" speaks to Jesus' relationship with the Father rather than His origins. In first-century Jewish culture, being a "son" meant being an exact likeness of the Father. This relationship helps us understand the unity and love within the Trinity and how we are invited into that divine fellowship. [01:29:25]
4. The Fulfillment of Prophecies: Jesus' life, death, and resurrection fulfilled over 351 prophecies, including major ones like His birth in Bethlehem and His crucifixion. This fulfillment of prophecy is a powerful testament to the truth of Christianity and the divine nature of Jesus. [01:36:11]
5. The Transformative Power of Jesus: The changed lives of believers testify to the truth of Jesus' divinity. From murderers to addicts, countless lives have been transformed by the gospel. This transformation goes beyond mere behavioral change; it is a profound heart change that only the Holy Spirit can bring about. [01:39:50]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:01:29] - Introduction and Prayer for Zibi Marzek
3. [01:02:21] - Who is Jesus?
4. [01:02:53] - Common Misconceptions About Jesus
5. [01:04:23] - The Feast of Tabernacles
6. [01:05:19] - Jesus' Identity and Authority
7. [01:06:24] - The Three Agendas
8. [01:07:11] - Jesus' Hour and His Teachings
9. [01:08:39] - Division Among the People
10. [01:09:18] - Jesus' Invitation to the Thirsty
11. [01:10:26] - Misunderstandings and Misinformation
12. [01:12:06] - Jesus' Claims and the Reactions
13. [01:14:10] - The Importance of Knowing the True Jesus
14. [01:19:07] - The Lifeway Study and Its Implications
15. [01:21:42] - Did Jesus Claim to Be God?
16. [01:27:25] - Misconceptions About Jesus' Origins
17. [01:30:44] - The Relationship Within the Trinity
18. [01:35:07] - Reasons to Believe in Jesus' Divinity
19. [01:41:17] - The Exclusive Claim of Jesus
20. [01:42:56] - C.S. Lewis' Famous Quote
21. [01:44:29] - Invitation to Accept Jesus
22. [01:46:37] - Worship and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 1:1-3 (ESV) - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made."
2. John 10:30-33 (ESV) - "I and the Father are one.” The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.”
3. 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."
### Observation Questions
1. According to John 1:1-3, what is the relationship between the Word and God? How does this passage describe the role of the Word in creation?
2. In John 10:30-33, why did the Jews want to stone Jesus? What claim did Jesus make that led to this reaction? [01:25:18]
3. How does Colossians 1:15-17 describe Jesus' relationship to creation? What does it mean that He is the "firstborn of all creation"? [01:27:25]
4. What were the three main agendas present during the Feast of Tabernacles as described in the sermon? [01:11:10]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus is described as the Word in John 1:1-3? How does this title help us understand His divine nature?
2. What does Jesus' claim "I and the Father are one" in John 10:30-33 reveal about His identity? Why was this statement considered blasphemous by the Jews? [01:25:18]
3. How does understanding Jesus as the "firstborn of all creation" in Colossians 1:15-17 help refute the misconception that He is a created being? [01:27:25]
4. Reflecting on the sermon, why is it important for Christians to have a correct understanding of who Jesus is? How does this understanding impact our faith and daily living? [01:19:07]
### Application Questions
1. The sermon mentioned that many people, even within the church, have misconceptions about Jesus. Have you ever encountered such misconceptions? How did you address them? [01:27:25]
2. Jesus' claim to be fully God is foundational to Christianity. How does this belief shape your personal faith and your understanding of salvation? [01:23:27]
3. The sermon highlighted the fulfillment of over 351 prophecies by Jesus. How does this fulfillment strengthen your faith in the reliability of the Bible and the truth of Christianity? [01:36:11]
4. Reflect on the transformative power of Jesus mentioned in the sermon. Can you share a personal testimony or a story of someone you know whose life was radically changed by the gospel? [01:39:50]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of knowing the true Jesus. How can you deepen your understanding of Jesus' identity and nature through personal study and prayer? [01:19:07]
6. Considering the exclusive claim of Jesus as the only way to God, how can you lovingly and effectively share this truth with others in a pluralistic society? [01:41:17]
7. The sermon mentioned the unity and love within the Trinity. How can this understanding of divine relationship influence the way you interact with others in your community and church? [01:29:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Divinity and Identity
Understanding Jesus' true identity is foundational to the Christian faith. Jesus is not merely a good teacher or a prophet; He is fully God. This truth is affirmed in scriptures like John 1:1-3 and John 10:30, which highlight His divine nature. Recognizing Jesus as God is crucial because it forms the bedrock of our faith. If Jesus were not God, the entire structure of Christianity would collapse. This understanding helps us grasp the magnitude of His teachings, His sacrifice, and His resurrection, which are central to our salvation and relationship with God. [01:23:27]
John 1:1-3 (ESV): "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made."
Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as fully God change the way you approach your faith and daily life? What specific actions can you take today to honor His divinity?
Day 2: Misconceptions About Jesus
Many people, even within the church, hold misconceptions about Jesus, such as the belief that He is a created being. Colossians 1:15-17 clarifies that Jesus is supreme over all creation, not a part of it. This understanding is vital for refuting false teachings and strengthening our faith. By recognizing Jesus' supremacy, we can better appreciate His role in creation and His authority over all things. This clarity helps us to worship Him rightly and to share the truth about His identity with others. [01:27:25]
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 are some common misconceptions you have encountered about Jesus? How can you use Colossians 1:15-17 to address these misconceptions in conversations with others?
Day 3: The Significance of Jesus as the Son of God
The title "Son of God" speaks to Jesus' relationship with the Father rather than His origins. In first-century Jewish culture, being a "son" meant being an exact likeness of the Father. This relationship helps us understand the unity and love within the Trinity and how we are invited into that divine fellowship. Recognizing Jesus as the Son of God deepens our understanding of His divine nature and His unique role in the Trinity, which in turn enriches our relationship with God. [01:29:25]
John 5:19-20 (ESV): "So Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.'"
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as the Son of God influence your perception of the Trinity? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with each person of the Trinity today?
Day 4: The Fulfillment of Prophecies
Jesus' life, death, and resurrection fulfilled over 351 prophecies, including major ones like His birth in Bethlehem and His crucifixion. This fulfillment of prophecy is a powerful testament to the truth of Christianity and the divine nature of Jesus. The accuracy and specificity of these prophecies, written centuries before Jesus' birth, provide compelling evidence for His messianic identity and the reliability of the Bible. Reflecting on these fulfilled prophecies can strengthen our faith and inspire us to trust in God's promises. [01:36:11]
Micah 5:2 (ESV): "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days."
Reflection: Which prophecy about Jesus' life, death, or resurrection resonates most with you? How does this prophecy strengthen your faith in God's plan and promises?
Day 5: The Transformative Power of Jesus
The changed lives of believers testify to the truth of Jesus' divinity. From murderers to addicts, countless lives have been transformed by the gospel. This transformation goes beyond mere behavioral change; it is a profound heart change that only the Holy Spirit can bring about. The power of Jesus to transform lives is a testament to His divine nature and the truth of His message. Reflecting on these transformations can inspire us to seek deeper change in our own lives and to share the gospel with others. [01:39:50]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: Think of a specific area in your life where you need transformation. How can you invite Jesus to bring about this change through the power of the Holy Spirit today?
Quotes
1. "How many know, though, you, you can believe something, but not live according to that belief? I can say, well, that my family's important. My kids are important. My legacy's important. But I can work 80 hours a week. And so, my actions show that I actually don't think that's important. I can say my health is very important, which I always say, well, I need to, you know, man, I need to get in shape. All this kind of stuff. But then when I eat greasy food and I do one sit-up a day, it's not helpful." [01:03:37] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus is the most important person that's ever lived. Most important person that's ever lived. No other religious leader throughout history even comes close. And so, you know, so as I was working on this, I felt like we needed to talk about this because we need to be prepared and equipped. You know, Peter says, always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that's in you." [01:05:19] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We create this image of Jesus in our minds. That is not the Jesus. Let me, let me give you an example. I just heard this, I don't know if you saw this. I don't want to, I don't want to make fun of them too bad, but there was this social media post of these worship leaders. I don't know if you saw this. And these worship leaders, they're, they're, they lead at a church, but they've got, they're on Christian radio and they have their own music." [01:17:15] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We do this with Jesus. We create this image of Jesus in our minds. That is not the Jesus. Let me, let me give you an example. I just heard this, I don't know if you saw this. I don't want to, I don't want to make fun of them too bad, but there was this social media post of these worship leaders. I don't know if you saw this. And these worship leaders, they're, they're, they lead at a church, but they've got, they're on Christian radio and they have their own music." [01:17:15] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have to believe it or we don't. And this is the thing where our culture does not like us as Christians. Okay. Because Jesus says I am the way, the truth, the life. You want to get to God through me only. No other religion can get you to God. You can't be good enough. And in the post-Christian world, the post-modern world that says well that's your truth. And this is my truth. And we can both have our truth. The Christian is saying no, there's one truth and you're wrong." [01:34:17] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "351 prophecies about Christ all fulfilled. There's 60 of those that are major prophecies referenced to Christ. Hundreds of years before Christ lived. Details about it. Listen. When he would come. How he would come. Where he would be born. That he would go to Egypt. He would be descendant of a king. David. From the tribe of Judah. He would ride on a donkey. He would be betrayed by 30 pieces of silver. He would be forsaken." [01:36:11] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Every other religion has died. The leader of the religion has died. Not ours. Jesus predicts his death, burial, and resurrection and pulls it off. And anybody who tells you that Jesus, you know, didn't really live. Okay. I don't know what they're smoking. Okay. So, look, there's so much outside biblical information to tell us that he really lived and he really died. But 500 people saw him alive after he was crucified." [01:39:06] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The changed lives I've seen. I've seen too much not to believe. Anybody say amen to that? When someone comes to Christ and surrenders their life to him, the Holy Spirit resides and they become a new creation. We've seen murders. Not here, maybe. But murders and drug addicts and suicidal people. And hurtful people and angry people. All transformed by the gospel. No other. Yes, other religions say that people are changed. But it's just behavioral change. I mean, I'm talking about a heart that's totally changed." [01:39:50] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "If he truly is God, then we have to deal with what he said about us and how we should live. Let's take a hard look at our lives. Jesus says if we don't accept him as the way. The truth and the life and surrender our life to him and allow his blood to pay for our sins. If you don't accept that you are condemned for eternity in torment in hell. That's the truth." [01:41:17] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic on the level with a man who says he's a poached egg. Or else he would be the devil of hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was and is the son of God. Or a madman. Or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool. You can spit. At him. And kill him as a demon. Or he can fall at his feet and call him Lord. And God." [01:42:17] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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