Understanding the True Identity of Jesus Christ
Summary
In exploring what it truly means to be a Christian, it’s essential to understand who Jesus is—not just as we imagine him, but as he truly is. Throughout history, people have wrestled with the identity of Jesus, and even today, our impressions are shaped by family, culture, art, and personal experience. But the Nicene Creed, written centuries ago, helps clarify the core of our faith: Jesus is the one Lord, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father—fully God and fully man.
It’s easy to reduce Jesus to a familiar friend, someone we can talk to and relate to, and that’s a beautiful part of our relationship with him. But if we only see him as our buddy, we miss the majesty and authority that belong to him as the architect of the universe. Jesus is not just a carpenter from Nazareth; he is the one through whom all things were made. He is both approachable and awe-inspiring, both gentle and powerful.
This dual nature—fully God and fully man—means that Jesus not only understands our struggles, pain, and temptations, but he also has the power to create, sustain, and redeem. He is worthy to sit on the throne at the center of the universe and at the center of our lives. Yet, we often try to take that seat ourselves, asking Jesus to step aside when it suits us. We compartmentalize our faith, letting Jesus rule in some areas but not in others.
Isaiah’s vision reminds us of the holiness and majesty of Jesus, the only one worthy to sit on the throne. When we truly grasp who Jesus is, it changes how we live. If we make Jesus small, we live in fear and self-reliance. But when we see him as he is—King, Creator, Savior—we can trust him with our lives, our fears, and our failures. Jesus, fully God and fully man, loves us, understands us, and invites us to let him take his rightful place at the center of our lives.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus is both fully God and fully man, a mystery that anchors our faith. He was born in history, yet he has always existed, sharing the divine nature of the Father. This means he is not just a wise teacher or a compassionate friend, but the eternal Creator who holds all things together. [04:45]
- Our view of Jesus shapes our lives. If we only see him as a gentle friend, we risk minimizing his power and authority. But if we only see him as distant and divine, we miss his empathy and understanding. Holding both truths together—his majesty and his humanity—leads us to a deeper, more authentic relationship with him. [13:29]
- Jesus alone is worthy to sit on the throne at the center of our lives. It’s tempting to ask him to step aside so we can take control, especially when life gets difficult or when we want our own way. But surrendering our agenda and letting Jesus rule is the path to true life and peace, because he alone is the rightful King. [23:29]
- Compartmentalizing our faith leads to inconsistency and self-justification. We may let Jesus rule in some areas but not others, excusing our actions by thinking he’ll understand or forgive. But recognizing his lordship means inviting him into every part of our lives, trusting that his wisdom and love are greater than our own. [27:52]
- The greatness of Jesus is matched by his compassion. The one who created the universe also knows our pain, our fears, and our struggles. He welcomes sinners, forgives the broken, and carries our burdens. Trusting him means giving him our anxieties and letting him be both our Savior and our King. [32:54]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:40] - Framing Our View of Jesus
[02:57] - Images and Impressions of Jesus
[04:45] - The Nicene Creed: Who Is Jesus?
[08:50] - Seeing Jesus as Friend
[09:36] - The Danger of Minimizing Jesus
[13:29] - Jesus: Fully God, Fully Man
[14:09] - Jesus: Architect of the Universe
[15:56] - The Creator Who Understands Us
[17:16] - Making Jesus Small
[17:48] - Jesus as King and Lord
[18:49] - The Throne of Our Lives
[19:27] - Jesus the Humble Servant
[21:39] - Isaiah’s Vision of the King
[23:29] - Who Sits on the Throne?
[24:50] - Compartmentalizing God
[27:52] - Justifying Our Actions
[30:51] - The Impact of Our View of God
[31:31] - Jesus’ Compassion and Invitation
[32:54] - Giving Our Burdens to Jesus
[33:25] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 6:1-5
_In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”_
2. John 1:1-3, 14
_In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made... The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth._
3. Colossians 1:15-17
_The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together._
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### Observation Questions
1. In Isaiah’s vision (Isaiah 6), what details show the majesty and holiness of the Lord? How does Isaiah respond when he sees the Lord?
(See [22:13])
2. According to John 1, what does it mean that “the Word was with God, and the Word was God”? What does this tell us about Jesus’ identity?
(See [04:45])
3. In Colossians 1, what are some of the things that are said to be created by and for Jesus? How does this passage describe his role in the universe?
(See [14:09])
4. The sermon mentions that Jesus is both fully God and fully man. What are some examples from the sermon or Scripture that show both his divinity and his humanity?
(See [15:56])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Isaiah felt “ruined” when he saw the Lord on the throne? What does this reveal about the difference between God’s holiness and our own condition?
(See [22:59])
2. The sermon talks about how our view of Jesus shapes how we live. What are some ways people might “make Jesus small” in their lives, and what are the consequences of that?
(See [17:16])
3. The Nicene Creed and the passages in John and Colossians emphasize that Jesus is both eternal God and fully human. Why is it important for our faith that Jesus is both, not just one or the other?
(See [13:29])
4. The sermon describes how we sometimes ask Jesus to “step off the throne” in certain areas of our lives. What does it look like to let Jesus truly be King in every part of our lives?
(See [19:27])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon says we often compartmentalize our faith, letting Jesus rule in some areas but not others. Can you think of a specific area in your life where you tend to “ask Jesus to step aside”? What would it look like to invite him back into that area?
(See [27:52])
2. When you think of Jesus, do you tend to see him more as a gentle friend or as the powerful King? How does this affect the way you pray, make decisions, or handle challenges?
(See [08:50] and [17:16])
3. Isaiah’s vision left him in awe and humility. When was the last time you felt a sense of awe about who Jesus is? What could you do this week to intentionally remember his majesty?
(See [22:59])
4. The sermon says that if we make Jesus small, we end up living in fear and self-reliance. Are there fears or anxieties you are carrying right now that you need to give to Jesus? What would it look like to trust him with those?
(See [30:51] and [32:54])
5. Jesus is both the Creator of the universe and the one who understands our pain and struggles. How does knowing that Jesus “gets you” change the way you approach him with your needs or failures?
(See [15:56])
6. The Nicene Creed says Jesus is “eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light.” How might reflecting on these truths help you worship or follow Jesus differently this week?
(See [04:45])
7. The sermon ends with an invitation to let Jesus take his rightful place at the center of our lives. What is one practical step you can take this week to put Jesus at the center—whether in your schedule, your relationships, or your priorities?
(See [33:25])
---
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Is Both Fully God and Fully Man
Jesus is not just a historical figure or a wise teacher; He is both fully God and fully man, eternal and incarnate, the one who was born in a manger yet has always existed. This truth means that Jesus is uniquely able to bridge the gap between humanity and God, understanding our struggles while holding divine authority and power. When we see Jesus only as a friend or a good man, we miss the majesty and mystery of who He truly is. He is the eternal Son, present before history began and reigning beyond its end, worthy of our awe and worship. [09:36]
John 1:1-3, 14 (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... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Reflection: In what ways have you tended to see Jesus as only a friend or only as God? How might embracing both His divinity and humanity change the way you relate to Him today?
Day 2: Jesus Is the Creator and Sustainer of All
Jesus is not just a carpenter from Nazareth; He is the architect of the universe. Every star, every ocean, every mountain, and even the intricate details of your DNA and fingerprints were designed by Him. The same Jesus who walked dusty roads is the one who spoke creation into being and holds all things together. Because He is so powerful, you can trust Him with your deepest problems and fears, knowing that nothing is too big or too small for Him to handle. [14:58]
Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV)
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 is one area of your life that feels out of control or overwhelming? Will you trust the Creator of the universe to hold it together for you today?
Day 3: Jesus Alone Is Worthy to Sit on the Throne
There is a throne at the center of the universe and at the center of your life, and only Jesus is worthy to sit on it. Too often, we try to take that seat ourselves, asking Jesus to step aside so we can do things our own way. But when we see Jesus as He truly is—high and exalted, holy and glorious—we realize how unworthy we are to take His place. He alone deserves our surrender, our worship, and our obedience, not just in words but in the way we live each day. [23:29]
Isaiah 6:1-5 (ESV)
In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”
Reflection: Is there a specific area where you have been asking Jesus to “step off the throne” so you can be in control? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?
Day 4: Our View of Jesus Shapes Our Lives
How we see Jesus directly impacts how we live. If we make Him small—just a buddy or a gentle helper—we end up living in fear, anxiety, or self-reliance, thinking we must handle everything ourselves. But when we see Jesus as the majestic, powerful, and loving King, we find the courage to trust Him, to pray boldly, and to let go of our need for control. Our security and peace come not from our own efforts, but from knowing who sits on the throne of our lives. [30:51]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Reflection: How has your view of Jesus affected your willingness to trust Him with your fears or decisions? What is one step you can take today to acknowledge His lordship in your life?
Day 5: Jesus Knows, Loves, and Invites You
Jesus, the God of the universe, knows your heart, your pain, your fears, and your needs. He welcomed sinners, forgave the broken, and died for the unworthy—proving His love by rising from the dead. He invites you to bring your burdens, anxieties, and heartaches to Him, promising to carry them and to be with you. No matter what you are facing, Jesus is for you, and He invites you to put Him at the center of your life, where true life and peace are found. [32:54]
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Reflection: What burden or fear are you carrying today that you need to give to Jesus? Will you take a moment now to bring it honestly to Him and let Him carry it for you?
Quotes
You see, if Jesus is only just this amazing man, it's not enough because the cross isn't enough. And we tend to maybe not pray because we think it doesn't really matter. Now, if Jesus is only God and not man, then we think to ourselves, well, he doesn't get us. He doesn't get his. Here's the reality of Jesus. He's both. He is both. That's why the creed says, through him, all things were made. You see, Jesus is not just a carpenter from Nazareth. He is the architect of the universe. He is not just a carpenter from Nazareth. He is the architect of the universe. He is both. [00:13:47] (52 seconds)
So we think of the stars, we think of the oceans, we think of the mountains, we think of all those spectacular things. The reality is, those were spoken to being by Jesus. Jesus designed them. We look at ourselves and we think to ourselves, think about your DNA, think about your fingerprints, think about every breath that you have. That is not random. That is designed by Jesus. That's who he is. The amazing thing is our God is so powerful. The one that is powerful enough to create the universe, though, we get the ability to trust him. Because then we know he's powerful enough to hold our problems. And the things that we lay at his feet, he can handle those as well. Jesus is big and he's powerful. But here's the thing. [00:14:58] (59 seconds)
But here's the other thing about Jesus. Remember, scripture says, Jesus was heartbroken. He cried. Jesus was hungry. Jesus was tired. Jesus knew betrayal. Jesus knew what it meant to be abandoned. He knew all those things. You see, Jesus is fully God. And he is fully man. Again, grasp this. The creator of the universe gets you. The creator of the universe gets you. Now, I get it. We can sit here and we can say, okay, fully God, fully man. I mean, I kind of understand that. But here's the thing, and maybe you're like me. [00:16:07] (49 seconds)
You see, I turn him into my buddy, and when I turn him into my buddy, he becomes someone very small. Now, it's great, but when we have that kind of relationship with Jesus, it's also problematic. Now, remember, the part of the creed says this. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ. Okay, so there's a guy, Glenn Packham, he wrote a book on the Nicene Creed, and this is what he says. By confessing we believe in one Lord, his followers were saying that he is the one and only king. No other Lord, no other king, no other kingdom or empire, which in this culture was problematic because Caesar was king. But you see, Jesus was the true king. And that's what we're saying when we say this. [00:17:27] (53 seconds)
There's a throne in the middle of our lives, the center of our lives, and I don't sit there. We don't sit there. And the fact that we can ask Jesus to step aside and move over, because I got some things I want to do, and some things I want to say, and some ways I got to act, I think I'm just going to take charge. It's ludicrous when we read that. There's a throne in the center of the universe, and I am not on it. My family's not on it. My kids are not on it. My job is not on it. My friends are not on it. Things I want to do are not on it. There is only one person on that, and that is Jesus. It doesn't belong to me. It doesn't belong to anything else but Jesus. Jesus is the one worthy to sit on the throne in the center of our lives. [00:23:48] (56 seconds)
If we make Jesus small, if we minimize Jesus, what happens? We live our lives with fear because we think we're in control. And we hesitate to pray because we think, oh, it doesn't even matter. Or we follow the whims of the world because we think it is there we get our security. There's a throne in the center of our lives. Are we going to let Jesus sit on it? There lies the question. That's the question. Are we going to trust the one that holds the universe in his hands? Are we going to trust that he can hold our lives in his hands as well? That's what it's about. [00:30:51] (49 seconds)
This is what we know about Jesus. Jesus welcomed sinners. Jesus forgave the broken. Jesus died for the unworthy. Jesus was born as a man and he lived. He went to a cross and died fully God, fully man. And he proved that he was God and he rose from the dead. And he did all that because he loves you and he is for you. [00:31:55] (27 seconds)
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