Who is Jesus? Understanding His Identity and Impact

 

Summary

In our journey through the Apostles' Creed, we delve into the profound question: Who is Jesus? This question is not just a theological inquiry but a personal one that shapes our understanding of life, death, and eternity. The Apostles' Creed succinctly encapsulates the core beliefs of Christianity, affirming Jesus as the Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, crucified, and resurrected. These declarations are not mere historical assertions but foundational truths that define our faith and existence.

Jesus is not just a historical figure or a moral teacher; He is the bridge between humanity and God, the embodiment of divine love and truth. John 3:16 reminds us of the simplicity and profundity of the gospel: God’s love manifested in the giving of His Son, offering eternal life to all who believe. This belief transcends denominational boundaries and cultural differences, focusing solely on faith in Jesus as the path to salvation.

The identity of Jesus is further illuminated in Philippians 2, where Paul describes Jesus' humility and obedience, even unto death, and His subsequent exaltation by God. This passage underscores the paradox of Jesus' nature—fully God and fully man, serving as the ultimate example of servanthood and sacrifice. Revelation 19 paints a picture of Jesus' triumphant return, affirming His sovereignty as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Understanding who Jesus is transforms our perspective on life and death. It offers a lens through which we view God, the Bible, and our relationships with others. Jesus' mission was not only to teach or heal but ultimately to die for our sins, fulfilling prophecies and opening the way to eternal life. His resurrection is the cornerstone of our hope, assuring us of victory over sin and death.

As believers, we are called to reflect on how our understanding of Jesus influences our daily lives, our service to others, and our anticipation of eternity. The question "Who is Jesus?" is not just a theological exercise but a personal exploration that demands a response from each of us, shaping our identity and destiny.

Key Takeaways

- The Centrality of Jesus in Faith: Understanding Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah is crucial to our faith. This belief is not just a doctrinal statement but a transformative truth that shapes our identity and purpose. Recognizing Jesus as the bridge to God changes how we live and perceive our relationship with the divine. [10:19]

- Life and Death Through Jesus' Lens: Our perception of life and death is deeply influenced by our understanding of Jesus. For believers, life is abundant and eternal, and death is a transition to eternal life. This perspective offers hope and purpose, contrasting with a worldview that sees life as temporal and death as the end. [16:38]

- Jesus' Mission and Sacrifice: Jesus' mission was to die for our sins, fulfilling prophecies and offering salvation. His crucifixion and resurrection are historical events that demonstrate God's love and justice. This sacrificial act is the foundation of our hope and the assurance of eternal life. [24:25]

- The Transformative Power of Belief: Believing in Jesus transforms how we see God, the Bible, and others. It compels us to live out our faith through service, love, and forgiveness, reflecting Jesus' example. This belief is not passive but active, influencing every aspect of our lives. [29:38]

- Eternal Implications of Jesus' Identity: How we answer the question "Who is Jesus?" has eternal implications. It determines our relationship with God, our understanding of salvation, and our destiny. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord, highlighting the universal significance of this truth. [33:14]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Introduction to the Apostles' Creed
[01:45] - The Nature of Creeds in Christianity
[03:10] - Exploring the Identity of Jesus
[05:00] - John 3:16 and the Simplicity of the Gospel
[07:20] - Jesus' Role as the Bridge to God
[09:00] - Philippians 2: Jesus' Humility and Exaltation
[11:30] - Revelation 19: The Triumphant Return of Jesus
[13:45] - The Impact of Belief on Life and Death
[16:00] - Jesus' Mission and Sacrificial Death
[18:30] - The Historical Reality of Jesus' Crucifixion
[21:00] - The Transformative Power of Jesus' Resurrection
[23:30] - The Eternal Implications of Jesus' Identity
[26:00] - Conclusion and Call to Reflect on Jesus' Identity
[28:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 3:16-17 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him."
2. Philippians 2:5-11 - "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
3. Revelation 19:11-16 - "And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, 'KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What does John 3:16-17 reveal about God's purpose in sending Jesus into the world? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on Jesus as the bridge to God? [10:19]
2. In Philippians 2:5-11, how is Jesus' humility and obedience described, and what is the result of His actions according to Paul? [16:38]
3. How does Revelation 19:11-16 depict Jesus' return, and what titles are given to Him in this passage? [33:14]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the understanding of Jesus as both fully God and fully man, as described in Philippians 2, impact a believer's view of servanthood and sacrifice? [24:25]
2. What are the implications of Jesus being the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" for how believers should live their lives today? [33:14]
3. How does the sermon suggest that belief in Jesus transforms a person's perspective on life and death? [16:38]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal understanding of who Jesus is. How does this understanding influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [10:19]
2. In what ways can you demonstrate humility and servanthood in your community, following the example of Jesus in Philippians 2? [24:25]
3. How does the promise of eternal life through belief in Jesus provide hope and purpose in your life? Can you think of a specific situation where this hope has been evident? [16:38]
4. Consider the transformative power of belief in Jesus. How has your faith in Him changed your view of God, the Bible, and your relationships with others? [29:38]
5. How can you actively live out your faith by serving others, reflecting Jesus' example of love and forgiveness? Identify one specific action you can take this week. [29:38]
6. The sermon emphasizes the eternal implications of Jesus' identity. How does this perspective shape your understanding of your own identity and destiny? [33:14]
7. How can you engage in conversations about Jesus' identity with friends or family who may have different beliefs? What approach might you take to share your faith effectively? [19:46]

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus as the Bridge to God
Understanding Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah is crucial to our faith. This belief is not just a doctrinal statement but a transformative truth that shapes our identity and purpose. Recognizing Jesus as the bridge to God changes how we live and perceive our relationship with the divine. Jesus is not merely a historical figure or a moral teacher; He is the embodiment of divine love and truth, offering a path to salvation that transcends denominational boundaries and cultural differences. [10:19]

Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV): "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as the bridge to God change the way you approach your relationship with Him today?


Day 2: Life and Death Through Jesus' Lens
Our perception of life and death is deeply influenced by our understanding of Jesus. For believers, life is abundant and eternal, and death is a transition to eternal life. This perspective offers hope and purpose, contrasting with a worldview that sees life as temporal and death as the end. By viewing life and death through Jesus' lens, we are assured of victory over sin and death, and we find a profound sense of peace and purpose in our earthly journey. [16:38]

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from the temporal to the eternal in your daily life?


Day 3: Jesus' Mission and Sacrifice
Jesus' mission was to die for our sins, fulfilling prophecies and offering salvation. His crucifixion and resurrection are historical events that demonstrate God's love and justice. This sacrificial act is the foundation of our hope and the assurance of eternal life. Understanding Jesus' mission and sacrifice compels us to live in gratitude and to share this message of hope with others, knowing that His love and justice are available to all who believe. [24:25]

Isaiah 53:4-6 (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. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."

Reflection: How can you live out the gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice in your interactions with others today?


Day 4: The Transformative Power of Belief
Believing in Jesus transforms how we see God, the Bible, and others. It compels us to live out our faith through service, love, and forgiveness, reflecting Jesus' example. This belief is not passive but active, influencing every aspect of our lives. As we grow in our understanding of Jesus, we are called to embody His teachings and to be a light in the world, demonstrating the transformative power of belief in our daily actions. [29:38]

James 2:14-17 (ESV): "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can actively demonstrate your faith through service or love today?


Day 5: Eternal Implications of Jesus' Identity
How we answer the question "Who is Jesus?" has eternal implications. It determines our relationship with God, our understanding of salvation, and our destiny. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord, highlighting the universal significance of this truth. Understanding the eternal implications of Jesus' identity calls us to a deeper commitment to Him and to sharing the message of His lordship with others. [33:14]

Colossians 1:15-20 (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. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

Reflection: How does acknowledging Jesus as Lord influence your decisions and priorities today?

Quotes



"So there's more to this than just saying, I know that there's God out there somewhere. He said, yes, you have to understand who Jesus is, that he is the way and the truth and the life. He is the bridge between you and God. He is the Son of God, God the Son. And by knowing him, you can have life in his name. And so that changed my life, my understanding 180 degrees. Who is God? Who is Jesus? And this is where we are in John 3, 16." [00:21:49] (23 seconds)


"Or if you live a certain region of the world, you know, he says, you know what? Here's how this works. God loves the world. He gave his son. Whoever believes in him doesn't perish, but has everlasting life. Verse 17, for God did not send the son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. He who believes in him is not judged. He who does not believe has been judged already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God." [00:35:00] (34 seconds)


"Therefore, also God highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name, which is above every name, that the name of Jesus, every knee should bow of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. And finally, in Revelation 19, we see the return of Messiah Jesus, verse 11. It says, and I saw heavens open, behold, a white horse, and he who sat upon it, it's called Faithful and True." [00:47:26] (30 seconds)


"See, how you see life is often based on who is Jesus in your life. Because if Jesus is a reality in your life, you'll see life as being abundant. You'll see life as being eternal. You'll see life as being eternal. Life is not temporal, that you live on, that you've made it clear, that God's made it clear that you will have life everlasting and the joy of that becomes a reality. Number two, how you see death." [00:51:59] (25 seconds)


"Is death a portal to heaven? It is if you're a follower of Jesus. That death is simply transferring from the land of the dying to the land of the living. That is simply a portal from this world, from this realm to the next. Or for those who don't believe in Jesus, it is the end of everything. That when you take your last breath as a non-believer, it's the end of everything." [00:53:43] (23 seconds)


"How you see Jesus also determines how you serve or how you help others. Do you want to serve others like he did? Reach out to those who are hurting, the outcast, those who are fearful, those who are uncertain, those who feel condemned. How you see Jesus determines how you serve. How you see Jesus determines how you see the church. See, the church is not a building. Most of you know that. Church is not a building. I mean, this building could be anything. It could be a theater." [01:04:27] (28 seconds)


"The church is basically those who come together as like-minded believers. And everyone is welcome. And everyone comes in. But it's about the ekklesia. The word ekklesia is the Greek word meaning those who realize I used to be in darkness, but I've come out of darkness and I have now coming into light. And that's what the church is about. Those who said, I know where I've been. I know who I am. I know what I've done. I know how I've offended a holy God. But Jesus saved me and he took me out of darkness and he brought me into light." [01:05:33] (28 seconds)


"Jesus has all the essence, all the traits, all the characteristics of God. Here's how Hebrews 1 verse 3 puts it. That Jesus is the radiance of his glory. He is the exact representation of his nature. He upholds all things by the word of his power. So Jesus is just as much God, all the attributes of God. He can forgive sin. He can raise the dead. He can give sight to the blind. He can calm the storm. He can take a few fish and loaves and feed thousands." [01:22:09] (33 seconds)


"Was it to be a good example of, again, what God's love is about? Well, yeah, that's a part of it. Was it to show the love of God? Well, absolutely. All these things are true. But the ultimate purpose of God, the ultimate mission of Jesus was this. Jesus was born. Jesus was born to die. You think about that. He was born to die. He was born to be the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world, to be that sacrificial lamb, to take the wrath of God upon himself for what I have done wrong, for what we have done wrong." [01:28:02] (43 seconds)


"Isaiah 53 says it this way. 750 years before the crucifixion. That Jesus would be despised and forsaken. He would bear our grief. He would be smitten of God. He would be pierced for our transgressions. By his stripes we were healed. The iniquity of us all would fall upon him. He does not open his mouth. There is no defense that he gives. His grave is assigned with wicked. But he's with a rich man in his death. Joseph of Arimathea, at the time of the death of Jesus, takes the body of Jesus and places Jesus in his own tomb." [01:30:06] (38 seconds)


"Jesus comes along, and as death sinks its fangs into the Messiah, the fangs break. And Jesus rises from the grave, conquering sin and death to prove that he is life. How do we know? Because the tomb was empty, ladies and gentlemen. People saw him. Lives were changed. Peter, the denier, saw him and believed. Thomas, the doubter, saw him and believed. Paul, the destroyer, saw him and believed. And all had their hearts wonderfully, miraculously changed. Prophecy was fulfilled." [01:33:52] (35 seconds)


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Transcript
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