April 22
Introducing Jesus
He was the ultimate hero. When He visited a community, He was instantly the talk of the town.
His teaching and His miracles were legendary.
He healed the sick, fed over 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish, cast out demons, and even raised the dead.
Everywhere He went, people were asking themselves, “Who is that Man?”
Was he just a good teacher?
A prophet?
The Pharisees said he was demon possessed because He pointed out the evil inside of them.
Others recognized Him for Who He really was…the Christ, the Son of the Living God. (Matthew 16:14-16)
As we enter into a study of Jesus, it’s essential that we understand what these two titles mean.
First, Jesus was “the Christ,” the Messiah the prophets foretold that the Israelites were waiting to arrive. He was the descendant of David, Who would rule not only the people of Israel but God’s followers from all over the world.
However, Jesus was not just a descendant of David (through His mother, Mary). Jesus was the Son of God.
Conceived through the Holy Spirit to a virgin, Jesus was literally 100% God taking on a human body for the purpose of redeeming mankind from their sins.
He was not just a good man—He is the Son of God—the second member of the Trinity—completely Divine.
How do we know this?
God the Father said so at Jesus' baptism:
“And behold, a voice from heaven said, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” (Matthew 3:17, ESV)
John the Baptist testifies that he heard it in John 1:34.
Jesus told the woman at the well, He confirmed it to Peter, and He referred to Himself as God’s Son in His teaching. (This really ticked off the Pharisees.)
Later in the New Testament, it is often taught that Jesus is God’s Son, including Philippians 2:5-11:
“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. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:5-8, NIV)
Why is this so important?
Because today, people are still asking the question, “Who is Jesus?”
Some want to make Him just like Mohammad or Gandhi—a good man with good teachings—a powerful example, but not divine.
This fits the narrative that all religions are the same, and there are many roads to Heaven. However, it isn’t true.
Jesus is not like any other man because He is the One True God. He sacrificially came to earth so that He could pay the penalty for our sins. It’s essential to remember that even when He had a human body, as He walked and talked and ate like a normal man, He was always 100% divine.
He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
Memory Verse: Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16, ESV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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