Who is Jesus - Exploring the Humanity and Divinity of Jesus?
Copyright: South Bay Community Church
Speaker: Minister Tony DeGruy
Sermon Scripture: Matthew 16:13-17
Sermon Quick Summary
Who is Jesus? Jesus posed this question to His disciples, and it is one of the most profound inquiries in history. The humanity of Jesus’ human experiences makes Jesus the perfect substitute for us and enables Jesus to sympathize with our weaknesses. Equally important is Jesus’ divinity as fully God. Jesus is one person, with two distinct natures, fully God and fully human; this is known as the hypostatic union. This hypostatic union is essential for our salvation; as fully human, Jesus represents us before God; as fully divine, Jesus acts as a mediator between God and human beings and has the power to save us. According to CS Lewis, there are three theories regarding the identity of Jesus: liar (claiming to be God but knew he was not), lunatic (believing Himself to be God, but was not), or Lord (claiming to be God were true). Many skeptics argue that Jesus was merely a good teacher or moral leader. However, this view fails under scrutiny. Lee Strobel, author of The Case for Christ, examined historical evidence concerning Jesus’ divinity and resurrection. The Apostle Peter's declaration recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, affirms belief in Jesus as the Son of the living God, and confirms the dual identity of Jesus as both human and divine. Jesus’ identity as fully human and fully divine sets Him apart from all others in history. His humanity enables Him to sympathize with us; His divinity empowers Him to save us. Together, these truths form the foundation of Christianity.
Who is Jesus? Jesus posed this question to His disciples, and it is one of the most profound inquiries in history.
This question forces us to confront the identity of Jesus Christ that has divided theologians, philosophers, and skeptics for centuries. Was Jesus merely a good man or a moral teacher? Or was Jesus who He claimed to be: the Son of God?
Let’s explore Jesus’ dual nature of His humanity and His divinity. Let’s respond to the notion that He was simply a great moral teacher. Drawing upon Scripture, theological insights like the hypostatic union, and C.S. Lewis’s argument from Mere Christianity, Jesus cannot be reduced to just a good man. He is either Lord, a liar, or a lunatic.
When we talk about barriers to accepting Christ, the intellectual barrier may be most challenging to overcome because many today act like technology can cure all that ails human beings.
Matthew 16:13-17 declares, 13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.15”Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son John because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.”
In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asks His disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” This question challenges us to explore Jesus' identity. Was He just a good man or something more? By examining His humanity and divinity and using Scripture, theology, and Lewis’s theory, we will see why Jesus is more than a moral figure. We must understand Jesus' identity. We must explore His dual nature: humanity and divinity. We must answer the question for ourselves. The answer extends beyond our rote memorization or trite answers as to who Jesus is. Some accept Jesus as our Savior but not our Lord.
The humanity of Jesus’ human experiences makes Jesus the perfect substitute for us and enables Jesus to sympathize with our weaknesses.
The humanity of Jesus is crucial to understanding Jesus identity and mission. Why is this important? First, only a human could fulfill the requirements of God's law. Galatians 4:4-5 teaches us that Jesus was "born under the law" to redeem those under it and stand in our place under God’s law. As humans, we are all guilty of breaking God’s law, and only a perfect human could fulfill it on our behalf. 2 Corinthians 5:21 declares that Jesus became sin for us so that we might become righteous through Jesus. Sacrifices of bulls and goats were insufficient as atonement for our transgressions (Hebrews 10:4). Jesus faced temptation; Jesus was tempted like us, but without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Hebrews 4:15 states, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.” As followers of Jesus Christ, this truth brings comfort. Jesus understands our struggles because He lived as one of us.
The birth of Jesus in humble circumstances emphasizes themes of humility and marginalization; the Savior of the world was born not in grandeur but in a manger feeding trough, symbolizing God's identification with the lowly and marginalized. Jesus experienced human birth and growth: Jesus was born as a human (Luke 2:7); Jesus grew in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52). Jesus experienced human needs and emotions; Jesus felt hunger (Matthew 4:2); Jesus experienced thirst (John 19:28); Jesus felt weariness (John 4:6); Jesus experienced sorrow (John 11:35).
Equally important is Jesus’ divinity as fully God.
From His miraculous birth (Matthew 1:23) to His resurrection (Luke 24:6), scripture affirms that Jesus was fully God. John 1:1 declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Later in John 1:14, we read that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
Evidence for His Divinity and divine authority Jesus demonstrated through His miracles—healing the sick (Mark 2:10-12), calming storms (Mark 4:39), forgiving sins (Luke 5:20-24), and even raising the dead (John 11:43-44). These acts were not mere displays of power, but these acts of Jesus were signs pointing to His identity as God incarnate.
Jesus made explicit claims about His identity. In John 8:58, Jesus stated His eternal existence and divine nature, “Before Abraham was born, I am!’ This echoes God’s self-revelation in Exodus 3:14. In John 10:30, Jesus asserted His unity with the Father, which led to accusations of blasphemy. His resurrection is extremely significant because it validates His claims about Himself as fully God. Romans 1:4 states that Jesus “was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead.”
Jesus fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah—His birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), His lineage from David (Isaiah 9:7), His suffering and death (Isaiah 53), and His resurrection (Psalm 16:10). These fulfillments are not coincidences but divine “fingerprints” affirming who Jesus is.
Jesus is one person, with two distinct natures, fully God and fully human; this is known as the hypostatic union.
These natures as fully God and fully human are united without mixture or confusion. Philippians 2:6-7 explains, “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.” Therefore, the hypostatic union ensures that these two natures coexist without confusion or separation and underscores why reducing Jesus to merely human or divine fails to capture His true identity.
This hypostatic union is essential for our salvation; as fully human, Jesus represents us before God; as fully divine, Jesus acts as a mediator between God and human beings and has the power to save us.
The divinity of Jesus ensures salvation for believers in Jesus Christ.
The Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD dealt with matters which were discussed at previous councils, mostly related to the divine and human natures of Jesus Christ. The Council affirmed this truth against heresies that denied His humanity or diminished His divinity. The Council of Chalcedon was the fourth ecumenical council held by the early Christian Church in Chalcedon, Bithynia (now part of Istanbul, Turkey).
According to CS Lewis, there are three theories regarding the identity of Jesus: liar (claiming to be God but knew he was not), lunatic (believing Himself to be God, but was not), or Lord (claiming to be God were true).
Lewis writes: “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 a level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell.”
This argument challenges us to reject neutrality about Jesus’ identity. Since Jesus claimed divinity, then we must either accept Jesus as Lord or reject Him entirely.
If we believe Jesus to be a liar, then we are calling God a liar, and the same is true for every author of the Bible. We see in Genesis that Jesus is the Seed of the woman. In Leviticus, He is our High Priest. In 1st & 2nd Samuel, He is the Seed of David. In Kings and Chronicles, He is our reigning King. In Job, He is our Redeemer. Solomon says He is our loving Bridegroom, and Isaiah calls Him the Prince of Peace. These are a few references about the truth of Jesus. In all 66 books of the Bible, we find Jesus.
Many skeptics argue that Jesus was merely a good teacher or moral leader. However, this view fails under scrutiny.
First, Jesus’ life and teaching dispel this false notion; His moral integrity, compassion, wisdom, and selflessness contradict this claim.
Second, Jesus’ bold claims about Himself are incompatible with deceit or madness; his character does not align with being a liar. His actions do not suggest lunacy. In John 14:6, Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Jesus is much more than a “Good Teacher.” Good teacher ignores Jesus’ explicit claims about Himself. A good teacher does not claim divinity falsely. False claims would lead people astray. Liars are often narcissistic and self-serving. Yet, Jesus exhibited profound humility and selflessness, washing the feet of disciples (John 13:5) and sacrificing Himself for humanity Philippians 2:8). These traits align with divinity rather than deception.
Lee Strobel, author of The Case for Christ, examined historical evidence concerning Jesus’ divinity and resurrection.
Strobel highlights several key points: The bible records firsthand accounts eyewitness testimony of Jesus’ miracles and resurrection appearances. Old Testament fulfilled prophecies about the Messiah fit perfectly with Jesus’ life. God transformed the apostles from fearful men hiding after Jesus’ crucifixion to bold witnesses willing to die for their faith; this change is inexplicable without encountering the risen Christ.
Strobel, an atheist for 30 years was not convinced about Jesus. After reviewing the evidence for more than two years, Strobel, accepted Jesus as Savior. Reading Lee Strobel can also help strengthen our conviction that Jesus is who He claimed to be.
When Jesus confronts Peter with the question: Who do you say that I am? Peter responds boldly: “You are the Messiah (Christ), the Son of the living God.” This confession remains central to the Christian faith today.
The Apostle Peter's declaration: recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, affirms belief in Jesus as the Son of the living God, and confirms the dual identity of Jesus as both human and divine.
Each person must answer this question personally. Is Jesus merely a good teacher? Or is He Lord? Neutrality is not an option to respond to these questions because Jesus demands a response.
Jesus’ identity as fully human and fully divine sets Him apart from all others in history. His humanity enables Him to sympathize with us; His divinity empowers Him to save us. Together, these truths form the foundation of Christianity.
C.S. Lewis challenges us not to dismiss Jesus as merely a good man or teacher but to confront Jesus’ claims about who Jesus is. The evidence overwhelmingly supports that Jesus is Lord.
Who do you say Jesus is? Find answers that lead you to a deeper faith and commitment to Christ, the perfect God-Man who bridges heaven and earth for our salvation!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FAMILY GROUPS
Who is Jesus? Jesus posed this question to His disciples, and it is one of the most profound inquiries in history.
-Review Matthew 16:15 in which Jesus asked His disciples to respond to Jesus’ question asking, “Who is Jesus?” Who is Jesus in your daily life?
-What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of scripture to strengthen your conviction about who Jesus is?
-How does recognizing Jesus a both Savior and Lord impact your relationship with Jesus?
The humanity of Jesus’ human experiences makes Jesus the perfect substitute for us and enables Jesus to sympathize with our weaknesses.
-Review Galatians 4:4-5. Why is Jesus’ humanity essential for fulfilling the requirements of God’s law?
-Review Hebrews 4:15. How does Jesus’ ability to sympathize with human weaknesses bring comfort in your personal struggles?
Equally important is Jesus’ divinity as fully God.
-From your bible study, what evidence from biblical scripture supports the divinity of Jesus?
-Who do you say Jesus is, and how does it impact you in your spiritual journey?
Jesus is one person, with two distinct natures, fully God and fully human; this is known as the hypostatic union. This hypostatic union is essential for our salvation; as fully human, Jesus represents us before God; as fully divine, Jesus acts as a mediator between God and human beings and has the power to save us.
-How does the concept of the hypostatic union explain Jesus’ dual nature as fully human and fully divine?
-In what ways has our understanding of Jesus’ identity shaped your since of purpose and belonging?
-How can you live out the truth of Jesus being fully human and fully divine in your daily life?
According to CS Lewis, there are three theories regarding the identity of Jesus: liar (claiming to be God but knew he was not), lunatic (believing Himself to be God, but was not), or Lord (claiming to be God were true).
-How do CS Lewis theories of liar, lunatic, or Lord challenge you to confront skeptical claims that Jesus is a liar or a lunatic and instead accept the truth of claims by Jesus that Jesus is Lord?
-What will help you confront false claims that Jesus is a liar or a lunatic?
Many skeptics argue that Jesus was merely a good teacher or moral leader. However, this view fails under scrutiny.
-What actions can you take to share the evidence of Jesus’ divinity with others who may only see Jesus as a moral teacher?
-Review John 13:5. How can you model humility and servanthood like Jesus did during His earthly ministry?
Lee Strobel, author of The Case for Christ, examined historical evidence concerning Jesus’ divinity and resurrection.
-Among the points made by Lee Strobel in his book, The Case for Christ, after 2 years of intense investigation following 30 years as an atheist, what points most resonate with you that would be effective in presenting the case for Christ to a non-believer?
The Apostle Peter's declaration: recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, affirms belief in Jesus as the Son of the living God, and confirms the dual identity of Jesus as both human and divine.
-What does Peter’s declaration, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God," reveal to you about Jesus’ identity?
-What does Peter’s bold confession teach us about faith and reliance on divine revelation rather than human understanding?
-In light of Peter’s confession, how can you boldly declare your faith in challenging situations?
Jesus’ identity as fully human and fully divine sets Him apart from all others in history. His humanity enables Him to sympathize with us; His divinity empowers Him to save us. Together, these truths form the foundation of Christianity.
-What opportunities have you had to follow the model of Jesus in sympathetic empathy for others and praising God through B.L.E.S.S. activities?
-As you learn more about the identity of Jesus, what challenges do you face to grow your faith and commitment to Jesus Christ in your earthly life journey and not grow in carry the sickness and sin of the world system in opposition to God?
Speaker: Minister Tony DeGruy
Sermon Scripture: Matthew 16:13-17
Sermon Quick Summary
Who is Jesus? Jesus posed this question to His disciples, and it is one of the most profound inquiries in history. The humanity of Jesus’ human experiences makes Jesus the perfect substitute for us and enables Jesus to sympathize with our weaknesses. Equally important is Jesus’ divinity as fully God. Jesus is one person, with two distinct natures, fully God and fully human; this is known as the hypostatic union. This hypostatic union is essential for our salvation; as fully human, Jesus represents us before God; as fully divine, Jesus acts as a mediator between God and human beings and has the power to save us. According to CS Lewis, there are three theories regarding the identity of Jesus: liar (claiming to be God but knew he was not), lunatic (believing Himself to be God, but was not), or Lord (claiming to be God were true). Many skeptics argue that Jesus was merely a good teacher or moral leader. However, this view fails under scrutiny. Lee Strobel, author of The Case for Christ, examined historical evidence concerning Jesus’ divinity and resurrection. The Apostle Peter's declaration recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, affirms belief in Jesus as the Son of the living God, and confirms the dual identity of Jesus as both human and divine. Jesus’ identity as fully human and fully divine sets Him apart from all others in history. His humanity enables Him to sympathize with us; His divinity empowers Him to save us. Together, these truths form the foundation of Christianity.
Who is Jesus? Jesus posed this question to His disciples, and it is one of the most profound inquiries in history.
This question forces us to confront the identity of Jesus Christ that has divided theologians, philosophers, and skeptics for centuries. Was Jesus merely a good man or a moral teacher? Or was Jesus who He claimed to be: the Son of God?
Let’s explore Jesus’ dual nature of His humanity and His divinity. Let’s respond to the notion that He was simply a great moral teacher. Drawing upon Scripture, theological insights like the hypostatic union, and C.S. Lewis’s argument from Mere Christianity, Jesus cannot be reduced to just a good man. He is either Lord, a liar, or a lunatic.
When we talk about barriers to accepting Christ, the intellectual barrier may be most challenging to overcome because many today act like technology can cure all that ails human beings.
Matthew 16:13-17 declares, 13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.15”Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son John because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.”
In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asks His disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” This question challenges us to explore Jesus' identity. Was He just a good man or something more? By examining His humanity and divinity and using Scripture, theology, and Lewis’s theory, we will see why Jesus is more than a moral figure. We must understand Jesus' identity. We must explore His dual nature: humanity and divinity. We must answer the question for ourselves. The answer extends beyond our rote memorization or trite answers as to who Jesus is. Some accept Jesus as our Savior but not our Lord.
The humanity of Jesus’ human experiences makes Jesus the perfect substitute for us and enables Jesus to sympathize with our weaknesses.
The humanity of Jesus is crucial to understanding Jesus identity and mission. Why is this important? First, only a human could fulfill the requirements of God's law. Galatians 4:4-5 teaches us that Jesus was "born under the law" to redeem those under it and stand in our place under God’s law. As humans, we are all guilty of breaking God’s law, and only a perfect human could fulfill it on our behalf. 2 Corinthians 5:21 declares that Jesus became sin for us so that we might become righteous through Jesus. Sacrifices of bulls and goats were insufficient as atonement for our transgressions (Hebrews 10:4). Jesus faced temptation; Jesus was tempted like us, but without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Hebrews 4:15 states, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.” As followers of Jesus Christ, this truth brings comfort. Jesus understands our struggles because He lived as one of us.
The birth of Jesus in humble circumstances emphasizes themes of humility and marginalization; the Savior of the world was born not in grandeur but in a manger feeding trough, symbolizing God's identification with the lowly and marginalized. Jesus experienced human birth and growth: Jesus was born as a human (Luke 2:7); Jesus grew in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52). Jesus experienced human needs and emotions; Jesus felt hunger (Matthew 4:2); Jesus experienced thirst (John 19:28); Jesus felt weariness (John 4:6); Jesus experienced sorrow (John 11:35).
Equally important is Jesus’ divinity as fully God.
From His miraculous birth (Matthew 1:23) to His resurrection (Luke 24:6), scripture affirms that Jesus was fully God. John 1:1 declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Later in John 1:14, we read that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
Evidence for His Divinity and divine authority Jesus demonstrated through His miracles—healing the sick (Mark 2:10-12), calming storms (Mark 4:39), forgiving sins (Luke 5:20-24), and even raising the dead (John 11:43-44). These acts were not mere displays of power, but these acts of Jesus were signs pointing to His identity as God incarnate.
Jesus made explicit claims about His identity. In John 8:58, Jesus stated His eternal existence and divine nature, “Before Abraham was born, I am!’ This echoes God’s self-revelation in Exodus 3:14. In John 10:30, Jesus asserted His unity with the Father, which led to accusations of blasphemy. His resurrection is extremely significant because it validates His claims about Himself as fully God. Romans 1:4 states that Jesus “was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead.”
Jesus fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah—His birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), His lineage from David (Isaiah 9:7), His suffering and death (Isaiah 53), and His resurrection (Psalm 16:10). These fulfillments are not coincidences but divine “fingerprints” affirming who Jesus is.
Jesus is one person, with two distinct natures, fully God and fully human; this is known as the hypostatic union.
These natures as fully God and fully human are united without mixture or confusion. Philippians 2:6-7 explains, “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.” Therefore, the hypostatic union ensures that these two natures coexist without confusion or separation and underscores why reducing Jesus to merely human or divine fails to capture His true identity.
This hypostatic union is essential for our salvation; as fully human, Jesus represents us before God; as fully divine, Jesus acts as a mediator between God and human beings and has the power to save us.
The divinity of Jesus ensures salvation for believers in Jesus Christ.
The Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD dealt with matters which were discussed at previous councils, mostly related to the divine and human natures of Jesus Christ. The Council affirmed this truth against heresies that denied His humanity or diminished His divinity. The Council of Chalcedon was the fourth ecumenical council held by the early Christian Church in Chalcedon, Bithynia (now part of Istanbul, Turkey).
According to CS Lewis, there are three theories regarding the identity of Jesus: liar (claiming to be God but knew he was not), lunatic (believing Himself to be God, but was not), or Lord (claiming to be God were true).
Lewis writes: “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 a level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell.”
This argument challenges us to reject neutrality about Jesus’ identity. Since Jesus claimed divinity, then we must either accept Jesus as Lord or reject Him entirely.
If we believe Jesus to be a liar, then we are calling God a liar, and the same is true for every author of the Bible. We see in Genesis that Jesus is the Seed of the woman. In Leviticus, He is our High Priest. In 1st & 2nd Samuel, He is the Seed of David. In Kings and Chronicles, He is our reigning King. In Job, He is our Redeemer. Solomon says He is our loving Bridegroom, and Isaiah calls Him the Prince of Peace. These are a few references about the truth of Jesus. In all 66 books of the Bible, we find Jesus.
Many skeptics argue that Jesus was merely a good teacher or moral leader. However, this view fails under scrutiny.
First, Jesus’ life and teaching dispel this false notion; His moral integrity, compassion, wisdom, and selflessness contradict this claim.
Second, Jesus’ bold claims about Himself are incompatible with deceit or madness; his character does not align with being a liar. His actions do not suggest lunacy. In John 14:6, Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Jesus is much more than a “Good Teacher.” Good teacher ignores Jesus’ explicit claims about Himself. A good teacher does not claim divinity falsely. False claims would lead people astray. Liars are often narcissistic and self-serving. Yet, Jesus exhibited profound humility and selflessness, washing the feet of disciples (John 13:5) and sacrificing Himself for humanity Philippians 2:8). These traits align with divinity rather than deception.
Lee Strobel, author of The Case for Christ, examined historical evidence concerning Jesus’ divinity and resurrection.
Strobel highlights several key points: The bible records firsthand accounts eyewitness testimony of Jesus’ miracles and resurrection appearances. Old Testament fulfilled prophecies about the Messiah fit perfectly with Jesus’ life. God transformed the apostles from fearful men hiding after Jesus’ crucifixion to bold witnesses willing to die for their faith; this change is inexplicable without encountering the risen Christ.
Strobel, an atheist for 30 years was not convinced about Jesus. After reviewing the evidence for more than two years, Strobel, accepted Jesus as Savior. Reading Lee Strobel can also help strengthen our conviction that Jesus is who He claimed to be.
When Jesus confronts Peter with the question: Who do you say that I am? Peter responds boldly: “You are the Messiah (Christ), the Son of the living God.” This confession remains central to the Christian faith today.
The Apostle Peter's declaration: recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, affirms belief in Jesus as the Son of the living God, and confirms the dual identity of Jesus as both human and divine.
Each person must answer this question personally. Is Jesus merely a good teacher? Or is He Lord? Neutrality is not an option to respond to these questions because Jesus demands a response.
Jesus’ identity as fully human and fully divine sets Him apart from all others in history. His humanity enables Him to sympathize with us; His divinity empowers Him to save us. Together, these truths form the foundation of Christianity.
C.S. Lewis challenges us not to dismiss Jesus as merely a good man or teacher but to confront Jesus’ claims about who Jesus is. The evidence overwhelmingly supports that Jesus is Lord.
Who do you say Jesus is? Find answers that lead you to a deeper faith and commitment to Christ, the perfect God-Man who bridges heaven and earth for our salvation!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FAMILY GROUPS
Who is Jesus? Jesus posed this question to His disciples, and it is one of the most profound inquiries in history.
-Review Matthew 16:15 in which Jesus asked His disciples to respond to Jesus’ question asking, “Who is Jesus?” Who is Jesus in your daily life?
-What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of scripture to strengthen your conviction about who Jesus is?
-How does recognizing Jesus a both Savior and Lord impact your relationship with Jesus?
The humanity of Jesus’ human experiences makes Jesus the perfect substitute for us and enables Jesus to sympathize with our weaknesses.
-Review Galatians 4:4-5. Why is Jesus’ humanity essential for fulfilling the requirements of God’s law?
-Review Hebrews 4:15. How does Jesus’ ability to sympathize with human weaknesses bring comfort in your personal struggles?
Equally important is Jesus’ divinity as fully God.
-From your bible study, what evidence from biblical scripture supports the divinity of Jesus?
-Who do you say Jesus is, and how does it impact you in your spiritual journey?
Jesus is one person, with two distinct natures, fully God and fully human; this is known as the hypostatic union. This hypostatic union is essential for our salvation; as fully human, Jesus represents us before God; as fully divine, Jesus acts as a mediator between God and human beings and has the power to save us.
-How does the concept of the hypostatic union explain Jesus’ dual nature as fully human and fully divine?
-In what ways has our understanding of Jesus’ identity shaped your since of purpose and belonging?
-How can you live out the truth of Jesus being fully human and fully divine in your daily life?
According to CS Lewis, there are three theories regarding the identity of Jesus: liar (claiming to be God but knew he was not), lunatic (believing Himself to be God, but was not), or Lord (claiming to be God were true).
-How do CS Lewis theories of liar, lunatic, or Lord challenge you to confront skeptical claims that Jesus is a liar or a lunatic and instead accept the truth of claims by Jesus that Jesus is Lord?
-What will help you confront false claims that Jesus is a liar or a lunatic?
Many skeptics argue that Jesus was merely a good teacher or moral leader. However, this view fails under scrutiny.
-What actions can you take to share the evidence of Jesus’ divinity with others who may only see Jesus as a moral teacher?
-Review John 13:5. How can you model humility and servanthood like Jesus did during His earthly ministry?
Lee Strobel, author of The Case for Christ, examined historical evidence concerning Jesus’ divinity and resurrection.
-Among the points made by Lee Strobel in his book, The Case for Christ, after 2 years of intense investigation following 30 years as an atheist, what points most resonate with you that would be effective in presenting the case for Christ to a non-believer?
The Apostle Peter's declaration: recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, affirms belief in Jesus as the Son of the living God, and confirms the dual identity of Jesus as both human and divine.
-What does Peter’s declaration, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God," reveal to you about Jesus’ identity?
-What does Peter’s bold confession teach us about faith and reliance on divine revelation rather than human understanding?
-In light of Peter’s confession, how can you boldly declare your faith in challenging situations?
Jesus’ identity as fully human and fully divine sets Him apart from all others in history. His humanity enables Him to sympathize with us; His divinity empowers Him to save us. Together, these truths form the foundation of Christianity.
-What opportunities have you had to follow the model of Jesus in sympathetic empathy for others and praising God through B.L.E.S.S. activities?
-As you learn more about the identity of Jesus, what challenges do you face to grow your faith and commitment to Jesus Christ in your earthly life journey and not grow in carry the sickness and sin of the world system in opposition to God?
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