Text: 1 Peter 3:15
In our text, Peter explained that each Christian needs to be ready to give an answer for what we believe. Giving a defense for the HOPE within us requires an ability to articulate the basics of our faith. In this series, we are going to discuss some basic questions that may arise. This is to help reinforce our own faith and help prepare us to teach others as opportunities arise.
Who Is Jesus?
- Virtually everyone we will meet has at least heard of Jesus – they just have different opinions/assumptions about Him; they may see Him as a great teacher, Jewish rabbi, myth, legend, or the Son of God
- In this lesson, we are just going to scratch the surface of this topic and answer who Jesus is
Jesus Is Deity (God)
- In his gospel, John introduced Jesus as being WITH God and that He WAS God (John 1:1) – this means He is one of the members of the “Godhead”; three “persons” of God (cf. Matthew 3:16-17)
- He was instrumental in creation and is the giver of life (John 1:3-4)
Jesus Was God in the Flesh
- While on earth, the “fullness of Deity” dwelled in Him (Colossians 2:9) – His enemies were often angry with Him because He made “Himself equal with God” (John 5:18); we must either accept this (His Deity) or reject Him altogether; there is no in-between
- Yet Jesus was equal with God – even in the flesh, He lived a perfectly sinless life (1 Peter 2:22)
Jesus Is the Messiah (Christ)
- This word means “anointed one” – He was specifically chosen to offer His life as a sacrifice for our sins; He said this was why He came (John 12:32); the Old Testament pointed to this (Luke 24:44)
- On Pentecost, Peter explained God’s plan (Acts 2:23-24) – Jesus was made “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36)
Jesus Is King
- After His arrest, Pilate asked Jesus about being a “king” (John 18:37) – He affirmed that He was, yet His kingdom was “not of this world” (John 18:36); it was and is a spiritual kingdom
- We can be part of His kingdom today (Colossians 1:13) – it will “never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44)
Conclusion
- So who is Jesus? – He is the Son of God, the Christ who offered His life for us, the King over a spiritual/eternal kingdom
- Let us recognize Him as our Lord and follow His will in all things (cf. Luke 6:46; Acts 2:36-38)
