For the Christian, Jesus Christ is the center of everything. “Truth is not a statement, but a person,” it is often said. All issues, questions, problems, beliefs, etc. ultimately have their resolution in Christ. This is a strong belief and it is a far cry from the view that Jesus was merely a great teacher.
What leads a Christian to this strong stance is the conviction that not only is Jesus a human being, he is divine as well. Jesus is God in the flesh and this is why he is the center of all things. So, how does one conclude that Jesus is God? Several factors lead us to it:
- He says he is (Matthew 22:44, 26;64; John 8:58, John 10:30; Revelation 22:13). If it is not true, then he must have been either deluded or a liar- neither of which fit his character, widely acknowledged the greatest of all history.
- The New Testament writers viewed him as God (John 1:1, 20:28, 1 Corinthians 8:6; Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 1:1).
- Millions have organized their lives around this core belief and have experienced the truth of it.
Once the deity and humanity of Christ come into view, we can begin to explore several other important topics:
- His death. Jesus died to “atone” for sin. (Is. 53:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18)
- His resurrection. Jesus was raised from the dead as a sign that sin had been vanquished and, hence, death had been overcome. (1 Corinthians 15:3-6, 55-57)
- His activity today. Jesus Christ lives and works as…
- Prophet. Jesus continues to teach us as one with divine authority
- Priest. Jesus interceded for us through his sacrifice and continues to do so as we come to God in prayer
- King. At the end of time, all rule will be brought under one King, Jesus Christ. Those who submit to Jesus experience his blessed lordship now.
Resources
Who is this Jesus?, by Michael Green
Focus on Christ, by John Stott
Projects
- Read Michael Green’s book and share three key learnings with your small group
- Ask a non-believing friend how he or she views Christ and have a discussion about it (explain to them that you are working on project for your small group)