December 13, 2015
The late first century second generation Christians were asking questions such as this! The centre of Christendom had moved from Israel to areas north and west where Paul had completed his three missionary journeys. As a result one of the reasons the apostle John wrote his gospel was to make it clear to all who Jesus Christ is.
1. Introduction.
Read John 1:1-14.
Have you heard the word ‘Incarnation’? Discuss in your group what this means.
How was Jesus received when He came to the world he had created by the following?
2. Jesus Humanity.
What did John say Jesus became? John 1:14.
What did the writer to Hebrews say in Hebrews 2:14-18 about Jesus and why was this important? Why did Jesus need to become flesh and blood like us (not anything else eg. an angel) to die in our place? What if Jesus hadn’t become a human being?
Jesus had already come into the world before His birth as a baby. See Genesis 12:7, 18:1-33. Was this any different? If so how? Discuss your answer with your group.
What do the following verses tell us about Jesus’ humanity?
Can you think of any other aspects of Jesus’ humanity mentioned in the bible?
Do you believe that Jesus was truly human, as much as you are?
When Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to His disciples what was a vital thing he wanted them to be sure of? Luke 24:35-42.
3. Jesus’ Divinity.
We have seen how Jesus was fully human. Why is it important that Jesus was God as well?
Was He just an angel? One sect believes Jesus was the archangel Gabriel before he came to earth. Read what the writer to the Hebrews tells us. Hebrews 1:1-14.
What did John the Baptist say about Jesus? John 1:26-27, 30? What was he saying about Jesus with the words, ‘…. He existed long before me?’ John 1:30.
Read John 8:56-59. What was Jesus saying about Himself when he said ‘…. Before Abraham was born, I AM’? See also Exodus 3:14-15.
Why did the Jews then want to stone him? See also John 5:16-18.
Read Paul’s statement about Jesus. Colossians 1:15-20.
What did two of Jesus’ closest disciples say about Him?
As Jesus disciples were getting to know Him and they saw him perform miracle after miracle. Eg Matthew 8:3, 16, 23-26, what did they ask each other? Matthew 8:27.
When Jesus asked His disciples, ‘Who do people say I am?’ what was their answer?
Matthew 16:13-16.
Who did Peter say He was?
Review this study and answer Jesus’ question ‘Who do YOU say I am?’
Discuss your answer(s) in your group.
If someone asked you this question especially someone who is not a Christian, how would you answer?
What two points does Peter make in 1 Peter 3:15-16? Are you doing this?