He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He worked in a carpentry shop until he was thirty, and then for three years he was an itinerant preacher. When the tide that popular opinion turned against him, his friends ran away. He was turned over to his enemies. He was tried and convicted. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. When he was dead, he was laid in a borrowed grave. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never owned a home. He never went to college. He never traveled more than two hundred miles from the place where he was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompanies greatness. Yet all the armies that ever marched, and all the governments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, have not affected life upon this earth as powerfully as that One Solitary Life. -Anonymous
Who did Jesus say He was?
Jesus is completely human.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, Philippians 2:7
What difference does Jesus humanity make?
We can know God personally.
Jesus knows and understands what you are going through.
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:15
He was able to be the substitute for the penalty of your sin.
And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5
Jesus is completely God.
Jesus said, “The Father and I are one.” John 10:30
How did Jesus prove He was God?
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Miracles.
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Eyewitnesses.
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Matthew 16:13-17
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Prophecy.
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Jesus’ own claim.
Jesus own claim to be equal with God the Father is the charge of blasphemy that he was tried and crucified for. This leaves us with only 3 options: Jesus was a liar, a lunatic, or He is Lord!
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The Resurrection.
Jesus is the only way to heaven.
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
Jesus wasn’t being arrogant. He was being loving and truthful. He wants everyone to have a relationship with Him.
Do all religions basically teach the same thing? No. Religion is best described by the word: Do. It’s all about what you have to do to make God accept you. Christianity is described by the word: Done. The work was done by Jesus on the cross.
“Other religious leaders say, ‘Follow me and I’ll show you how to find truth.’ Jesus says, ‘I am the truth.’ Other religious leaders say, ‘Follow me and I’ll show you the way to salvation.’ Jesus says, ‘I am the way to eternal life.’ Other religious leaders say, ‘Follow me and I’ll show you how you can become enlightened.’ Jesus says, ‘I am the light of the world.’ Other religious leaders say, ‘Follow me and I’ll show you the many doors that lead to God.’ Jesus says, ‘I am the door that leads to God.’” Lee Strobel, The Case for Christ
There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
Because of who Jesus is, I will…
Jesus is the Way.
Action step: Point people to Jesus.
“When He [Jesus] looked over the crowds, His heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd.” Matthew 9:36 (MSG)
Jesus heart broke for those seperated from God. When was the last time your heart broke over the spiritual lostness of those around you?
Jesus is the Truth.
Action step: Pursue the Truth.
Keep on asking, keep on looking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7
Don’t be afraid of asking questions. They will lead you to the truth.
Jesus is the Life.
Action step: Move from a religion to a relationship.
If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10
Develop a relationship with Jesus that is growing, authentic, genuine, real. Don’t get caught up in the trap of routine religion.