But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Matthew, Mark 8:29 & Luke all record Jesus asking this same question about his identity (Lk. 19:18 & Mt. 16:15) Even the gospel of John emphasizes the identity of Jesus by highlighting his 7, “I Ams” and is the only gospel that states plainly his purpose for writing based on Christ’s identity, John 20:30-31. This fundamental fact should lead us to ask “How or Why Do We Talk About The Identity of Jesus”?
- The Most Important Person in Human History, Luke 2:1-4 & 3:1-2. It is very advantageous to be knowledgeable of Josephus, Mara bar Serapion & Tacitus writing about Jesus, and also Suetonius & Pliny the Younger writing about the first Christians.
- The Perfect Price Paid As Our Savior, John 1:29-35
- The Perfect Revelation of God The Father, John 12:44-50 & 14:8-11
- The Perfect Example of Service To Follow, John 13:14-17
- The Pre-existent Presence in Creation (Logos), John 1:14-18
- The “I AM” (Bread, Light, Door, Shepherd, Vine, Way, Truth, Life & Resurrection)
- The Judge, John 12:48 & Acts 10:42-43
How do we relate our own experience of Jesus to others? How has Jesus and his teachings affected our life? How do we talk about our faith in who Jesus is?
We are witnesses of God with a testimony in our life, 1st John 5:8-11. Many believers in denominations talk about “giving their testimony”, but we don’t talk about Christ affecting our life to the same extent. If not, why not?
Are we guilty of pointing people to the Scriptures, while ignoring what Jesus has done in our life personally?
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The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Matthew 20:28 & Mark 10:45
Why would a Ransom need to be paid for “MANY” ?
Why would Jesus make this statement in the context of serving others?
When a ransom payment is procured and accepted as payment, what does the Apostle Paul call it? See Hebrews 9:12-15 in the NIV.
R __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Where can anyone find it? (see Romans 3:24)
When will our redemption be fully realized and shown to be glorious? (see Ephesians 4:30)
Why do you believe Christ’s blood is so unique, valuable and empowered to actually procure our redemption? (see Eph. 1:7 & Col. 1:14)
According to 2nd Timothy 2:25-26, who has taken people captive?
What should we do about this kidnapping?
What did the Apostle Paul do about it? (See Romans 10:1)
How can Christ guarantee the price of his blood will be applied to your soul forever?
(see Ephesians 1:13-14)
When do you think you may get the opportunity to talk about “the Price” ?
Epaggelia 