Discovering the Identity of Jesus: Son of God, Messiah, and our Master
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Jesus Asks the Disciples: "Do You Know Who I Am?" (Matthew 16:15)
- The Importance of Answering the Question: Who Is Jesus?
- Jesus as God's Son and the Descendant of David
- Jesus' Physical Descent from David Qualifies Him as the Messiah
- Jesus' Birth and Miraculous Virgin Birth Authenticate His Messianic Claim
- Jesus Claims to Be God in the Flesh
- Jesus' Names and Titles Confirm His Deity
- Jesus' Works Demonstrate His Supernatural Power
- Jesus Personally Claims to Be God
- Jesus' Resurrection from the Dead Affirms His Deity
- The Trinity: A Clear Reference in the Book of Romans
- A Clear Picture of Who Jesus Is
- Jesus as the Son of God
- Jesus' Name: The Lord is Salvation
- Jesus as the Anointed One: The Christ
- Jesus as the Supreme Master: The Lord
- Jesus: Our Master and Eternal God
- Conclusion
- Resources
Jesus: The Son of God, the Messiah, and Our Master
In the depths of Jesus' earthly ministry, he posed a profound question to his disciples that remains pivotal to each person's eternal destiny: "Do you know who I am?" (Matthew 16:15). The importance of answering this question cannot be overstated. It is not merely an intellectual inquiry but holds the key to our salvation. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, provides us with a compelling answer.
Paul establishes that Jesus is both God's Son and the descendant of David. This dual nature—fully divine and fully human—sets Jesus apart from any others who claimed to be Israel's Messiah. While many could trace their lineage back to David, Jesus' birth, miraculous virgin birth, and divine power serve as undeniable proof of his Messianic claim.
But Jesus goes even further. He doesn't just claim to be the Messiah; he boldly declares himself to be God in the flesh, the Son of God. This assertion is supported by multiple evidences. First, the names and titles given to Jesus, such as Emmanuel (God with us), explicitly describe his deity. Second, his works demonstrate supernatural power, as he heals the sick, controls nature, and even raises the dead.
Not only does Jesus claim to be God, but the truth of his deity is further affirmed by his bodily resurrection from the dead. It is through the resurrection that his victory over sin and death at the Cross is confirmed. Without the resurrection, Christianity would crumble. Yet, the empty tomb stands as undeniable proof that Jesus is alive, capable of forgiving our sins, and saving us from eternal judgment.
In the opening verses of the book of Romans, a clear reference to the Trinity emerges. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all mentioned, establishing the divine nature of Jesus. His identity as God's Son, the anointed Messiah, and the Lord is a complete and profound picture of who Jesus is.
Acknowledging Jesus as our Master is of paramount importance. Paul emphasizes that one day every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord. He is not only the Sovereign God, the King of the universe, but also our Master who offers salvation and eternal life.
In conclusion, the question of "Who is Jesus?" is the most important question we will ever answer in our lives. Inspired scripture provides us with a clear and definitive answer: Jesus is the Son of God, fully God and fully man, the promised Messiah, and our Lord and Master. May we all answer this question with an enthusiastic "yes" and embrace Jesus with all our hearts.
Highlights
- Jesus' question to his disciples: "Do you know who I am?" is crucial for our eternal destiny.
- Jesus is both God's Son and the descendant of David, qualifying him as the Messiah.
- Jesus' birth, miraculous virgin birth, and divine power authenticate his Messianic claim.
- Jesus boldly claims to be God in the flesh, the Son of God.
- Multiple evidences, including names, works, and personal claims, support Jesus' deity.
- The resurrection of Jesus confirms his victory over sin and death, establishing his deity.
- The Trinity is referenced in the book of Romans, affirming the divine nature of Jesus.
- Jesus is described as the deliverer, the anointed Messiah, and the supreme Master.
- Embracing Jesus as our Master is essential for salvation and eternal life.
FAQ
Q: Did Jesus ever claim to be God in the Bible?
A: Yes, Jesus personally claimed to be God, referring to himself as the Son of God and stating that he and the Father are one. (John 10:37, John 10:30)
Q: How is Jesus' deity affirmed?
A: Jesus' deity is affirmed through his names and titles, his demonstration of supernatural power, his personal claims, and his resurrection from the dead.
Q: Why is the resurrection of Jesus important?
A: The resurrection of Jesus is not only a confirmation of his victory over sin and death, but it also serves as undeniable proof of his deity. It is the foundation of the Christian faith.
Q: What is the significance of the Trinity?
A: The Trinity represents the three persons of God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In the book of Romans, references to all three persons are made, affirming the divine nature of Jesus.
Q: How do we know that Jesus is our Master?
A: One day, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord. Embracing Jesus as our Master is crucial for salvation and eternal life.
