The Identity of Jesus Christ
Fully God, Fully Man
The Identity of Jesus Christ.
Introduction:
Beloved in Christ, today we embark on a profound journey to explore the identity of Jesus Christ. Understanding who Jesus is at the core of our faith and shapes every aspect of our Christian life. The Bible reveals Jesus as both fully God and fully man, a mystery that lies at the heart of the Gospel. Let us delve deeply into Scripture to uncover the multi-faceted identity of Jesus Christ and its significance for our lives.
I. Jesus Christ: The Eternal Word
Jesus is the pre-existent, eternal Word of God who took on flesh.
John 1:1-3, 14:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
These verses affirm Jesus’ divinity and eternal existence. He is God and the agent of creation, who took on human flesh to dwell among us.
Colossians 1:15-17:
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible… And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”
Jesus is the visible representation of the invisible God, preeminent over all creation, and the sustainer of all things.
II. Jesus Christ: Fully God
Jesus’ divinity is evident through His attributes, authority, and actions.
Divine Attributes:
Omnipotence: Jesus demonstrates power over nature (Matthew 8:26-27), sickness (Mark 1:34), and even death (John 11:43-44).
Omniscience: Jesus possesses all knowledge (John 16:30, John 21:17).
Eternality: Jesus declares His eternal existence (John 8:58).
Divine Authority:
Jesus forgives sins, an authority reserved for God alone (Mark 2:5-7).
He accepts worship, which is due only to God (Matthew 14:33; John 9:38).
Divine Actions:
Jesus performs miracles that reveal His divine nature (John 2:1-11; Matthew 14:13-21).
He speaks with the authority of God (Matthew 7:28-29).
III. Jesus Christ: Fully Man
While fully divine, Jesus is also fully human, sharing in our experiences and emotions.
The Incarnation:
Philippians 2:6-8: “Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
Jesus willingly took on human nature, experiencing life as we do, yet without sin.
Human Experiences:
Birth: Jesus was born of a woman (Galatians 4:4), highlighting His true humanity.
Growth: He grew in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52).
Emotions: Jesus experienced sorrow (John 11:35), joy (Luke 10:21), and compassion (Matthew 9:36).
Human Limitations:
Jesus experienced hunger (Matthew 4:2), thirst (John 19:28), fatigue (John 4:6), and death (Luke 23:46).
IV. The Significance of Jesus’ Dual Nature
The dual nature of Jesus Christ as fully God and fully man is central to His mission and our salvation.
Mediator Between God and Man:
1 Timothy 2:5: “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”
As both God and man, Jesus bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity.
Perfect Sacrifice:
Hebrews 4:15: “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
Jesus’ sinlessness qualified Him to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 9:14).
Resurrection and Eternal Life:
Jesus’ resurrection demonstrates His victory over sin and death, affirming His divinity and securing our hope of eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
V. Confessing and Living Out the Identity of Christ
Understanding who Jesus is should profoundly impact our faith and daily living.
Confession of Faith:
Romans 10:9: “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Our confession of Jesus as Lord and belief in His resurrection is foundational to our salvation.
Living in His Example:
Philippians 2:5: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
We are called to emulate Jesus’ humility, love, and obedience in our daily lives.
Proclaiming His Identity:
Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”
We are commissioned to share the truth of who Jesus is with the world, making disciples and teaching His commands.
Conclusion:
The identity of Jesus Christ as fully God and fully man is the cornerstone of our faith. He is the eternal Word, the divine Son, and our compassionate Savior. As we grasp the magnitude of who Jesus is, may it deepen our love for Him, strengthen our faith, and compel us to live out His teachings with conviction. Let us boldly proclaim His identity to a world in need of His saving grace. Amen.