Introduction
Jesus Christ is the focal point of Christianity, worshiped as the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Savior of mankind. The Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, contains a detailed record of His person, purpose, and importance. This article delves into who Jesus is based on the Scriptures, discussing His divinity, humanity, teachings, death, resurrection, and reign forever.
1. Jesus in the Old Testament: The Promised Messiah.
Even before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the Old Testament foretold His coming. Some of the most important prophecies are:
Genesis 3:15 God vows that the "seed of the woman" (Jesus) will defeat the serpent's (Satan's) head.
Isaiah 7:14 A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son named Immanuel, which means "God with us."
Isaiah 53 The "Suffering Servant" who would carry humanity's sins.
Micah 5:2 The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
Daniel 7:13-14 The "Son of Man" who would be given an everlasting kingdom.
These prophecies affirm that Jesus was not just a historical character but the realization of God's redemptive plan.
2. Jesus in the New Testament: God Incarnate
The New Testament reveals Jesus as both fully God and fully man.
A. The Virgin Birth (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38)
Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, signifying His divine origin. Unlike any other human, He had no earthly father, making Him uniquely the Son of God.
B. The Son of God (John 1:1-14; Colossians 1:15-20)
The Gospel of John states that Jesus is the *Word* (Logos) who existed with God and was God. He made all things (John 1:3) and afterwards took human flesh to live among us.
Paul confirms in Colossians 1:15-20 that Jesus is:
- The image of the invisible God.
- The firstborn among all creation.
- He who holds together all things.
- Head of the church.
- The one through whom all things are reconciled to God in His blood.
C. The Son of Man (Mark 10:45; Philippians 2:5-8)
Though fully divine, Jesus was also fully human. He felt hunger, thirst, grief, and temptation
(Hebrews 4:15), but never sinned. He addressed Himself as the "Son of Man," stressing both His humanity and His function as the suffering servant who came to "give His life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45).
3. The Teachings of Jesus
Jesus' ministry was characterized by deep teachings that unveiled God's kingdom. Some of the main themes are:
A. The Kingdom of God (Mark 1:15; Matthew 5-7)
Jesus declared, *"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel"* (Mark 1:15). The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) sets forth the ethics of this kingdom, teaching humility, mercy, purity, and love.
B. Love and Forgiveness (John 13:34-35; Matthew 6:14-15)
Jesus commanded His followers to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-39). He taught forgiveness, even praying for His executioners:
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34).
C. Salvation by Grace (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9)
Jesus proclaimed that salvation is through faith in Him:
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
4. The Death and Resurrection of Jesus
A. The Crucifixion (Isaiah 53; John 19)**
Jesus was crucified by Pontius Pilate, bringing to pass Isaiah 53's prophecy of the Messiah who suffered. He carried the sin of humanity (1 Peter 2:24) and died as the supreme sacrifice (Hebrews 9:26-28).
B. The Resurrection (Matthew 28; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8)
Three days after His death, Jesus was resurrected from the dead and victorious over sin and death. His resurrection is the foundation of Christian belief (1 Corinthians 15:14). He was seen by more than 500 witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:6), demonstrating His victory.
5. The Ascension and Second Coming
After 40 days, Jesus was taken up into heaven (Acts 1:9-11), promising to return. The Bible says that He will return again to judge the living and the dead (Revelation 19:11-16) and set up His eternal kingdom.
Conclusion: Who Is Jesus ?
The Bible says that Jesus is:
God in the flesh (John 1:14).
The promised Messiah (Luke 4:21).
-The world's Savior(Acts 4:12).
The risen Lord (Revelation 1:18).
-The coming King (Revelation 22:20).
He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and it is through Him alone that humanity finds reconciliation with God. To know Jesus is to know God, to obey Him is to experience eternal life, and to believe in Him is to find salvation.
Conclusion
*So also has God highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.* (Philippians 2:9-11)
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