Introduction: In my limited exposure to history and world religions,
the claims about Jesus seem unique. Judaism is either waiting for a
Messiah or has lost interest in the subject. Islam’s highest claim
for someone who once lived on earth is “prophet.” The “god-king”
claims of many earthly rulers never seemed to extend beyond their
life here. People expected that the next ruler would occupy the same
spot as “god-king.” Jesus makes unique claims which are backed by the
Old Testament – a book accepted by Jews, Muslims and Christians.
Let’s plunge right into our Bible study see what the Bible has to say
about the Deity of Jesus!
- Ancient of Days
- Read Micah 5:2. This is a Messianic prophecy, and we know
that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. What does this text say
about the length of time of Jesus’ existence? (His
“origins” are “from old, from ancient times.”) - Read Isaiah 9:6. What apparent contradictions do you see
within this verse? (It is filled with contradictions. The
“son” is called “Father.” A “child” is called “God.” One
who is “born” is called “Everlasting.”) - Can you logically resolve these serious
contradictions? - If so, how? (The son/father contradiction is
easy. I am both a son and a father. We have seen
in history children who were called gods.
Born/everlasting is tough. It would have to
refer to someone who existed before they were
born.) - Creator of the Universe
- Read Hebrews 1:1-3. What does this text say about Jesus’
existence before His birth in Bethlehem? How ancient is
He? (It says that God made the universe through Jesus. He
made the place before He was born there!) - Many scientists believe that there is one grand
unifying theory of the universe (“GUT”). I believe
this. God is a law of order, and the most pedestrian
person can see an underlying order to things. (What
do you know, the sun came up this morning. How
unexpected!!) I’m always on the alert for GUT clues.
What GUT clue do we find here, and what does it have
to do with Jesus’ Deity? (It says the word of Jesus
currently “sustains” all things. Some universal word
power emanates from Jesus that sustains all life.) - Read Hebrews 1:4-5. Is Jesus a created being like the
angels? (The text clearly says that Jesus is not an angel
who was promoted or adopted to become the Son of God.) - What do you make of the language that Jesus “became
… superior” and that he “inherited” His name? (My
suggestion is that this has to do with the
incarnation. When Jesus-God became man, lived a
perfect life, died for our sins, and was resurrected,
He got “promoted” in some way. He did something that
no other member of the Trinity had done. He did
something that no one but God could do. He defeated
sin. Surely there is some sort of recognition for
that!) - Read Hebrews 1:6. Is this proof that Jesus did not
eternally pre-exist, that He was “born?” (No. We
previously learned that Jesus created the place where he
was born, thus for Him being “born” and pre-existing are
compatible. Note especially that it refers to Jesus being
born into the “world” and not the “universe.” This
reinforces the idea of His human birth.) - Read Colossians 1:18 for another suggestion about the
meaning of Jesus being “born.” What new meaning does
this suggest for the term “firstborn?” (Paul refers
to the Jesus’ resurrection as “firstborn from among
the dead.”) - Read John 3:16 in the King James Version. Is this word
“begotten” proof that Jesus was born and did not eternally
preexist? (The author of the lessons on which these
studies are based goes into a long explanation of the
Greek word (monogenes)and the way John uses the underlying
term. I think that explanation is right, but I also think
there is a much more simple answer: Jesus was born of
Mary. Thus He was “begotten.” On the other hand, the
Bible clearly states that Jesus existed before He was
begotten by Mary.) - Read Hebrews 1:7-9. If Jesus is fully God, how can He be
“set above” His “companions” the angels? Why would He need
to be “set above?” (Again, I think the whole series of
texts is arguing that Jesus is given special honor because
He overcame sin. If you look back at Hebrews 1:3-4 it
creates a sequence: Jesus provides purification for sins
and then sits down at the right hand of God. It seems that
at this point some special honor is conferred upon Jesus.
I believe this is what is referred to in the “set above”
language of Hebrews 1:8. No angel died for our sins. God
died for us!) - Read Colossians 1:15. How does Jesus compliment the rest
of the Trinity? (God is invisible. Jesus is the visible
image of God.) - Is this meant in more than a visual sense? (Yes. When
Jesus came to earth He revealed the character and
love of God.) - This text also refers to Jesus being “firstborn.”
Does this refer to His birth as a human or His
resurrection? - Read Colossians 1:16-17. This text clearly states that
Jesus is the Creator of the universe. Notice the last
phrase of verse 16: “and for Him.” How was our universe
(including us) created for Jesus? (If you create
something, you own it. You take pride in it. If you create
free moral agents, you create people who can love you.) - A darker thought passes through my mind. Was our
world created for the purpose of showcasing the clash
between good and evil? Was it intended to be the
ground on which Jesus would show that God was fair
and loving and worthy to be chosen over Lucifer? - Would the answer matter to your faith? (Read
Romans 9:20-21.) - Remember my GUT comments? What does the text mean
when it says ( Colossians 1:17) “in Him all things
hold together?” (Jesus emanates some power which is
also the “glue” of the universe.) - Consider the overall impact of these texts. What do we
know about Jesus? (He is no mere man. He is no mere angel.
He is the Creator who at this very time continues to
sustain the universe!) - Victor Over Sin
- Read Revelation 19:11-16. Just close your eyes and imagine
this scene! Who is this Warrior? Who is the “King of
Kings and Lord of Lords?” (Verse 13 reveals that His name
is “the Word of God.”) - Who is the “Word of God?” (Read John 1:1-3 and skim
John 1:14-35. John, who also wrote the book of
Revelation, identifies Jesus as “the Word.” The
identification is unmistakable. Jesus is the Warrior
on the white horse, He is the King of Kings and Lord
of Lords of Revelation 19.) - Read Revelation 19:19-21. We have learned that Jesus is
our Creator. We know that He died for us so that we can
have eternal life. What other fact do we learn about
Jesus? (He is the “Finisher.” He destroys sin, the
advocates of sin, and unrepentant sinners.) - Friend, whose side would you like to be on in the battle
between good and evil? If you have not chosen to give your
allegiance to Jesus as your God, the time to do so is
right now. The argument for His side is overwhelming. - Next week: The Reality of His Humanity.
