Knowing Jesus 3

The Aim of this devotional study is to grow in the knowledge of the ministry and identity of Jesus.

Scripture

Hebrews 1:1-13

1  Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2  but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

3  He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4  having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

5  For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”?  6  And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”

7  Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.”

8  But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. 9  You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

10  And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; 11  they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, 12  like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.”

13  And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?

Observation

1. In v1-2 the author of Hebrews writes “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” What does he mean too say?  Write this in your own words.
2. What do we learn of Jesus and his life in the introductory verses (v1-4)?
3. In v5-13 the author quotes several Psalms where God was speaking to His Son. Make a list of the things God says/ said to his Son? (as quoted above)

Application

1. Reading the text above, summarize what we learn from Jesus in three points.
2. Jesus is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature” (v3). From Scripture we learn that we ought to be conformed to the image of Jesus, i.e. “the radiance of the glory of [Jesus] and the exact imprint of [Jesus’] nature”.  Just looking at the text above, what can we prayerfully emulate about Jesus today? (hint: consider v9)

Prayer

The epistle to the Hebrews is in big part about the Superiority of Jesus over all things, as we read today he is superior to the angels.  Our correct response is worship; spend some time and worship our Lord – tell Him his worth!

Then pray to God to cultivate the heart of Jesus in you to “love righteousness and hate wickedness.”

Knowing Jesus 2

The Aim of this devotional study is to know Jesus and his ministry on earth, as well as his relationship with God the Father and Holy Spirit.

Scripture:

[The context: It’s a while after Pentecost, and Peter is presenting the gospel to non-Jews in Cornelius’ house for the first time after the Lord Jesus gave him a vision to not prevent them from the gift of salvation]

Acts 10:36-42

36  “As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37  you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38  how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

39  And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40  but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41  not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42  And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.”

Observation:

(Note: use a pen and paper today – it won’t take longer but you will learn so much more!)

1. What did Peter tell the Cornelius’ household of the life and ministry of Jesus? (what Jesus did and will do).
2. From this preaching, what would Cornelius’ household learn about the names, titles and offices of Jesus? (who Jesus is)
3. In this sermon of Peter we learn quite a bit about the God being three-in-one. What does Peter reveal to the non-Jewish hearers about the relationship between God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

Application

1. Have you experienced Jesus as the Healer and Deliverer yet? How and when?
2. How do you relate to Jesus as “Lord of all” (10v36)
3. Peter preached that Jesus will be your “judge”? How do you feel and how do you reason about that?
4. Peter said “Jesus commanded us to preach and testify…” – who is the first person that comes to mind that need to hear Jesus saving gospel?

Prayer

1. Do you need healing or deliverance? Pray to the Healer and Deliverer!
2. Pray a prayer of submission (your whole life or one specific aspect) to Jesus, the Lord of All.

Pray with David to Jesus, the Judge of All the verses below, then respond to what the Lord shows you in prayer.

Psalms 139:23-24   “Search me, [Lord[, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

God bless you with confidence today!