Knowing Jesus 6

The Aim of this devotional study is to learn about Jesus’ identity from a confession of Jesus.

Scripture

John 1:19-34

19  And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”  20  He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”  21  And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”  22  So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23  He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

24  (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.)

25  They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”  26  John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27  even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.”

28  These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

29  The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!  30  This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’  31  I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.”

32  And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.  33  I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’  34  And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

Observations

Note: Every single story recorded in John’s gospel is written to give a revelation of who Jesus is, so that the reader may have faith in Jesus – refer to John 20:30-31 “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

1. What was the ministry of John the Baptist? And what was the purpose of his ministry? (see verse 31).
2. Looking at these verses, what can you learn about the identity and ministry of Jesus from John the Baptist’s sayings? (Take special notice of the names and titles attributed to Jesus.)
3. This event occurred the week before Passover feast, and every Jewish family was looking for a lamb to be slaughtered to celebrate the deliverance of the Jews from Egypt; what did it mean when John called Jesus “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”? (verse 29)
4. What did John mean when he said about Jesus “After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’” (verse 30) Why did he need to say that to the crowd gathering around him?

Application and prayer

1. John’s hearers were Jews who believed and God and came to be baptized with water as a sign of repentance, to make God number one in their lives (refer to Acts 19:1-7). However, John pointed them towards Jesus, saying he alone could take away their sins.  Think back on your life – was there ever a moment when you, seeking God, received revelation that Jesus is the only he who could take away your sins?  Relive that moment, and thank God for it.  Are you still living with the reality that Jesus only can make you clean before God?  Commit to that!
2. John said that Jesus was more important (in ministry and person) to himself. Take some time and think how your life reflects – or does not reflect – that truth.  In which ways can you show today (and this week) that Jesus is superior to you?
3. Spend some time and worship Jesus as The Lamb of God that took your sins away, the Christ who baptizes with the Holy Spirit (read “makes us children of God”), the Superior One, and the Son of God.

Knowing Jesus 4

The Aim of this Biblical Study is to grow in the knowledge of the humanity of Jesus Christ.

Scripture

Hebrews 4:14-5:1-9

14  Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  15  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

1  For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.  2  He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. 3  Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.

4  And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5  So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”…

7  In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.  8  Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9  And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.

Observations

1. What are the names and titles attributed to Jesus in this passage? What do each mean or imply about the person and ministry of Jesus?
2. Read through the passage above and mark every phrase that highlights the humanity of Jesus.
3. According to this passage, what are the qualifications of a high priest? How does Jesus fulfill it?

Application and prayer

1. If you were a struggling addict, or someone constantly resisting sexual temptations, or a tired mother battling to keep her rage intact with a rebellious three-year old, but you want to please God from your heart – which parts of this passage would be comforting to you? Why?
2. Write your three biggest character weaknesses / habitual sins (pray and think before you write). In which way can the man, Jesus relate to your struggle?
3. Now in prayer approach Jesus your High Priest boldly and pray for mercy for forgiveness, as well as grace to overcome these fleshly weaknesses. (Be sincere – pray for a while with passion from your heart).
4. Now pray for someone close to you who struggle to overcome some fleshly weakness, and afterwards send them an encouraging message – or even better – visit them personally and encourage them in Christ.

Note: Image “Approach the Throne of Grace as a Child” found at https://wolfspain.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/10-04-11-approach_throne_child.jpg

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.”