SERIES: By This We Know - - Jesus' Claims (2 of 5)
The Claim
God in the Flesh
John 1:14
Matthew 1:23
God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ
This is a foundation of Christianity.
How could God become man?
Some think this is a contradiction.
Unlimited, limited
Infinite, finite
Depends upon the source -
Limited by external forces
Self-imposed limitations
Philippians 2:7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
John 10:18 - No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”
The Biblical Witness
Apostles
2 Peter 1:16-18 – we were eyewitnesses
John 21:24-25 – John wrote what he saw
John 20:30 done in the presence of his disciples
The Enemies of Jesus
Roman soldier Matthew 27:54 – This was the Son of God
Samaritan woman John 4:42 This is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world
Officers of the chief priest John 7:46 No man ever spoke like this man
The Claims of Jesus
John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, the life
John 8:12-18, 23, 46, 56-59
Mark 2:10 – But that you may know that the Son of Man has power to forgive sins
John 18:33-37 Pilate said I find no fault in him
New Testament Writers
John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, Word was with God, and the Word was God
Colossians 1:16-17 16For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.
Colossians 2:9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;
1 Timothy 3:16
Romans 9:5
1 Timothy 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Lord, liar or lunatic?
These are the only three choices you have.
Was Jesus a liar?
Was he a self-deluded lunatic?
The only other choice is to accept the claims of his divinity and origin.
The Human vs. the Divine
How much of Jesus was human and how much was divine?
50% human - 50% divine
100% human
100% divine
100% human AND 100% divine
The best we can do is accept both the humanity and the divinity of Christ.
It is not possible to separate them.
His humanity
Flesh and blood
Hungry
Thirsty
Pain
Sorrow
Emotions - grief, joy, compassion
His divinity
Sinlessness
Miracles
Able to forgive sins
Became the sacrifice for our sins