KNOWING JESUS THE CHRIST ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES
The Divine Revelation of Jesus Christ: Unveiling His Nature and Purpose
As we navigate the complexities of life, it's essential to grasp the fundamental truth about Jesus Christ. The Bible reveals three crucial aspects of His nature and purpose:
Jesus is God
In the beginning, the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1-5) This profound statement establishes Jesus as the embodiment of God, sharing in His divine nature. He is not just a prophet or a messenger but the very essence of God in human form.
Jesus is the Revelation of God to Mankind
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being. (Hebrews 1:3) Through Jesus, we see the character, love, and grace of God manifested in human history. He is the ultimate revelation of God's heart and purpose for humanity.
In John 14:9, Jesus says to Philip, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." This profound statement emphasizes that Jesus is the perfect reflection of God's nature, character, and essence. By looking at Jesus, we gain insight into the heart and mind of God.
This is in stark contrast to the Old Testament description of God's dwelling place. As Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:16, God dwells in "unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see." This highlights the transcendent and mysterious nature of God.
However, through Jesus, the invisible God becomes visible. Jesus bridges the gap between God's transcendence and humanity's need for a tangible, personal connection. As the exact representation of God's being, Jesus reveals the Father's love, mercy, and grace.
By looking at Jesus, we see the character of God, including:
- His love and compassion (Matthew 9:36, Luke 15:11-32)
- His mercy and forgiveness (Matthew 9:13, Luke 23:34)
- His justice and righteousness (Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 19:11-16)
In Jesus, we encounter the living, breathing, and personal God, who desires a relationship with us. Through His life, teachings, death, and resurrection, Jesus reveals the heart of God and invites us to experience His love and salvation.
Believe in Him and Receive Eternal Life
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) In Jesus, we find the intersection of God's love, mercy, and redemption. Embrace Him as your Lord and Savior and experience the transformative power of His eternal life.
Revealing Jesus in the Old Testament
Now the purpose of teaching or preaching is to reveal Jesus Christ. The Old Testament provides a rich tapestry of prophetic pointers, typology, and symbolism that foreshadow the coming of Jesus Christ.
Creation and Light (Genesis 1:3, John 8:12)
In the book of Genesis, we read about the creation of the world. In Genesis 1:3, God speaks, saying, "Let there be light." This simple yet powerful command marks the beginning of life and energy on earth. But did you know that this verse also points to a deeper truth about Jesus Christ?
Fast-forward to the New Testament, where Jesus declares, "I am the Light of the world" (John 8:12). This statement is more than just a metaphor; it's a direct connection to the creation event in Genesis. Jesus is revealing Himself as the embodiment of the light that God spoke into existence.
But what does this mean? In John 1:4-5, we read, "In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." Here, Jesus is described as the source of life and light, which shines in the darkness.
John 1:7-9 further explains, "He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world."
In essence, Jesus is the Light of the world, bringing life, hope, and salvation to humanity. Just as God's light pierced the darkness in Genesis, Jesus shines in the hearts of people, dispelling spiritual darkness and guiding us toward eternal life.
This connection between Genesis and Jesus highlights the consistency and coherence of God's plan throughout the Bible. Jesus is not just a historical figure or a moral teacher; He is the embodiment of God's light, life, and love, shining brightly for all to see.
The Tree of Life and Salvation (Genesis 2:22, Romans 6:23)
In Genesis 2:9, we read about the Tree of Life, planted by God in the Garden of Eden. This tree represented eternal life, and its fruit had the power to sustain humanity's physical and spiritual life.
However, after Adam and Eve's disobedience, God removed them from the Garden, and the Tree of Life was no longer accessible to humanity (Genesis 3:22-24).
Jesus: The Source of Eternal Life
Fast-forward to the New Testament, where Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Here, Jesus identifies Himself as the source of eternal life.
In Romans 6:23, Paul writes, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This verse emphasizes that eternal life is a gift from God, accessible through Jesus Christ.
Restoring Humanity's Relationship with God
The connection between the Tree of Life and Jesus highlights God's plan to restore humanity's relationship with Himself. Through Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, humanity can once again access eternal life and experience a restored relationship with God.
In essence, Jesus is the fulfillment of the Tree of Life's promise. He offers eternal life, salvation, and a restored relationship with God, making Him the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment and sustenance.
The Rock of Salvation (Exodus 17:6, 1 Corinthians 10:4)
Exodus 17:6: God provided water from a rock to quench the thirst of the Israelites, symbolizing spiritual nourishment. Jesus is the Rock of Salvation, providing living water (John 4:14).
1 Corinthians 10:4: Paul writes, "They drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ." Jesus is the source of spiritual nourishment and salvation.
This connection highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of God's provision and salvation, from the Old Testament to the New Testament.
The Seed of the Woman (Genesis 3:15)
The prophecy in Genesis 3:15 finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The virgin birth of Jesus, as described in Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-38, is a direct fulfillment of this prophecy. Jesus, born of the virgin Mary, is the "seed of the woman" who would defeat Satan's power.
Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus accomplished what the prophecy foretold. He crushed Satan's power, defeating sin and death, and providing salvation for humanity (Hebrews 2:14-15, 1 Corinthians 15:55-57).
In summary, the prophecy in Genesis 3:15 highlights the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth and His mission to defeat Satan's power. The biological impossibility of a woman producing seed emphasizes the divine intervention and fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus Christ.
Typology of Salvation
Noah's Ark (Genesis 6-9 symbolize the salvation that is in Christ. The Ark saved those who entered it, the same with Christ, he can only those who believe in him. 1 Peter 3:18-22):
Isaac: A Symbol of the Spirit and God's Promise
In Genesis 15:6, we read about Abraham's faith in God's promise, which would be fulfilled through his son Isaac. Galatians 4:22-24 further explains the symbolism of Isaac, contrasting him with Ishmael.
Ishmael: Representing the Flesh
Ishmael, born to Abraham through Hagar, Sarah's servant, represents the fleshly attempt to fulfill God's promise. Though Abraham had found an heir in Ishmael, God had other plans.
Isaac: Representing the Spirit and God's Promise
Isaac, born to Abraham through his wife Sarah, represents the spiritual fulfillment of God's promise. Despite Sarah's barrenness, God miraculously intervened, and Isaac was born.
Symbolism of Isaac's Birth
The birth of Isaac symbolizes God's sovereign plan to provide salvation through faith, not works. Just as Abraham and Sarah couldn't produce Isaac through their own efforts, humanity can't earn salvation through good deeds or fleshly attempts.
Connection to Jesus Christ
This narrative foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise. Just as Isaac was the miraculous, spiritual heir of Abraham, Jesus is the miraculous, spiritual Savior of humanity.
Parallels Between Israel and Abraham's Story
The nation of Israel, like Abraham, tried to gain salvation through works and fleshly attempts (e.g., following the law, performing rituals). However, God had to provide Jesus Christ, the only way for humanity to be saved (John 14:6, Acts 4:12).
In summary, the story of Isaac represents the spiritual fulfillment of God's promise, contrasting with the fleshly attempt represented by Ishmael. This narrative symbolizes God's sovereign plan to provide salvation through faith, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Passover Lamb (Exodus 12:13, 1 Corinthians 5:7): The lamb that was killed and its blood put on door post was a symbolic of what was going to happen to Jesus. The lamb was a figure, and Christ was the ultimate sacrifice.
The Brass Serpent: A Symbol of Salvation and Healing
In Numbers 21:9, we read about the brass serpent Moses lifted up in the wilderness. This symbol has a profound connection to Jesus Christ, as revealed in John 3:14.
The Story of the Brass Serpent
During the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, they were bitten by venomous snakes. God instructed Moses to create a brass serpent and lift it up on a pole. Whoever looked at the serpent would be healed and live (Numbers 21:8-9).
The Connection to Jesus Christ
In John 3:14, Jesus says, "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up." Here, Jesus draws a parallel between the brass serpent and Himself.
Looking to Christ for Salvation and Healing
Just as the Israelites were instructed to look at the brass serpent to be healed, we are advised to look to Christ for salvation and healing. In Hebrews 12:2, we're encouraged to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith."
The Power of Focusing on Christ
When we focus on Christ, we experience victory over sin and its consequences. As 1 John 3:8 says, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work." By looking to Christ, we tap into His power and experience freedom from sin's grip.
Guaranteed Victory
When we perfectly focus on Christ, we're guaranteed victory. As Paul writes in Romans 8:37, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." By fixing our eyes on Jesus, we become more than conquerors, overcoming sin and its effects in our lives.
In summary, the brass serpent symbolizes salvation and healing, pointing to Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of these blessings. By looking to Christ, we experience victory over sin and its consequences, guaranteed by His power and love.
Prophetic Pointers
Deuteronomy 18:15: A prophet like Moses (Jesus) would arise.
Numbers 24:16-17: The Star (Jesus) would shine, guiding humanity.
Significance: Jesus fulfills these prophecies, confirming His divine nature and mission.
New Testament Confirmations of Jesus Christ
The New Testament reinforces Jesus' divinity and mission, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and establishing Him as the central figure in human history.
Jesus Explains the Scriptures
In Luke 24:25-27, Jesus explains the Scriptures to His disciples, revealing Himself in Moses and the Prophets. He connects the Old Testament to His own life and mission, demonstrating that the entire Bible points to Him.
Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies
Several New Testament passages confirm Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies:
- Ephesians 1:19-21 and 2:5-6: Jesus' exaltation fulfills Psalm 103:11-13 and 110:1, demonstrating His divine nature.
- Hebrews 5:5-7 and 6:20: Jesus' priestly office fulfills Psalm 110:4, establishing Him as the eternal High Priest.
- Revelation 3:7: Jesus holds the key of David, controlling access to God's presence, fulfilling Ezra 9:8-9 and Isaiah 22:22-23.
Jesus' Divine Authority and Priesthood
Jesus Christ is the ultimate authority, granting salvation and access to God. His priesthood surpasses the Old Testament Levitical priesthood, ensuring salvation for believers.
Conclusion
The Scriptures confirm Jesus' divinity and mission, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and establishing Him as the central figure in human history. The Bible presents a unified testimony of Jesus Christ, from the Old Testament's prophetic shadows to the New Testament's radiant revelation.
Embracing Jesus as Lord and Savior
Embracing Jesus as Lord and Savior invites you into an eternal relationship with God. As you reflect on these New Testament confirmations, may your faith be strengthened, and may you experience the transformative power of Jesus Christ in your life.
Reflection Questions
How has your understanding of Jesus deepened through this study?
What aspects of Jesus' nature and purpose resonate with you most?
How can you apply the truth of Jesus' divinity and redemption in your daily life?
God bless you.
