InstaStudy

Understanding the Gospels: A Study of Jesus Christ

This study explores the profound revelation of God found in the four Gospels, focusing on the divine identity of Jesus, His authoritative message, and the transformative call to follow Him.

1. The Identity of Jesus in the Gospels

1.1 Jesus as "I AM"

Verses: John 8:58; John 10:30; John 14:9
  • Jesus' declaration "Before Abraham was, I AM" connects Him directly to the divine name revealed to Moses.
  • His statements like "I and My Father are one" reveal a singular divine essence.
  • To see Jesus is to see the Father, demonstrating His full deity.

1.2 Jesus as the Son of God

Verses: Matthew 16:16; John 3:16; John 5:18
  • Peter's confession identifies Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, acknowledging His divine origin and nature.
  • The term "Son of God" signifies His unique relationship with the Father, being of the same divine substance.
  • The Jews understood Jesus' claim to be the Son of God as making Himself equal with God.

1.3 Jesus as Lord and God

Verses: John 20:28; Luke 2:11; Matthew 1:23
  • Thomas's declaration, "My Lord and my God," directly attributes full deity to Jesus.
  • Jesus is born as "a Savior, who is Christ the Lord," indicating His divine sovereignty.
  • He is "Immanuel," which means "God with us," a direct affirmation of His divine presence.

1.4 The Incarnation: God with Us

Verses: John 1:1; John 1:14; Matthew 1:23
  • The Word, who was God, became flesh and dwelt among us, revealing the divine nature in human form.
  • No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.
  • Jesus is the visible manifestation of the invisible God, making God accessible to humanity.

2. The Kingdom Message and God's Nature

2.1 The One True God Revealed by Jesus

Verses: Mark 12:29; John 17:3; John 4:24
  • Jesus affirms the foundational truth of the Shema: "The Lord our God, the Lord is one."
  • Eternal life is knowing the one true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, emphasizing a singular divine source.
  • God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth, highlighting His singular, non-physical essence.

2.2 Jesus' Relationship with the Father

Verses: John 10:30; John 14:7-9; John 16:28
  • Jesus declares, "I and My Father are one," signifying a unity of essence and purpose.
  • To have seen Jesus is to have seen the Father, as Jesus is the full embodiment and revelation of God.
  • Jesus came forth from the Father and came into the world, and again, He leaves the world and goes to the Father, describing His divine origin and return.

2.3 The Spirit of God in Jesus' Ministry

Verses: Luke 4:18; Matthew 12:28; John 3:34
  • The Spirit of the Lord was upon Jesus, anointing Him to preach, heal, and deliver.
  • Jesus cast out demons by the Spirit of God, demonstrating the divine power at work through Him.
  • God gave the Spirit without measure to Jesus, indicating the fullness of God's Spirit dwelling in Him.

3. The Authority and Power of Jesus

3.1 Authority over Sin and Sickness

Verses: Mark 2:10-11; Luke 5:24; Matthew 8:16
  • Jesus demonstrated His divine authority to forgive sins, a power belonging only to God.
  • His command to the paralytic to "take up your bed and walk" proved His power to forgive and heal.
  • He cast out spirits with a word and healed all who were sick, showing His complete dominion.

3.2 Authority over Nature and Demons

Verses: Mark 4:39; Matthew 8:27; Mark 1:27
  • Jesus commanded the wind and the sea, and they obeyed Him, revealing His creator's power.
  • Even the winds and the sea obey Him, causing His disciples to marvel at His divine authority.
  • He commanded unclean spirits, and they obeyed Him, demonstrating His absolute power over spiritual forces.

3.3 The Power in His Name

Verses: John 14:13-14; John 16:23-24; Matthew 28:18
  • Whatever is asked in Jesus' name, He will do it, revealing the authority inherent in His name.
  • Asking in His name ensures that the Father will give it, emphasizing the singular authority.
  • All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus, signifying the supreme power of His name.

4. The Call to Discipleship and New Birth

4.1 Repentance and Faith in Jesus

Verses: Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3; John 3:16
  • Jesus' initial message was "Repent, and believe in the gospel."
  • Unless one repents, they will likewise perish, highlighting the necessity of turning from sin.
  • Believing in Jesus, the Son of God, is essential for eternal life.

4.2 The New Birth: Water and Spirit

Verses: John 3:5; Mark 16:16; Matthew 3:11
  • Jesus teaches that one must be born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God.
  • He who believes and is baptized will be saved, connecting water baptism with salvation.
  • John the Baptist prophesied that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, indicating the spiritual transformation.

4.3 Living as a Disciple of the One God

Verses: Matthew 22:37-38; John 13:34-35; Matthew 10:38
  • The greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, emphasizing devotion to the singular God.
  • Love for one another identifies true disciples, reflecting the nature of God.
  • Taking up one's cross and following Jesus signifies complete surrender and commitment to His way.