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The Journey of the Word Made Flesh: How Jesus of Nazareth Endured Suffering, Sacrifice, and Glory to Fulfill His Divine Mission and Ascend to His Heavenly Throne.

This study explores the profound journey of Jesus, the one true God manifested in human flesh. From His divine pre-existence to His glorious ascension, we will trace how He, as the Son of God, perfectly executed the Father's redemptive plan through His life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection, ultimately returning to His rightful place of supreme authority and sending His Spirit to empower believers.

1. The Incarnation: God Manifest in Flesh

1.1 The Pre-existent Word and His Divine Nature

Verses: John 1:1; John 1:14; Colossians 2:9
  • The Word was God from the beginning, not a separate entity, but God Himself.
  • The fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Jesus Christ.
  • Jesus is the visible manifestation of the invisible God.

1.2 The Conception and Birth of Jesus: God with Us

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:35
  • Jesus is prophetically called 'Mighty God' and 'Everlasting Father'.
  • His birth fulfilled prophecy of God dwelling among His people as 'Emmanuel'.
  • The Holy Spirit, which is God's own Spirit, overshadowed Mary, bringing forth the human vessel for God.

1.3 Jesus' Singular Identity: God Himself in Human Form

Verses: 1 Timothy 3:16; John 14:9; John 10:30
  • God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
  • Seeing Jesus is seeing the Father, for He is the express image of God's person.
  • Jesus declared His oneness with the Father, stating 'I and my Father are one'.

2. The Earthly Ministry: Demonstrating Divine Power and Purpose

2.1 Proclaiming the Kingdom: Teaching and Parables

Verses: Mark 1:15; Matthew 5:3-12; Luke 4:43
  • Jesus' central message was the arrival of God's kingdom and the call to repentance.
  • His teachings revealed the character and will of God, emphasizing righteousness and love.
  • Parables made divine truths accessible, illustrating spiritual principles through earthly stories.

2.2 Miracles and Healings: Manifestations of God's Power

Verses: John 14:11; Acts 10:38; Matthew 8:16-17
  • Miracles confirmed Jesus' divine origin and authority, testifying that the Father was in Him.
  • God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power, and He went about doing good and healing all.
  • He healed all who were oppressed, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating God's compassion.

2.3 Calling Disciples: Establishing His Church

Verses: Matthew 4:19; Mark 3:13-15; Matthew 16:18
  • Jesus called ordinary people to follow Him, transforming them into 'fishers of men'.
  • He empowered His disciples to preach the kingdom, heal the sick, and cast out demons.
  • He declared His intention to build His church upon the revelation of His divine identity.

2.4 Confrontation with Religious Authority: Revealing Truth

Verses: John 8:58; Matthew 23:13; Mark 7:6-9
  • Jesus challenged man-made traditions that nullified God's word and obscured true worship.
  • He exposed the hypocrisy and spiritual blindness of the religious leaders.
  • He asserted His eternal existence and divine authority, stating 'Before Abraham was, I AM'.

3. The Atoning Sacrifice: The Ultimate Expression of Love and Redemption

3.1 The Suffering Servant: Gethsemane and Betrayal

Verses: Isaiah 53:3-5; Matthew 26:39; John 13:21
  • Jesus willingly embraced suffering, being despised and rejected, for humanity's sake.
  • His agony in Gethsemane showed His human submission to the divine will of the Father.
  • He endured betrayal to fulfill prophecy and God's redemptive plan.

3.2 The Crucifixion: The Lamb of God Takes Away Sin

Verses: John 1:29; Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 2:24
  • Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, bore the sins of the world upon the cross.
  • God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
  • By His stripes, we are healed from sin's penalty and power.

3.3 The Resurrection: Triumph Over Death and Sin

Verses: Acts 2:24; Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
  • God raised Jesus from the dead, loosing the pains of death, proving His divine power.
  • The resurrection declared Jesus to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness.
  • It is the cornerstone of Christian faith, offering hope for eternal life and victory over death.

4. The Glorious Exaltation: Ascension and Reign

4.1 The Ascension: Returning to His Heavenly Throne

Verses: Acts 1:9-11; Ephesians 4:8-10; Hebrews 1:3
  • Jesus ascended to the right hand of God, His place of supreme authority and power.
  • He led captivity captive and gave gifts to men, pouring out blessings upon His church.
  • He sat down as the express image of God's person, upholding all things by the word of His power.

4.2 The Promise of the Spirit: Empowering His Church

Verses: John 14:16-18; Acts 2:4; Acts 2:38
  • Jesus promised to send the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, to abide with believers forever.
  • The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus Himself, dwelling within believers, empowering them for service.
  • Receiving the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in other tongues, is essential for new birth and power.

4.3 The Second Coming: His Triumphant Return

Verses: Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
  • Jesus will return in the same manner He ascended, visibly and gloriously.
  • Every eye will see Him, and He will come with power and great glory to judge the world.
  • Believers will be caught up to meet Him in the air, to forever be with the Lord.