InstaStudy

Jesus of Nazareth: The Image of God in the First-Century Jewish World

A comprehensive Bible study outline examining the revelation of God in Jesus Christ through the lens of First-Century Jewish monotheism and New Testament scripture (KJV).

1. The Monotheistic Foundation and the Incarnation

1.1 First-Century Jewish Monotheism

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5; Mark 12:29
  • The Shema established the absolute oneness of God as the core belief of Israel.
  • First-century Jewish society maintained a strict monotheistic worldview rejecting any division of deity.
  • Jesus reaffirmed this foundational truth as the first and greatest commandment.

1.2 The Word Made Flesh

Verses: John 1:1; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • The eternal Word was not a separate person but God's own self-expression embodied.
  • God was manifest in the flesh to dwell among humanity as the promised Messiah.
  • The incarnation represents the one true God taking on a genuine human existence.

1.3 The Fullness of the Deity

Verses: Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9; Isaiah 9:6
  • In Jesus Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • Prophetic Scripture declared that the child born would be called the Mighty God and Everlasting Father.
  • Jesus is not merely a part of the divine nature but the complete embodiment of God.

2. Understanding the Humanity and Deity of Jesus

2.1 The Authentic Humanity of the Son

Verses: Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 2:14; Luke 2:52
  • As the Son, Jesus experienced real human growth, limitation, weakness, and mortality.
  • The term Son of God refers specifically to the manifestation of God in human flesh through the virgin birth.
  • Jesus functioned as the human temple and sacrificial Lamb through His flesh.

2.2 The Eternal Deity of the Father Within

Verses: John 8:58; John 10:30; John 14:10
  • The indwelling Father performed the works and spoke the words through the human temple of Jesus.
  • Jesus identified Himself with the divine I AM title of Jehovah.
  • The oneness of Father and Son reflects the divine Spirit indwelling the human vessel.

2.3 The Purpose of the Dual Relationship

Verses: 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 5:8-9; 2 Corinthians 5:19
  • God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself.
  • The distinction of Father and Son emphasizes God's transcendence as Spirit versus His immanence in flesh.
  • Through His human obedience, Jesus became the author of eternal salvation.

3. The Revelation of the Saving Name

3.1 The Promised Name Revealed

Verses: Matthew 1:21; Isaiah 52:6; John 5:43
  • Old Testament prophecy foretold a day when God's people would know His singular saving name.
  • The name Jesus, meaning Jehovah is Salvation, encapsulates the divine identity and mission.
  • Jesus came in His Father's name, bearing the full authority of the One God.

3.2 Exaltation of the Name of Jesus

Verses: Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9-10; Colossians 3:17
  • There is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.
  • God has highly exalted the name of Jesus above every name in heaven and earth.
  • All apostolic worship, prayer, and ministry were conducted explicitly in the name of Jesus.

3.3 Apostolic Practice and Baptism

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5
  • The apostles consistently administered water baptism specifically in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • Baptism in the name of Jesus fulfills the command to baptize in the singular name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
  • The early church recognized the name of Jesus as the revealed covenant name for the New Testament believer.

4. The Express Image of the Invisible God

4.1 Visible Image of the Unseen Spirit

Verses: 2 Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3
  • God is an invisible Spirit, and Jesus Christ is His exact visible representation.
  • Jesus is the express image of God's person, making the invisible God tangible to creation.
  • To look upon Jesus is to see the personification and character of the One God.

4.2 Seeing the Father in the Son

Verses: John 12:45; John 14:7-9; 1 John 5:20
  • When Philip requested to see the Father, Jesus responded that seeing Him was seeing the Father.
  • There is no hidden revelation of God apart from the person and face of Jesus Christ.
  • Knowing Jesus is the realization and fulfillment of knowing the true God and eternal life.

4.3 The Spirit of Jesus in the Believer

Verses: Romans 8:9; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 3:17
  • The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ dwelling within the heart of every believer.
  • The indwelling Spirit provides direct communion with the one Lord who redeemed us.
  • Believers are progressively transformed into the same image through the work of the Spirit.