Jesus Christ is the central focus of all that God is doing in the world. His life and ministry are given to us in the four gospels.Through eye witnesses and his own words, we learn the various names that connect him with the Great I Am.
The first sentence in the Gospel of John calls him the Word of God. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
Jesus was present with God in the beginning of creation. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Genesis 1:3
Jesus is Immanuel as prophesied in Isaiah 7:14. John continues describing Jesus and connects the Word of God with a human, the God who became a man and is with us. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
The Righteous Branch descended from David, King of Israel. This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: Matthew 1:1
Birth of Jesus
The birth of Jesus was prophesied in many ways and on many occasions. He was named to Mary by the angel along with a prophecy of his importance.
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Luke 1:30-33
And Simeon recognized Jesus as the Consolation of Israel and held him high at his circumcision. He prophesied of his ministry and passion.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Luke 2:25-26
Father, I believe in your son Jesus Christ. I receive him as my Lord and Savior and I will obey all his teachings with your help. Thank you for leading me to Jesus. Thank you for sending your son to save us.
Ministry of Jesus
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Mark 1:1-2
John the Baptist called Jesus The Lamb of God. We find its meaning in the crucifixion. The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29
Jesus himself identified with the Great I Am. (Aramaic Bible in Plain English) Yeshua said to them: “Timeless truth I speak to you: Before Abraham would exist, I AM THE LIVING GOD.” John 8:58 — I and the Father are one. John 10:30
As prophesied by Isaiah in chapter 42 and quoted by Matthew, Jesus is called God’s servant and beloved. Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. Matthew 12:18
Early Christians were called ‘followers of the way’. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
Peter’s declaration of faith allowed him to rise to a position of leadership in the early Church. Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16
Jesus, you are the Christ, Son of the Living God. The Holy Spirit has shown this to me. You existed from eternity and are the creator of heaven and earth. You are Immanuel God with us. Help me to be a true follower of the way, the truth and the life.
Passion of Jesus
At the last supper, Jesus established the new covenant prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31.
His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane shows the intimacy of Jesus to God Almighty and his obedience to him. He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39
Jesus frequently called himself “Son of Man”. Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Matthew 26:64
The great commission shows that Jesus truly is the Great I Am and carries his authority. He remains God with us because he promised.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus, you are the Lamb of God who takes away my sin. Thank you for this wonderful gift. Thank you for eternal life. Help me to grow in your love and faith.