Day 1: Who is Jesus?

Millions of Christians today and through the years have considered Jesus their God, savior, and best friend.

Jesus of Nazareth is a real man who was born around 2000 years ago to a young couple in Israel. He grew up in a Jewish home with human parents and siblings. He experienced life in a harsh Roman-occupied world much the same as those around him…with the same sufferings and temptations. But, Jesus was/is unlike any other human in that He is the literal son of almighty God. It's a crazy complicated reality that serves as the foundation of the Christian faith. Jesus is the son of God and has the very nature of God. Yet, He is also a man with flesh and blood like you and me.

Jesus is the only Son of God. He is a distinct person within the Holy Trinity. He is our creator, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, redeemer of all mankind, the Word who was in the beginning, the lion of the tribe of Judah, and the lamb who takes away the sin of the world.

All things were created by Him. Without Him nothing was created that has been created. From the largest structures in the universe to the smallest fundamental particle, Jesus knows them all for He created it all. He knows me perfectly.

Jesus is not a created being. He has always been and always will be. Messiah is not an afterthought to an unexpected turn of events. God knew from before the beginning that we would desperately need to be saved from consequences of our own decisions. He knew that we would accumulate an unpayable debt. Before the first human drew a breath, God planned to send His son to pay that debt himself. Jesus is the one “anointed” by God to intervene on man's behalf and bring us back into relationship with God…He is the “Christ” promised throughout the Jewish scriptures to save us from our sins. He is our source of eternal life and our way to the Father.

He was born in the flesh of the Holy Spirit through a virgin, He walked among us for 33 years around 2000 years ago performing numerous miracles, some recorded in the Bible. He lived a perfect life without sin. He willingly died on a crucifixion cross to reconcile us with our Holy God, He was buried, and was resurrected on the third day. Now, He rules from the throne in heaven next to God the Father. Because Jesus paid the price for all sin, everyone who believes in Him is invited into the kingdom as a child of God.

Specific Questions and Challenges

Consider John 20:30-31. In a judicial trial, one considers “evidence” to draw conclusions. Our judicial system requires that sufficient evidence be produced to persuade a reasonable person to a particular end. What kinds of evidence do you require to believe that Jesus is the “savior” of mankind, that Jesus is the son of God, and that eternal life is found in Him? List your requirements and come back to this list often as you explore more through this series.

Exercise: As you read this section, note all the words that give you pause and phrases or statements that you have issue with…big or small issues. Anything that surprises you. Discussing these questions is a major point of the 40 Days study.

Life In His Presence

Frequently asked questions

1

...

2

..

3

..

4

...

5

..