CLC - Who Do You Say Jesus Is

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Grand Canyon University *

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Oct 30, 2023

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CLC – Who Do You Say Jesus Is? Angel Cervantes, Andrew Hernandez, John Burciaga Kellermann College of Theology, Grand Canyon University CWV-101, Christian Worldview Manny Cota March 3 rd , 2023

Part 1: Teaching of Jesus (Angel Cervantes) There are a variety of teachings from Jesus that can be highlighted that show his wisdom, authority, and divinity as the son of God and are central in understanding what it means to live out the Christian faith. One teaching is found in Matthew 6:19-24, summarized in the words of Jesus: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth...But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven .... No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money,” (Matthew 6:19-24). This teaching emphasizes the importance of seeking out the Lord and becoming sanctified through his truth and wisdom. Jesus is most concerned with the treasure that is found through salvation that guarantees an afterlife in heaven. He uses the word “treasure” to contrast the material value placed on worldly desires to the infinite afterlife that is promised to Christians who devote their life to the Lord. While humanity in their inequity may view material possession as their purpose, their “treasure” will never compare to the true priceless value of living again in the company of God. This teaching shows that following God’s instruction through the Bible means to abandon the teachings and culture that is present in the world and adopt a new lifestyle for a future in heaven. The Asbury Bible Commentary further examines this issue, elaborating: “World is a Johannine idiom referring to those who are part of the present age, the world system apart from Christ, humankind organized in rebellion against God. This world lies in darkness and sin,” (Zondervan Corporation, 1992). To be of the world and follow the desire of the world is

ultimately fruitless, is the world is both separate from God and has a foundation in darkness and sin that will rebel against what God desires. This teaching may have a different meaning for a person who does not have a worldview to that of a Christian. For example, an atheist who does not believe in the existence of a divine being may only see this verse as not saving their physical body from a finite, permanent death, but instead to chase a deeper understanding of what the purpose of life ultimately may be if money or popularity are ultimately inconsequential. This removes the divine promise of a life after death but can still be applied in a manner that refutes the teachings of a flawed or misguided world. Part 2: Claim That Jesus Made About His Nature In John 10:25-38 Jesus explains that He is much like a shepherd and those who choose to follow Him are like His sheep. While in the temple of Solomon He speaks to a crowd of Jews who question Him, saying: “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:25-28 ESV). Jesus says He is like a shepherd, and just as one would call their sheep who follow, Jesus also calls his disciples who follow Him, except He has far more to offer then any shepherd ever could. Jesus not only offers safety, but also eternal life, where there is no death. Jesus then tells the crowd that “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to

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snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one” (John 10:29). Jesus declares that He is God, and that He is so powerful that once someone accepts Him as their savior, there is no force that can separate them from God, and He will protect and watch over us like a good shepherd. In short, Jesus’ nature according to Him is that He is the son of God, and He is God Himself, and He calls out to all who listen to Him, offering a shelter and stronghold, extending His love to all. Part 3: Personal Answer to Question From Jesus (Angel) According to Mark 8:29, Jesus asks Peter openly to determine the identity of Jesus, and Peter replies that Jesus is the Messiah, meaning he is their savior (Mark 8:29). In a personal consideration, examining Jesus’ teachings validates the mercy of God who desires a relationship with us and sought out to demonstrate his intention and living out this desire in a physical person, who is his son Jesus Christ. The life of Jesus exists as an olive branch between God and humanity, who a perfect God realizing that humanity is flawed and failing to live out his design and best interests for humans, needed an example that humans could visibly see and look to for guidance. Many misconceptions had arose over the intention for how God wanted humans to live out his faith, corrupted by sin and material obsession found in the world. Jesus was brought into the world not only to serve as a leader and sense of guidance from God, but also as a sacrifice delivered from God, who gave Jesus perfect life as an offering in place to humanity. This is why Peter refers to Jesus as “the Messiah”. This is also summarized in the commentary, which delivers: “..the way to the Father was through him, just as he was also the avenue into the world for the truth and life of the Father. To know him was to know the Father,” (Zondervan Corporation, 1992). In seeking out a relationship with God, knowing the story and teaching of

Jesus is essential in the life of a Christian, as his life was intended by God to serve humanity as a figure to demonstrate how a Christian should live their life. Jesus is also an example of God’s mercy, who lived a perfect live without sin but still willingly choose to die to therefore serve humanity’s place on the cross, and act as an example of God’s love. Part 3: Personal Answer to Question From Jesus (Andrew) Having known Jesus my whole life and starting my own personal relationship with Him at the age of 13, there is a lot I would say about who I think Jesus is. Jesus is not some cruel deity who looks down on us and allows bad things to happen, He very much is the opposite. Jesus is a merciful and loving God, and this is evident in Matthew 10:27 when He says “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” This is significant for two reasons. First, He is present in the flesh speaking to a crowd of Jews, which shows that He loves humanity so much that He became one of us Himself to show us how to live our lives and eventually go on to die for us all. The second reason this is significant is because it shows that despite everyone being naturally vile and sinful creatures at here, Jesus tells us that He offers us eternal life, were we are void of sin, pain, and death, and all we must do is simply believe in Him. He adds that once we are a part of His salvation, we cannot be snatched from it, not even Satan can take us away from God’s might. Many ask the question “Why does a God who claims to be good and just allow bad things to happen?” however I think a more accurate question would be “Why does God deal with all our evil and wickedness, and still offered His son do die for us and continue to offer us eternal life and a way to be free from sin and pain?” It is because God is mercy and love, and He wants us to get to spend eternity in His glory.

Part 3: Personal Answer to Question From Jesus (John) In Mark 8:29, a very interesting and complex question is asked about who Jesus is. As someone who has grown up in a Catholic household and has constantly been around Christianity, I feel it is hard to fully answer this question because of how complex God truly is. To me, I believe Jesus is the living embodiment of God. He was sent as the Son of God in a living form in order for humans to have faith and look towards someone to know love and goodness. Jesus is God, or the Messiah, as Peter says. “You are the Messiah, the son of the living God” (Mark 8:29). Although, am baptized Catholic, I don’t consider myself a Catholic and I don’t tie my beliefs to any religion. I believe so many things from different religions, so it makes it hard for me to be all in on just one. Regardless, this doesn’t change my view on Jesus or God. I do believe in the biblical teachings about who God and Jesus are. Jesus was sent as an educator, so we could understand what it means to be holy. Regardless of someone’s religious affiliation, looking to the Bible and Jesus for seeking a good and moral life is important. I find myself fortunate to not consider myself a Chrisitan. This gives me the freedom and lack of worry in finding goodness, although I tend to do so by following Jesus’s teachings. Sometimes I feel Christians get caught up with worry and fear that they aren’t “good Christians” which can lead to sin or falling off the path of God’s Image.

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References Diffey, D., & Holland, R. (Eds.). (2022). The beginning of wisdom: An introduction to Christian thought and life (5th ed.). Grand Canyon University. Holy Bible, English Standard Version, 2001/2016 The Zondervan Corporation. (1992). F. EXHORTATION TO AVOID WORLDLINESS (2:15-17). Asbury Bible Commentary. https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/asbury- bible-commentary/f-exhortation-to-avoid-worldliness-2-15-17