BIB101-Session 4 Discussion -Why Jesus
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Colorado Christian University *
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101
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Religion
Date
Apr 3, 2024
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docx
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Uploaded by EarlPowerCrane29
Why Jesus?
What is your understanding of the purpose of Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection? My knowledge of the purpose of Jesus' life
was “to seek and to save the lost.” He was aware of his purpose, even from a young age, because Luke 2:49 says “Why were you searching for me?” he asked, didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house” (
Holy Bible, New International Version,
1973/2011). But I love the KJV.
Jesus intentionally set about to fulfill it. The bottom line is that Christ came to save the sinners, eat with them, talk with them, and show God’s love. The purpose of Jesus' ministry
may be contrary to the belief of many people, and I am talking about back in biblical days and our era. I understand that the primary purpose of Jesus coming to earth to minister was not to heal the sick or perform other signs and wonders. As important as these tasks were, they were secondary to His mission of preaching the truth. I say this because Mark 1:36-38 says, “Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else, to the nearby villages, so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” (
Holy Bible, New International Version,
1973/2011). So, the purpose of his ministry was to preach the truth. The purpose of Jesus' death and resurrection
was that Jesus' death was a part
of God’s plan for Him to die on the cross as atonement for the sins of those who put their faith in Him and to rise again from the dead in victory over sin and death. Luke 9:51 says, “As the time approached for him to be taken up to the heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (
Holy Bible, New International Version, 1973/2011). So, there you have it: towards the end of His life, Jesus deliberately made His way to Jerusalem, where He would die, be buried, and resurrect.
Was it just to how to be good people, or was there more? Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection were to show how to be good people by selflessly loving our neighbors and enemies, forgiving others, serving others, and having faith; if we do these things, God will improve our lives. These things help us have better inner peace and strengthen our relationships with those around us. His death and resurrection were to show us that without the sacrificial death of Christ, we would still be in our sins, unforgiven, unredeemed, unsaved, and unloved. The cross of Christ is vital to our salvation and was the central theme of the Apostles’ preaching. Acts 2:23 says, “This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross” (
Holy Bible, New International Version,
1973/2011). But the story of Jesus did not end with His death. The
resurrection of Christ is also foundational to the gospel message. Our salvation stands or falls based on the bodily resurrection of Jesus, and Paul made it clear in 1 Corinthians 15:12-19
. Paraphrasing, if Christ is not physically risen from the dead, then we ourselves have no hope of resurrection, the Apostles' preaching would be in vain, and believers are all to be pitied. But Luke 1:78-79 says, “Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace” (
Holy Bible, New International Version, 1973/2011). Without the resurrection, we are still sitting “in darkness and the shadow of death,” waiting for the sunrise.
Why do we say that Jesus is the message of
the Bible?
John 1:1-3 says, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made” (
Holy Bible, New International Version, 1973/2011). So, my answer to the question is that John calls Jesus the Word because he had come to see the Word of Jesus as the truth of God. That is why I say Jesus is the message in the Bible. How have you thought of Jesus in the past, and how do you understand him now? Brought up in a Christian home, I was taught that Jesus was the Christ, the long-awaited Messiah, as well as the one and only Son of God. That made me understand in my adult years that He is my savior, brother, and friend. He is an ever-present help in times of trouble; He is my shepherd who leads me to green pastures and restores my soul. He is my creator. He is not haughty but associates with the lowly. He is patient. He is a mighty warrior, glorious in battle, sacrifice, righteousness, provider, sustainer, and healer. He is my role model, my teacher, and the list can continue!
Reference(s)
Holy Bible, New International Version,
(2011), Zondervan. (Original work published 1973)
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