Because Jesus is both fully human and fully divine, he can be everything we need for our salvation.
Talking Points:
- At the heart of Christianity is the identity of Jesus. The Christian faith ultimate revolves around him and the claims he made. Jesus is alive today. As both fully human and fully divine, he can be everything we need for our salvation. Hebrews 2:17
- Jesus is not only fully human but also fully God. He was more than a great moral teacher or paragon of virtue. He is God in human flesh. John 1:1-2, John 8:58-59
- The fact that Jesus is God matters for our salvation. The Savior had to be divine in order to make a sacrifice perfect enough and infinite enough to pay for the sins of the world. Jesus had no sin of his own to pay for, so he could pay for ours. 2 Corinthians 5:21
- The greatest sign of Jesus’ divine lordship is that he rose from the dead. This separates him from every other religious leader in history. Jesus did not stay dead. God raised him to life and he lives today. Romans 8:10-11
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Why is the identity of Jesus so important to the Christian faith? What are the implications if we get Jesus wrong?
- Read Hebrews 2:17. In what sense can we say that Jesus was authentically human? Does this change the way you think about Jesus? Explain.
- Read John 1:1-2, 14. Summarize what this passage says about the identity of Jesus.
- Read John 8:56-59. Why did the people pick up stones to throw at Jesus?
- Look at Hebrews 2:17 again. Why did Jesus have to be fully human in order to be our Savior?
- Read 2 Corinthians 5:21. Why did Jesus have to be fully God in order to be our Savior?
- Explain the “liar, lunatic, or Lord” challenge in your own words. Do you find this argument compelling? Explain.
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
