How you see Jesus impacts every area of your life: your beliefs, character, and eternal destiny. It’s not something to be taken lightly. Dr. Stanley explains who Jesus was according to Scripture and who He wants to be in our lives today.
Sermon Outline
There’s simply no one like Jesus, and the more we know about Him, the more we want to learn. In today’s message, Dr. Stanley points out important details we can use to share our faith with others and encourage them to seek the King of Kings.
Key Passage: Matthew 16:13-17
Supporting Passages: Genesis 1:26; Mark 10:47-48; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Hebrews 9:27
If someone asked you to explain who Jesus is, would you know what to say?
Jesus asked the disciples this question (Matt. 16:13-16).
The answer is important enough that God revealed it to Simon, who was later known as Peter (vv. 17-18).
► “Jesus is a very specific person we can believe in and trust in.”
Knowing Jesus as your personal Savior …
Molds your character. You cannot stay the same after receiving and accepting Jesus Christ for who He is.
Impacts your belief. You see everything differently, make different judgments, and gain assurance.
Influences your lifestyle (2 Cor. 5:17). As a new creation in Christ, you’ll find that the way you live begins to change.
Determines your eternal destiny (Heb. 9:27). If you know Jesus, you will be prepared for eternal life.
► “People get baptized and think that’s it. But that’s just the beginning of understanding who Jesus is.”
What do we know about Jesus?
His beginnings—He’s the second member of the Trinity, the one by whom “all things were created.” (See Col. 1:16.) When the time came, He took on flesh—conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin—and stepped into the world He had made.
His names—Scripture tells us He is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, Savior, Immanuel, Wonderful Counselor, and Mighty God.
His path—He was buried, conquered death, rose again, and now sits at the Father’s right hand.
His nature—He is unlike the “gods” of any other religion. He is alive.
Who is this Jesus?
Fully God and Fully Man—He came into the world in human flesh and lived among us.
The Good Shepherd—He loves, protects, provides for, and defends His sheep.
The Bread of Life—He supplies whatever is needed for our spiritual growth.
The True Vine—He nourishes us like the sap that runs into a vine’s branches.
The Way, the Truth, and the Life—He grants us eternal life through our belief in Him.
The Great Physician—He heals us in body, mind, and spirit.
The Living God—He is the one who came not only to die but also to rise again.
Extraordinary—He is written about and sung about; He has impacted the whole world.
Loved by children—His great kindness makes Him irresistible to children (Matt. 19:14).
Compassionate—He is never too busy to help those who call out to Him (Mark 10:47-48).
► “When Jesus enters your life, your very character changes.”
How should we respond to Jesus?
Trust Him for salvation.
Submit to Him as Lord.
Serve Him faithfully.
Share Him with others.
After Watching
Dr. Stanley mentioned some terms used to describe Jesus: the Way, the Truth, and the Life; the Good Shepherd; the Bread of Life; the True Vine; and the Great Physician. Which resonates most with you? Why?
To “distill” means to reduce something to its most essential and concise form. After spending some time thinking about the many reasons you love and follow the Lord, distill them into a few points. Then, when someone asks you who Jesus is and why He matters, you’ll be ready with a thoughtful reply.
