One day Jesus took an opinion poll. He asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” The disciples informed Jesus of the many flattering opinions that were circulating about Him, the majority opinion being that He was a great prophet.
If you were to conduct a modern day opinion poll, you would no doubt find that most people hold Jesus in high regard—but not nearly high enough. Thankfully, we do not need to resort to any opinion poll in an effort to determine the true identity of Jesus. God Himself revealed Jesus’ identity when, at the time of Jesus’ baptism, He declared from heaven, “This is My Son” (Matthew 3:17.) Indeed, the Word of God informs us that Jesus is none other than God incarnate. In fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, He is “Immanuel, God with us” (Matthew 1:23.)
Jesus could also have taken an opinion poll with regard to His ministry. Why did He come? Both then and now, many people would respond by identifying Jesus as a great, if not the greatest, teacher of the law. But if that, indeed, was His sole mission, it would leave us in despair and without hope; for Jesus’ teaching of the law informs us that even our thoughts and motives are accountable to God (note such passages as Matthew 5:21-26 and Matthew 5:27-28.) But thanks be to God, there is Good News! We have God’s own divine commentary on Jesus’ mission. At the time of His birth the angel was commissioned to announce, “You shall name him ‘Jesus,’ because he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:23.)
To learn more about Jesus, who He is and what He came to earth to do, check out the Bible study courses on The Person and Work of Christ.
THE PERSON AND WORK OF CHRIST
Jesus Christ: Our Great High Priest (Exodus 28:1-5)This Bible study course considers the role of the Lord Jesus Christ as our Great High Priest as that role is typified in the Old Testament priestly garments.
A Day In The Life Of Our Lord (Mark 1:21-39)This Bible study course discusses the character and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as they are revealed to us in Mark 1:21-39.
Look To The Sympathetic Jesus (Mark 15:1-41)This Bible study course, encourages us to look to the sympathetic Jesus as He is presented to us in Mark 15:1-41 at the time of His crucifixion.
Jesus Christ The Revelation of God (John 1:1-18)This Bible study course, based on John 1:1-18, exhorts us to look to the Lord Jesus Christ in order to discover the true revelation of the person and grace of God.
Jesus Christ: The True Source Of Joy (John 2:1-11)This Bible study course, based on Jesus’ miracle at the wedding in Cana as recorded in John 2:1-11, points us to Jesus as the only source and dispenser of true joy.
Jesus Christ: The Light Of The World (John 9:1-41)This Bible study course, based upon the incident of Jesus healing the man born blind recorded in John 9:1-41, exploring the meaning and significance of Jesus declaration that He is the Light of the World.
Two Reasons To Trust Jesus, The Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18)This Bible study course, based upon Jesus’ teaching found in John 10:1-18, explores the significance of Jesus’ declaration that He is the “Good Shepherd.”
Jesus Christ: The Resurrection And The Life (John 11:1-44)This Bible study course, based upon Jesus’ miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead, recorded in John 11:1-44, explores the significance of Jesus’ declaration that He is “The Resurrection and the Life.”
Jesus Christ: The Way, The Truth, And The Life (John 14:6-12)This Bible study course, based on Jesus’ teaching recorded in John 14:6-12, explores the significance of Jesus’ declaration that He is “The Way, the Truth, and The Life.”
Have The Mind Of Christ (Philippians 2:1-11)This Bible study course discusses Christ’s divine and human natures as they are expounded by the apostle Paul in his teaching contained in Philippians 2:1-11.
