Rediscovering Jesus: Who He Is, Why He Came, and How We should Respond to Him

Tell Them What You Are Going to Say

Introduction

Thanksgiving, it’s a time when many of us will gather around tables filled with delicious food. We will enjoy the tradition of Thanksgiving football. At some point many of us will pass out on the couch do to a food coma. Perhaps and some point we will pause to reflect on the things we’re thankful for. But here’s a question: as we list all the things we’re grateful for, do we also reflect on the people we should be thankful to?

In our lives, there are people who have quietly done so much to help us get where we are—people who go unnoticed or are taken for granted. Sometimes, it’s not until they’re gone or unavailable that we realize how much they’ve contributed.

This reminds me of a man named Carl, a janitor in a large office building. Carl was always the first to arrive and the last to leave, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Each morning, he cleaned desks, polished floors, stocked the break room, made sure the coffee was ready, and fixed whatever was broken. He worked behind the scenes, so quietly that nobody really noticed him.

Then one day, Carl got sick and couldn’t come to work. Suddenly, the trash cans were overflowing, the coffee machine was empty, and the conference room was a mess. That’s when the employees finally asked, “What happened to the janitor? You know, the quiet guy—what’s his name again?”

It was only when everything started falling apart that they realized just how much Carl had done for them every single day. They had never thanked him because they hadn’t noticed all he contributed.

As we go through this message today, I want to challenge you to do two things. First, think about your life—who is the “Carl” in your life? Maybe it’s a family member or a friend. That person who is always there for you, helping, supporting, and working in the background, so much so that you barely notice. This Thanksgiving and Christmas season, take the time to express your gratitude to them. Let them know how much you appreciate all they’ve done.

The second thing is even more important. How often do we hear about all that Jesus has done for us? Yet, over time, His presence in our lives can feel so familiar that we stop noticing. We forget how much He has done, and we may fail to show the gratitude He deserves.

Today, we’re going to pause and reflect. We’re going to rediscover Jesus—who He is, why He came, and how we should respond to Him. As we do, my prayer is that we’ll be reminded of why we should be deeply grateful to Him—not just during the holidays, but every day of our lives.

Central Message

When we truly understand who Jesus is, why He came, and what He has done for us, our hearts should overflow with gratitude, thankfulness, repentance, and a desire to respond to His will.

Main points

Who is Jesus?

Would you recognize Jesus?

How do I fit into the family of God ?

Why did Jesus come?

Why did God provide a path to salvation for us?

What was the price for my salvation ?

Say What You Are Going to Say

Who is Jesus?

Explanation of Text

John 1:1 NIV

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The opening verses of the Gospel according to John intentionally echo the The opening words of the Bible: “In the beginning.” By doing this, John takes us back to creation, and show us that the Word is eternal, the Word has always existed. He was not merely with God; he was God.

John 1:2–5 (NIV)

2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Notice how John refers to the Word here: as “He.” By doing so, the Word is given personhood, showing us that John is not speaking about an object, such as the Bible, but about a living being—Jesus Christ. This distinction is crucial. When we talk about the "Word of God," we often mean Scripture, something we can hold and read. But John is clear: the Word is not an object; it is a person. This person, Jesus, was with God in the beginning and played an active role in creation.

Through Him, all things were made. Nothing exists that He did not create. The Word is not a passive observer of creation but an active participant. John also tells us that in Him was life—true, eternal life—and that life is the light of all humanity. This light represents hope, truth, and salvation. It shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.

Here in these verses, we see the foundational truths about the Word: He was present at creation, actively involved in it, and is the source of life. Moreover, the Word is the light that dispels darkness. Darkness cannot overpower it because the light of Christ is victorious, piercing through and defeating the shadows of sin and death.

Question / Objection

Why does John emphasize creation when Jesus' role is primarily seen as Savior?

Answer

There are a few reasons why John may have focused on Jesus taking part in creation and being redeemer.

Each of our gospel accounts has a specific audience in mind . Mark and Matthew are writing primarily to a Jewish audience that's the reason that Matthew focuses on things such as Genealogies . Luke on the other hand is writing primarily to a gentile or non-Jewish audience. John Is attempting to wright to both Jews, who revered the God of creation, and Greeks, who valued the concept of Logos (the Eternal and unchanging truth and divine reason that gives form and meaning the universe). By linking Jesus to creation, John appeals to both groups, showing that Jesus was with God and is God and thus took part in creation, and Jesus is the Word (Logos) the Eternal and unchanging truth and divine reason that gives form and meaning the universe.

Why is Jesus called "the Word"?

Answer

Jesus is called "the Word" because He is the embodiment of truth and the fulfillment of God’s promises. He doesn’t merely speak truth—He is the truth. When we look at the Bible, we see God’s promises throughout Scripture, and Jesus is the one who fulfills those promises.

John also calls Jesus "the Word" to establish a foundation for his Gospel. Calling Jesus the Word frames him as the eternal, divine Logos—the agent of creation, the source of life, and the light of the world. By introducing Jesus as "the Word," John sets the stage for themes that unfold throughout his Gospel: life, light, grace, and truth. From the very first verse, John establishes Jesus’ authority, divinity, and mission, preparing readers to understand the full significance of His ministry, and sacrifice.

Why does darkness still seem to exist if the light overcomes it, and How can I see the "light" in my own life?

Answer

Darkness still exist because not everyone seeks the light. As Jesus Himself said, "people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil." The light of Christ is available to all, but Jesus will not force Himself on anyone. He allows those who reject Him to dwell in darkness temporarily. However, this darkness is not permanent. Jesus has already won the ultimate victory over sin, death, and darkness through His death and resurrection, but we live in the "in-between" time—the already and the not yet. The victory is assured, but we await its full realization when Jesus returns.

Illustration: Think of World War II. When Germany was defeated, the tide of the war turned, but there were still battles to fight, particularly against Japan. The war was essentially won, but it wasn’t fully over until Japan surrendered. Similarly, Jesus has defeated darkness, but the final surrender of evil will occur when He returns in glory. Until that day, we fight battles, but we do so with the assurance of ultimate victory.

To see the light, you must turn to Jesus. Accept the gift of salvation that He freely offers. Recognize your sin, repent, and ask for God’s forgiveness. He is ready and willing to forgive you and to fill your life with His light. When you make Jesus the Lord of your life, His light will shine in you and through you.

But you can do more than just see the light, you can help it shine brighter in your life:

Spend time with Jesus through prayer and reading His Word.

Submit to His guidance by listening to the Holy Spirit.

Trust Him during trials, storms, and hardships, knowing His light never fades, even in the darkest moments.

Look for His light in others. God often shines His light through other believers. Stay connected to a faith community where you can grow, be encouraged, and encourage others.

By seeking Jesus, spending time in His presence, and trusting Him in all circumstances, the light of Christ will illuminate your path and grow brighter in your life. And as His light shines in you, it will also shine through you, drawing others to the source of true light and life.

Would you recognize Jesus

John 1:9–11 NIV

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.

Illustration

Joshua Bell is a renowned violinist and conductor. In January 2007 he took part in an experiment Where he disguised himself as a street performer in a metro subway station in Washington DC. The experiment was videotaped on hidden camera; of the over 1000 people who passed by only seven stopped to listen to him, and only one recognized him.

People failed to notice someone extraordinary in their midst. The people in Jesus' time failed to recognize the Messiah in their midst. If Jesus were in your midst would you notice him.

Explanation of Text

The text tells us that Jesus was in the world , but the world did not recognize him . The line he came unto his own refers to his coming first to the Jewish people come but the Jewish people did not receive him. I think that often in our modern times we assume that if Jesus were to reveal himself to us that we would recognize him . We assume that we would not be like the people of his time , but the question that I have for you is has Jesus revealed himself to you in modern times and you did not recognize him.

How do I fit into the family of God ?

John 1:12–13 (NIV)

12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

Explanation of Text

When we receive Jesus and believe in him, we are given the right to become children of God. Not by natural birth, human decision, or any earthly means, but by the divine will of God Himself. This means we are adopted into God’s family—a family that transcends biology, culture, and earthly status.

Now, let me be clear. Some have taken this text and others like it to mean that as children of God, we will someday become like God or equal to Him. Let me tell you in no uncertain terms: at no point will you or I ever be equal to God. We are God’s creation, and the creation can never be equal to the Creator. It’s crucial to guard against bad theology that distorts the distinction between the divine and the adopted.

I am blessed to have six children. Three of my children came into my life through my wife, and three were adopted into our family. Let me tell you this: all six of those children are equally mine. I love them all deeply. But none of them share my biological material. They don’t carry my DNA, and yet they are fully and completely my children.

This is a picture of what it means to be adopted into the family of God. Though we don’t share God’s “spiritual DNA”—because we are not divine—we are fully His children. There is only one begotten Son of God: Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity. Jesus is equal to the Father because He is of the same essence as the Father. But we, as adopted sons and daughters, will never be equal to the Father. And yet, despite this, God calls us His own and loves us with a fatherly love.

Why did Jesus come?

John 3:17 NIV

17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Illustration

Imagine a group of sailors stranded in the open sea, there ship sunk, and the men were threshing about in rough and icy waters, gasping for air as waves crashed over them. A rescue ship arrived, throwing life rings into the sea. Some men clung to the rings with everything they had, desperate to be saved. But others, for reasons beyond understanding, refused to grab hold. Rescue workers risked their lives, jumping into the icy sea to reach those men, extending their hands and calling out. Yet some still turned away, swimming further into the darkness. Sadly, some of those men drowned—not because help wasn’t offered, but because they refused to take it.

Explanation of Text

Like the men in the water, we are all drowning in a sea of sin. And like the rescuers, Jesus doesn’t just throw us a lifeline—He jumps in, entering the storm of our sinfulness to save us. But here’s the tragic truth: some refuse His help. Some turn away, swimming deeper into sin, even as He extends His hand. Jesus did not come to condemn us, he came to save us. The cross is the lifeline, thrown into the stormy seas of our sin. The question is: will you take His hand? Will you trust Him to pull you to safety? Because the only thing that can condemn you is refusing the rescue that Jesus offers. No matter how far you’ve drifted or how deep the waters of sin have pulled you, Jesus is strong enough to save. His arm is never too short, and His love never fails. Today, the lifeline is in front of you. If you havent alread grab hold and let Him pull you into the safety of His grace.

Why did God provide a path to salvation for us?

Why did God offer us a path to salvation? Because of love. John 3:16 begins, 'For God so loved the world.' These six words reveal the Gods heart for his creation. The 'world' doesn’t just mean humanity—it encompasses all of creation, yet it is humanity that holds a special place in Gods heart. Despite our brokenness, sin, and rebellion, God chose to love us. He chose to provide us a path to salvation . God could have abandoned His creation. He could have said, 'This is too broken to fix,' but He didn’t. He looked at us in our sin and said, 'I still love you.' Even knowing that many would reject His offer of salvation, He still provided a way for all who would accept it.

What was the price for my salvation?

To understand the price of our salvation, we must need only look at the sacrificial system God established for Israel. Under that system, an innocent animal was offered as a substitute for the sinner. But those sacrifices were temporary and incomplete—they could only cover specific sins for a short time. They pointed forward to a perfect, ultimate sacrifice, The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world : Jesus Christ. The price for your salvation was not just any sacrifice—it was the most precious thing God had: His one and only Son. 'For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.' Jesus endured unimaginable suffering—rejection, humiliation, and death on a cross—because the cost of our sin was too great for us to pay. Only He could pay it. When we truly grasp the cost of our salvation, it changes us. How can we not be overwhelmed with gratitude when we realize that Jesus took the punishment we deserved? His suffering purchased our freedom, and His sacrifice redeemed all of creation. In light of this, our hearts should overflow with gratitude, thankfulness, repentance, and a desire to live according to his will.

Now that we’ve seen the depth of God’s love and the unimaginable price paid for our salvation, there’s only one question left: What will you do with this truth? Will you embrace it, or will you walk away? Will you let it change your life, or will you remain unchanged?

Point 7 / Application

The answer to that question also comes to us in John 3:16

John 3:16 NIV

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 tells us, 'Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.' But what does it mean to believe in Jesus? It’s not simply acknowledging His existence. Even demons believe that Jesus exists; Satan knows who He is. This belief is deeper—it’s about trust, surrender, and faith. It’s a belief that says, '

I trust Jesus as my Savior

I surrender to Him as my Lord

It’s believing in His love, His sacrifice, and His power to save.

True belief stirs something in us. When we grasp the love Jesus has for us and the sacrifice He made, how can we not overflow with gratitude? How can we not say, 'Lord, I am so thankful for what You’ve done for me'? And gratitude leads us to repentance—a genuine turning away from sin, not out of fear, but out of love and a desire to honor Him. Repentance is saying, 'Lord, help me to be better, to grow, to follow You more closely.' It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Belief isn’t passive—it moves us to action. God is calling you. He’s calling you to trust Him, to turn from sin, and to live with purpose. He has work for you to do in His kingdom. Maybe it’s sharing His love with someone who’s lost, serving in your community, or simply being a light in a dark place. Whatever it is, know this: your belief in Jesus isn’t just about being saved—it’s about stepping into the life He’s called you to live.

Point 7 / Application

The answer to that question also comes to us in John 3:16

John 3:16 NIV

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

If you believe in Jesus you will be saved period now it's important to understand what the text is saying when it says believe in Jesus . We're talking about more than just believing that jesus exists . The demons know that Jesus exist. Satan knows that Jesus exist and thus they believe in his existence . The belief that is being talked about in the text is more than just believing that he exists , this belief is a deep belief and trust in jesus as lord and savior. This belief is a deep belief and trust in the sacrifice that jesus made so that we all might have an opportunity for salvation that is the belief that the text is talking about . So when the text says whosoever believes in him shall not perish . It is saying whoever believes in jesus christ as lord and savior, whoever believes that jesus christ sacrificed all so that we might have an opportunity for salvation these are the people who will be saved.

Believe in Jesus . Believe in his love for you. Believe in the sacrifice that he made for you. Believe in the pain and suffering that he was willing to endure for you . Have an attitude towards Jesus that is an attitude of gratitude . Be thankful for the sacrifice that Jesus made on your behalf . When you look around and you see people who are non believers, and agnostic , be even more thankful that Jesus was willing to die for even them knowing that they would not accept the gift . Repent , repent, repent and after you have done that repent and strive to be better through the power of the Holy spirit. And know this God is calling you . God has something for you to do . God has work that needs to be done within the kingdom , so respond to the call .

Tell Them What You Said

When we truly understand who Jesus is, why He came, and what He has done for us, our hearts should overflow with gratitude, thankfulness, repentance, and a desire to respond to His will. And now you have been given the tools to understand who Jesus is , why he came and what he has done for us you have been given the answer to the question

Who is Jesus?

Jesus is the word made flesh. Jesus was not only present at creation he took part in creation Jesus was with God , jesus is God .

Would you recognize Jesus?

We know that if we are honest with ourselves, that because of our humanness there's a chance that just as the people 2000 years ago did not recognize Jesus that we could possibly not recognize Jesus . Let's pray that as we mature in our relationship with God that it becomes easier for us to recognize him.

How do I fit into the family of God ?

We know that as followers of Christ , we have been adopted into god's family . We are his children though we do not share in his spiritual DNA

Why did Jesus come?

We know that Jesus came into the world to save us common not to condemn us. We know that Jesus came into the world to save us from the sea of sin that we're drowning in if only we would reach out and take his hand if only we would take a hold of the life ring that has been thrown to us

Why did God provide a path to salvation for us?

We now know that God provided a path for salvation to us because he loved us. For God so loved the world that is why He offered a path to salvation for humanity

.

What was the price for my salvation ?

We now know , we are reminded that the price of our salvation was the blood of Jesus Christ .

What do I need to do ?

And we know what we need to do. We need to believe , but we need to do more than simply believe in the existence of god, for the demons themselves believe in the existence of god. We need to not only believe in the existence of god but we need to believe in the sacrifice that god made for us. We need to not only believe in God but we need to have a deep trust in God.

John 1:1–13 NIV

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

John 3:16–17 NIV

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Believe my friends , truly believe , and trust in god , but not only that repent , show gratitude , be thankful , and when god calls , and he will call , when god calls answer the call .