Who is Jesus?

This will be a teen study.

The Heart of Christ: Who is Jesus?

Summary: The theme 'Who is Jesus?' invites us to explore the multifaceted nature of Christ—His humanity, divinity, and relational attributes. Understanding Jesus is essential for teenagers and children as they navigate their faith and identity, helping them to grasp that Jesus is not only a figure from history but a personal Savior who actively engages in their lives today.

Application: In exploring who Jesus is, teens and children can find a source of comfort and guidance, realizing that He understands their struggles and joys. This deep relationship allows them to feel secure and loved, enabling them to approach challenges with confidence and resilience informed by their faith.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that Jesus embodies the perfect balance of strength and compassion. By examining His life, we learn how to face our own difficulties, react to others with kindness, and recognize His presence in our daily lives, confirming that we are never alone.

How this passage could point to Christ: Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise of redemption, revealed as both the Lamb and the Lion. His life, death, and resurrection underscore the depth of God's love and His readiness to reconcile every aspect of creation back to Himself, highlighting His continuous engagement throughout the narrative of Scripture.

Big Idea: Knowing Jesus transforms our experiences; it shifts our perspective from fear to faith, allowing us to live boldly and authentically as we reflect His love in the world.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, you might want to explore theological works focusing on the hypostatic union, which highlights the dual nature of Christ as fully God and fully man. Delve into commentaries that discuss Jesus’ relational qualities and examine specific passages that illustrate His interactions with children and teens. The Logos library can be a valuable resource in providing insights into both historical and contemporary understandings of Jesus' identity.

1. Personal Confession: Who Do You Say?

Matthew 16:13-16

You could begin by exploring Peter's confession in Matthew 16:13-16. Perhaps emphasize how Jesus seeks a personal understanding from His disciples, highlighting His relational intent. Explain to the audience, especially teens and children, the importance of asking 'Who do you say I am?' Since knowing Jesus forms a foundation for their identity and confidence, it allows them to respond to life's questions with a firm faith. This passage introduces Jesus as the Messiah, grounding the truth that He is indeed both friend and Savior.

2. Pre-Existence: The Word as Light

John 1:1-5

Perhaps delve into John 1:1-5 to provide a foundational understanding of Jesus's divinity and pre-incarnate existence. Highlighting these verses can show teens and children that Jesus, as the Word, brings light into darkness—a comforting reminder that His presence dispels fear and confusion in their lives. Jesus is not only human but eternally divine, providing assurance of His power and involvement in our lives today, encouraging them to trust in His light even when they face challenges.

3. Pivotal Welcome: Let the Children Come

Mark 10:13-16

Maybe turn to Mark 10:13-16, illustrating Jesus's tender nature and His welcoming attitude towards children. This story can reassure young believers of their value in the eyes of Jesus. Through Jesus's action, we see a Savior who deeply cares for and prioritizes the young. This supports the application that Jesus understands their struggles and desires a close relationship with them, allowing them to approach Him confidently with their joys and concerns.

4. Profound Humility: The Servant King

Philippians 2:5-11

Consider exploring Philippians 2:5-11 to discuss Jesus’ humility and servant heart. Emphasize how Jesus, though God, became human and obedient. This can inspire teens and children to emulate His humility and compassion in their relationships. In understanding His sacrificial nature, they learn that true greatness arises from serving and loving others, reinforcing the big idea that knowing Jesus transforms how they live and interact in the world.

Who is Jesus? Linking the OT to the NT examining verses that help us better understand Jesus today.