"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone."- Isaiah 9:2
A brief review; Who is Yeshua/Jesus/Isa?
Jesus of Nazareth is easily the most renowned person in history. Born into poverty and obscurity in first-century Israel, His ministry lasted only a few years. But His teaching and influence are unrivaled. His life is the timeless model for moral excellence, humility, and selfless love.
His identity has inspired fascination for centuries:
“Completely innocent, offered Himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including His enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act.” - Mahatma Gandhi (Hindu Philosopher)
“I know men; and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man…Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires… Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love” Napoleon Bonaparte (Atheist Emperor)
“I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene…No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life.” – Albert Einstein (Agnostic Scientist)
Islam reveres Jesus as a holy Prophet. Buddhism and Hinduism venerate Him as an enlightened Teacher. Judaism regards Him as a miracle-worker. Still others claim Him a revolutionary.
But the most important opinion about Jesus is His own; what did Jesus say about Himself?
Jesus is the Hebrew Messiah
“He asked His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” they replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven” Matthew 16:13-17
“The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.” John 4:25-26
“The high priest asked Him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I AM,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Mark 14:61-62
Consider also: In perfect accordance with God's Prophetic Word Jesus is descended from the line of Abraham, Judah, and King David (Gen. 22:18, 49:10, 2 Samuel 7:12-13) born of a virgin in Bethlehem (Gen. 3:15, Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2) is known for His wisdom, enlightens the Gentiles, and lives a sinless life (Isaiah 11:2, 49:6, 53:9) enters Jerusalem on a donkey while the second temple was standing (Zechariah 9:9, Malachi 3:1, Daniel 9:25) suffers as God’s substitutionary sacrifice for sins by having His hands and feet pierced (Genesis 22:8-14, Isaiah 53:11, Psalm 22:16, Zech. 12:10) conquers through resurrection (Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 53:9-10, Psalm 16:10).
Jesus is the only way to God
"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” John 6:35
"Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."' John 6:35
Consider also: Genesis 49:10, Deut. 18:18-19, Psalm 2:12, Acts 4:12, 1 Timothy 2:5
Jesus is God
"Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I AM.'" John 8:58 (see Exodus 3:14)
“I and the Father are One.” John 10:30
“Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins.” John 8:24
Consider also: Messianic Prophesy (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6, 44:6, Mal 3:1, Zech. 13:7) The life and claims of Messiah (Matt 2:11, 14:33, John 14:9, 20:28, Rev 1:17-18) Apostles teaching (2 Peter 1:1, John 1:1, 5:18, Titus 2:13, Heb. 1:8)
Understanding God’s view of man is also vital: Almighty Triune God created mankind for His Glory and in His own image [Gen. 1:26]. Man was created to know and enjoy God. But man broke this relationship and defiled creation by sin. In His love and mercy God planned redemption for mankind. While man sees himself as basically good and presumes works and merit earn him a right standing before God, God declared the inside of man as “only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5) and gave the law of Moses to highlight how this corruption plays out in our lives and relationships. Jesus taught: : “out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23).
Scripture says: “All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one” (Psalm 14:3). In His holiness and justice God punishes all sin without exception [Deut. 32:4, Ezekiel 18:4]. Jesus emphasized the fearful gravity of our helpless condition before God, saying: “I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!” (Luke 12:5)
But Jesus came to save sinners: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:10-11). Jesus healed the afflicted, fed the poor, and preached God’s word. He lived the only perfect life. As God’s spotless Paschal Lamb Jesus was tortured, beaten beyond recognition, and crucified gruesomely as payment for our sins in our place. “He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53: 3-6 [predicted ~ 750 years prior)
Jesus uses an Old Covenant metaphor to illustrate salvation is a free gift by faith in Him. In the desert, the Israelites were bitten by poisonous vipers; God told Moses to lift a stake with a serpent so that whoever looked at it would be saved from death.
Jesus explains: “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life. 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 3:15-16).
Jesus defines authentic faith by turning from sin, a new birth, and a life of following Him, declaring: “unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).
And: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3).
And: “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23)
Jesus rose from the dead, validating His claims. He is glorified in Heaven as eternal mediator and Lord. He will return as King. He invites us to share in a genuine relationship and peace with Almighty God through His perfect righteousness and atonement: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30).
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish” (John 10:27-28)