JESUS

Let’s dive deep into one of the most important questions that we, as believers and seekers, must answer: “Who is Jesus?” It’s not just a question of history, theology, or religion. It’s a question of eternity, hope, and purpose. Understanding who Jesus is will change our lives, redefine our purpose, and transform our walk with God.

I. Who is Jesus?

Let’s start by defining who Jesus is based on the Word of God.

1. Jesus is the Son of God 

Scripture: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”— John 1:14 (NKJV) 

Jesus is not just a prophet, a wise teacher, or a historical figure. He is the eternal Son of God who took on human flesh to dwell among us. He is both fully God and fully man, bridging the gap between heaven and earth.

2. Jesus is the Savior of the World

Scripture: “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”— Luke 2:11 (NKJV) 

From His birth, Jesus was declared to be our Savior. He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), to free us from sin, and to offer us eternal life through His sacrifice on the cross.

3. Jesus is the Good Shepherd 

Scripture: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”— John 10:11 (NKJV) 

As the Good Shepherd, Jesus leads us, protects us, and cares for us. He knows us intimately and guides us on the path of righteousness.

4. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life 

Scripture: “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 (NKJV) 

There is no other way to eternal life (HEAVEN) except through Jesus. He is not one option among many; He is the only way to the Father and the ultimate source of truth and life.

5. Jesus is the Light of the World

Scripture: “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.’” — John 8:12 (NKJV) 

Jesus shines His light into our darkness, illuminating our hearts and showing us the path to righteousness and salvation.

II. Why Do We Need to Know Who Jesus Is?

Knowing who Jesus is goes beyond acknowledging His identity. It is about receiving Him, loving Him, and letting Him shape every aspect of our lives.

1. Because He is the Key to Salvation 

-Scripture: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” — Acts 4:12 (NKJV) 

There is no salvation outside of Jesus. We need to know Him, accept Him, and surrender our lives to Him to receive the gift of eternal life.

2. Because He is the Source of True Life 

Scripture: “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” — John 1:4 (NKJV) 

Jesus gives us not just eternal life but abundant life (John 10:10). He fills our hearts with joy, peace, and purpose that we cannot find anywhere else.

3. Because He Shows Us the Character of God 

- Scripture: “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” — John 14:9 (NKJV) 

Jesus is the perfect revelation of God’s character—His love, mercy, compassion, and justice. By knowing Jesus, we understand who God truly is.

4. Because He Transforms Us 

- Scripture: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) 

Jesus changes us from the inside out. He renews our hearts, transforms our minds, and makes us more like Him, living in righteousness and holiness.

5. Because He is Coming Again 

- Scripture: “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.” — Revelation 22:12 (NKJV) 

We need to know Jesus because He is coming back. Those who know Him and have a personal relationship with Him will reign with Him forever. His return is our hope and our promise of eternal joy.

III. LIFE Application: How to Know Jesus Personally

So, how do we know Jesus and deepen our relationship with Him?

1. Seek Him through His Word 

Spend time reading and meditating on the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). These books reveal who Jesus is, what He taught, and how He lived.

2. Pray and Ask Him to Reveal Himself 

Prayer is more than talking; it’s listening. Ask Jesus to show Himself to you, to speak to your heart, and to guide you.

3. Accept Him as Lord and Savior 

If you haven’t yet, invite Jesus to be the Lord of your life. Acknowledge your need for Him, repent of your sins, and surrender your life to Him.

4. Live Out His Teachings 

Jesus calls us to not only hear His words but to obey them (James 1:22). Live a life of love, forgiveness, compassion, and service, reflecting His character to those around you.

 In closing, knowing Jesus is the most important relationship we will ever have. He is our Lord, our Savior, our Shepherd, and our King. There is no one else like Him, and there is no other name by which we can be saved. If you haven’t taken the step to know Jesus personally, I invite you to do so today. And if you already know Him, I encourage you to keep growing in your relationship with Him.

May we all come to know who Jesus truly is and experience the depth of His love and grace in our lives. Amen!

Questions for Reflection:

1. Who do you say Jesus is, and how has He impacted your life?

2. How does knowing Jesus change the way you live daily?

3. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Jesus?

4. What part of Jesus’ character or identity do you feel you need to understand more?

5. How can you share who Jesus is with those around you? 

I hope this Bible study blesses you and helps others come to know the incredible love and truth of Jesus Christ!

Written by: Stephanie Smith

With: Stephanie Smith Ministries

www.StephanieSmithMinistries.org

October 2024

Coming to Christ Scriptures (N.K.J.V)

 Salvation is a precious gift from God, but we must choose to receive it. These verses not only explain the gift of salvation but also serve as a guide for sharing the gospel with others.

John 14:6 

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Romans 3:23 

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 

For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.

Ephesians 2:8-9 

For by grace, you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Acts 16:31 

So, they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.