WHO IS JESUS TO YOU

Proclamation:

“Jesus and His disciples went on to the villages around Cesarea Philippi.  On the way He asked them, ‘Who do people say I am?’  They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’  ‘But what about you?’ He asked.  ‘Who do you say I am?’  Peter answered, ‘You are The Messiah.’”  Mark 8:27-29 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Mark.  This is part of the gospel as he received it from the apostle Peter.  Mark begins this chapter by recounting the events related to Jesus, The Christ, and His feeding of the four thousand people. (Mark 8:1-13)  Afterwards, Jesus questioned His disciples regarding what they had just witnessed, and what they had previously witnessed. (Mark 8:14-21)  After He healed the blind man in Bethsaida (Mark 8:22-26) Jesus asked His disciples who do the people say that He is, and who do they say that He is.  Peter said, “Thou art The Christ, The Son of the living God.”  Jesus responded to Peter by saying that flesh and blood did not reveal that to him.  His answer was revealed to him from heaven by God, The Father. (Matthew 16:16-17) 

Application:

People have said all kinds of things about Jesus, The Christ, and who He is, and how He does the things that He did.  There are those people who deny His very existence.  Even today, some people have said that He was just a man; others have said that He was a good man; and still others have said that He was a prophet.  However, who the people say that He is does not change who He really is.  The most important question is: “Who is Jesus to you?”  Your answer to that question will speak volumes regarding your relationship with Him, and will identify where you will spend eternity.

Jesus Paid It All

"But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.  We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all."  Isaiah 53:5-6 (NIV)

The Prophet Isaiah, wrote to the people of God, first, to warn them about their sinful behavior, and second to tell them about the coming Messiah, Jesus, The Christ.  Here Isaiah states that Jesus took upon Himself all of our iniquities, and by His physical injuries we were healed.  His punishment paid for our peace.

Jesus, who never sinned, paid the price for all of our sins. (Romans 6:23)  He was the sacrificial lamb who shed His blood for the remission of our sins. (Hebrews 9:22)  Jesus, The Son of God, endured the wrath of God, The Father, for our sins as our substitute. (John 1:29 & Revelation 14:10)  We have gone our own sinful way instead of following His way.  In fact, He is the way. (John 14:6)  Because He was hurt, we can be healed.  Because He was pierced, we can be protected.  Because He was crushed, we can be cured.  Because He was flogged, we can be forgiven.  Because He was punished, we can have peace.  Because He was wounded, we can be washed in His blood.  Because He took our sins, we can be saved.

Celebrating The Birth Of Christ # 3

"So Joseph ... went ... to Bethlehem ... with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a Child. While they were there ... she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn ... An angel of The Lord appeared ... said ... 'Today ... a Savior has been born ... He is Christ The Lord' ... Suddenly a great company of heavenly hosts appeared with the angel, praising God saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." Luke 2:1-14

This is a brief summary of one of the Biblical accounts of the birth of Jesus The Christ, Immanuel. You should read the whole story for yourself as part of your celebration of the birth of Christ today. Then you too can praise God saying, "All hail King Jesus; All hail Immanuel!!!

May you have a blessed celebration of the birth of Christ today.