Given that Christians believe Jesus is both fully human and divine, how does the concept of Jesus being the "exact expression of God's nature" (Hebrews 1:3) shape your perspective on God the Father?
The shared understanding in many major religions is that no living human has seen, or can see, God in the entirety of His divine essence or glory. Therefore, many struggle with the idea of Jesus bearing the likeness of God.
Not all is lost, however. Although we cannot actually see God, we are able to see His true and perfect character manifested through the life, actions, and teachings of Jesus Christ (John 14:9).
In essence, by virtue of Jesus Christ, we are given a faultless, human representation of who God is, revealing a God who is personal, loving, compassionate, and fair. Let's explore this a little further.
The central idea is that in order to see the true character of God, we need to examine the life of Jesus Christ as disclosed to us in the Scriptures, for He is the "exact representation of his being" (Hebrews 1:3) and "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15).
To help walk us through the concept of God's true character as revealed in Jesus Christ, I've listed a topic, and included some suggested scripture readings along with discussion questions. Take your time reading the given verses and responding to the questions.
1. The Unwavering Love of God Demonstrated by Christ. How can we fathom God's heart of love and compassion through Jesus' interactions with humanity? Read: Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 19:41-44; John 3:16; John 8:3-11
Points for Consideration:
- How do the above passages question any existing assumptions you may have or had about God being remote or indifferent?
- The extent of God's love is "the world" (John 3:16). How does this all-encompassing love reveal itself in Jesus' actions?
- In what way can we, as followers of Christ, more faithfully represent this compassionate and merciful feature of God's character in our own lives?
2. The Revelation of God's Omnipotence Through Jesus. How can one recognize God's sovereignty and power through Christ's authority over creation, affliction, and death? Read: Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 2:5-7; Mark 5:22-24, 35-43; Hebrews 1:3
Points for Consideration:
- How do Jesus' miracles such as, calming the storm, raising the dead, show an authority that is a God-given quality?
- Why was the ability to forgive sins contested so fiercely by the religious leaders in Mark 2:5-7? What does this show us about who Jesus claimed to be?
- How does understanding God's omnipotence, as seen in Jesus, affect our trust in Him during difficulties and trials?
3. Holiness and Justice in Christ. What is the evidentiary basis that God's holiness is moral and upright, and His justice is fair, as personified in Jesus? Read: Isaiah 61:8; Matthew 5:17-19; John 14:6; 1 Peter 14:6
Points for Consideration:
- We read in 1 Peter 2:22 that Jesus lived a life that was sinless and honest. How is the nature of God's holiness reflected in Jesus' perfect life?
- How does Jesus fulfill the Law and make known its ultimate meaning, instead of wiping it out, as presented in Matthew 5?
- In John 14:6, Jesus claims to be "the Truth." How does this help us recognize that God is trustworthy and is incapable of lying to us?
The evidence is undeniable that Jesus is the exact representation of God's nature. The Father's love, power, and holiness are clearly seen in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Consequently, Jesus is the revelation of God's character.
Prayer: "Dear Jesus, You are the perfect image of God. His patience, compassion, and grace is reflected in You. Amen."
Grace be unto you,
Charlotte
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