Bible Study - God's Story - GOD Sends HIS Son - Matthew 4 and John 1 - August 4, 2013

Bible Study – God’s Story – GOD Sends HIS Son – August 4, 2013

This is lesson ten in our series entitled “GOD’S Story.”

Our scripture is Matthew 4:17-24; John 1:1-2, 11-14, 18, 29.

In our lesson today, more than 700 years had passed from the prophesy GOD revealed to Isaiah until the birth of JESUS. The Apostle John had written his account of the life, ministry, death, resurrection and ascension of JESUS. He not only wrote about these things but he witnessed them personally. He experienced the coming and indwelling of the promised Holy Spirit at Pentecost. HE walked with JESUS, was taught by JESUS and witnessed HIS miracles. He knew JESUS intimately. He wanted everyone who reads his gospel account of the life and ministry of JESUS to know his LORD and Savior, JESUS CHRIST, THE ONLY SON OF GOD, Who takes away the sins of the world. Let’s explore.

Let’s read John 1:1-2, 14: (The Son’s Identity)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 14 The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the •One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Genesis 1:1 begins with “in the beginning GOD” and the same wording was used by the Apostle John to begin his gospel account in reference to JESUS.

The Apostle John used the phrase “In the beginning was the Word” to establish the fact that CHRIST had no beginning just as GOD had no beginning. The Word was present when GOD spoke the world, universe and all that is in them into existence. John used the “Word” or the Greek word “logos” because it was a term familiar to both the Jews and the Greeks during that period of time and it carried a powerful message.

By using Word or logos, John knew that those to whom he was writing would equate it to GOD and to the power of GOD because HE created by speaking. The world and all that is in it came into being when GOD spoke. GOD did not stop there but continued to speak through HIS prophets to reveal HIS plan, to warn the people of their sin, to encourage them to repent, build a personal relationship with HIM and to reveal the coming Messiah.

The Greeks would have related to “logos” because in Greek philosophy “logos” was the principle of reason that governed the world. They knew that “logos” was power but would not relate it to human power.

Logos was considered the source where people derived their wisdom. The Stoics considered logos as eternal reason, the force that directed all things. Logos was the stabilizing principle of the universe. Logos would not be connected to flesh/human. Logos was outside the human realm. The Apostle made that connection to reveal that JESUS had come from GOD. GOD as JESUS resided among HIS chosen people and the people of earth for the purpose of revealing GOD, HIS love for them and the way to HIM through CHRIST. Those who placed their faith in CHRIST would experience the miracle of rebirth, eternal life and become GOD'S Son or Daughter. Their citizenship would be heaven.

By using “logos” in conjunction with CHRIST, the Apostle John was revealing the divine power that simple faith in CHRIST has. The words “I believe” are powerful words and produce salvation. It is not the specific words uttered or the thought processed, it is all about the attitude of the heart that produces salvation. Salvation results in the miracle of rebirth in the Spirit. Only GOD knows the heart of every person and the Holy Spirit confirms salvation within each person of faith. Once born into GOD’S family, the true believer will never be unborn.

John made it clear that the Word was with GOD and in case the reader did not get it, he made it clear, “the Word was GOD.” HE was with GOD in the beginning. GOD or JESUS left HIS Glory in heaven and came to earth and took up residence upon earth in the flesh as a human.

In our study of the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, GOD revealed HIS presence by residing in the tabernacle. HE manifested HIS presence by the presence of the pillar of fire at night and pillar of cloud by day. The Jews thought of GOD being in a certain location. But GOD’S desire was for HIS chosen to know HIM personally, face to face and intimately. The mindset had to be broken. GOD revealed Himself to the world by leaving HIS Glory in heaven and coming to earth as a human. HE was born as a normal human. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, the Father, and the Virgin Mary. This fulfilled the scripture in Genesis 3:15

15 I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your • seed and her seed. He (JESUS) will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.

JESUS was born as any human baby. HE grew, got hungry, got splinters in HIS fingers when HE worked with HI earthly father, matured, lived and functioned as a human. HE was subject to all that humans are subject to, even death.

Because HE was conceived by the Holy Spirit did it make JESUS more than a regular human? My contention is that JESUS was born a Christian. When a human accepts CHRIST as his/her Savior he/she experiences the miracle of rebirth. They are GOD’S child, yet still human. JESUS was GOD’S Son, yet human. HE was human, functioned as a human and gave HIS life and died as a human.

Some may ask, What about the Holy Spirit descending upon JESUS when John the Baptist baptized JESUS? I personally think that was to confirm to John the Baptist and to JESUS that the time had come for JESUS to begin HIS ministry, which HE did.

John the Baptist referred to JESUS as the Lamb of GOD, Who takes away the sins of the world. As proof that GOD, The Father, accepted CHRIST as the perfect Savior, HE raised HIM from the dead. HIS resurrection was proof that HE conquered sin and its consequence both physical and eternal death. HIS bodily resurrection is a clear message to all who place their faith in CHRIST of their bodily resurrection at the second coming of CHRIST.  The indwelling Holy Spirit confirms this and gives the assurance to every Christian.

Why didn’t GOD just give everyone who placed their faith in CHRIST their new resurrected bodies the instant they believed? I have asked that question and the answer was, “If I did that, why do you think people would want to receive CHRIST as their Savior? Would it be to be redeemed from their sin or to receive this new eternal glorified body? That to me was a no brainer. It would be to receive this new eternal glorified body. We would come for all the wrong reasons. As it is, we all have to come to the cross and recognize our sin and the need for forgiveness and to be redeemed from eternal death. When we see and acknowledge that need in our lives and acknowledge CHRIST as our redeemer, salvation comes to us instantly. This is the beginning of our journey of building a personal relationship with CHRIST.  

The Apostle John walked with CHRIST, witnessed HIS life, saw HIS Glory and wrote about it.

GOD allowed CHRIST to come to earth as The One superior to the law and the prophets. Faith in HIM results in the miracle of salvation, eternal life, Son-ship and Daughter-ship through Spiritual rebirth.

The Apostle John’s reference to CHRIST as the “Word” communicated that HE was not an ordinary person but the “One and Only” unique Son of GOD. John declared JESUS, The Word, as divine power, life principle, reason and wisdom.

The Word was made flesh reveals that GOD became what HE had never been, a human. HE chose to do it because of HIS love for HIS chosen people and all people who will place their faith in HIM. HE became 100% human, yet 100% divine. HE had the power to call in HIS army of angels to defend HIM but HE chose not to because it would have aborted HIS mission of paying, once and for all, for the sins of all who will place their faith in HIM. John made it clear that JESUS was preexistent, coexistent and eternal. JESUS was born, as a baby, in about 4 B.C. HE was subject to all the frailties that we as humans face, even death. HE was tempted in all ways humans are tempted, yet without sin.

GOD revealed Himself to mankind as a fellow human who was full of grace and truth. HE revealed HIS power over the spirit world, sickness, physical limitations, death and sin in an unassuming manner and according to prophesy. HE did not want people to come to HIM for the wrong reasons. HIS desire was for the people, who heard HIS message, to see their need for salvation. Yes, salvation came to those who placed their faith in HIM prior to HIM giving HIS life on the cross. Their salvation was made complete the instant CHRIST willingly shed HIS blood and gave up HIS earthly life to pay the debt for sin. When HE gave up HIS earthly life, HE had to trust completely in the Father to give it back to HIM. When Christians give up their earthly life, they have to trust that HE will give it back to them. Because CHRIST lives, so will those who place their faith in CHRIST.

In the Old Testament, the sacrifice of animals was a “place holder for those who placed their faith in GOD” until the Messiah gave HIS life to pay for their sins. The holding place for the believers who died before CHRIST gave HIS life was called Paradise. When CHRIST gave HIS life and died, HE took Paradise with HIM to heaven.

Let’s read John 1:11-13, 18, and 29: (The Son’s Purpose)

11 He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. 12 But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.

JESUS came first to HIS own people, the Jews, but they rejected HIM. Rejection did not stop HIM from HIS mission. HE gave the Jews an opportunity to receive HIM as their Savior and acknowledge HIM as the promised Messiah. John made it clear that becoming a child of GOD was not the result of something physical or the result of a human institution but by faith in CHRIST.

The Apostle John made it clear that becoming a child of GOD was the result of a birth and that birth was:

-         Not of blood, which likely referred to family lineage. Some Jews thought that being a descendant of Abraham ensured their acceptance by GOD and entrance into heaven. John made it clear that was not the case.

-         Not the will of the flesh, which refers to good works. Some Jews thought a person could earn their way to heaven and acceptance by GOD by doing good works.

-         Not the will of man, which carries the idea of male authority. No male, such as a priest, pope, cardinal, bishop, pastor, evangelist, guru, Bible scholar or teacher of any religious institution, organization or persuasion, can save themselves or anyone else. Every human stands before GOD and is accountable to GOD for their actions.

Those who become children of GOD are born of GOD. Salvation comes by placing your faith in CHRIST. Humans cannot do anything else. Every human has a choice either to accept CHRIST by faith as his/her Savior or reject HIM. Indecision is no decision and makes GOD sick. Revelation 3:15-16:

15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.

Let’s read John 1:18:

18 No one has ever seen God. The One and Only Son— the One who is at the Father’s side— He has revealed Him.

No one has seen GOD but GOD’S One and Only Son, Who is from the beginning has revealed GOD, The Father, to the world.

The term “One and Only” was translated from the Greek term “monogeneses,” which means “one of a kind, unique.” JESUS was and is the Only Son of GOD and there will never be another. JESUS revealed the Father to the world.

JESUS told HIS disciple Phillip in John 14:9-11:

9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time without your knowing Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I speak to you I do not speak on My own. The Father who lives in Me does His works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Otherwise, believe because of the works themselves.

Moses wanted to see GOD but HE told him in Exodus 33:17-23:

17 The Lord answered Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name.” 18 Then Moses said, “Please, let me see Your glory.” 19 He said, “I will cause all My goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name • Yahweh before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” 20 But He answered, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.” 21 The Lord said, “Here is a place near Me. You are to stand on the rock, 22 and when My glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back, but My face will not be seen.”

HE left HIS Glory in heaven because HIS desire is for all people to experience HIM as the sinless Lamb of GOD, Who takes away the sin of all who place their faith in HIM.

In CHRIST, people can look directly into the face of GOD and build an intimate, loving relationship with HIM. GOD’S desire is for HIS children to be HIS best friend through relationship.

Let’s read John 1:29:

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

The Apostle John revealed the message of John the Baptist regarding CHRIST. John the Baptist or Baptizer was the cousin of JESUS. GOD called him to be the forerunner or herald of the Promised Messiah. John the Baptist acknowledged CHRIST as the Lamb of GOD, Who takes away the sin of the world. CHRIST was the sacrificial Lamb Who gave HIS life to pay the sin debt in full. The Old Testament is clear that without the shedding of blood there is no remission for sin.

Let’s read Matthew 4:17: (The Son’s Ministry)

17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!”

Repent means “to change one’s mind” or to do a 180 degree turn and head in the opposite direction you were headed in. The kingdom of heaven is the invisible kingdom JESUS established when HE came to earth as a human. The kingdom of heaven is the reign of CHRIST in the hearts and lives of Christians. When CHRIST returns to earth, the kingdom of GOD will be established upon earth.

Let’s read Mathew 4:18-22:

The First Disciples

18 As He was walking along the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen. 19 “Follow Me,” He told them, “and I will make you fish for people!” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 21 Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and He called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him.

When JESUS began HIS ministry HE called disciples to walk with HIM and learn from HIM and about HIM. This scripture focuses on the calling of HIS first four disciples, who were fishermen.

Notice, when CHRIST called them they did not hesitate. They dropped what they were doing and followed HIM.

HIS disciples witnessed the miracles that revealed that HE was the promised Messiah but they still thought of HIM as a political Messiah.

Let’s read Matthew 4:23-24: Teaching, Preaching, and Healing

 23 Jesus was going all over Galilee, teaching in their • synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 Then the news about Him spread throughout Syria. So they brought to Him all those who were afflicted, those suffering from various diseases and intense pains, the demon-possessed, the epileptics, and the paralytics. And He healed them.

JESUS was teaching in the synagogues. A synagogue was a meeting place and an assembly of people. If a settlement had as many as ten Jewish heads of households a synagogue could be established for the purpose of worship and instruction. JESUS taught and preached in synagogues and where ever people were hungry for the scripture.

Teaching was reading the scripture and revealing truth. Of course, the scripture HE read was what we know as the Old Testament. HE knew the scripture and revealed truth. Some of the scribes, Pharisees and other religious leaders did not like what HE had to say. HE preached repentance and allowing GOD to rule and reign in their lives. The people needed to stop lip service and put into action what the scripture revealed about obediently serving GOD.

Many learned Jews asked HIM questions in an effort to trap HIM but HE used those moments as an opportunity to teach and preach. JESUS revealed through HIS teaching that there was the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. Keeping the spirit of the law was just as important as obeying the letter of the law.

JESUS’ authority to teach and preach was demonstrated by HIS command of the scriptures and the miracles HE performed. HE demonstrated authority over the spirit world by casting out demons and the physical world by healing the sick, the blind, the lepers, the lame, the dead, feeding thousands with little, walking on water and much more. But everyone HE delivered, cured or raised from the dead, died. If that was the end of HIS ministry, we would still be under the law.  

HIS greatest miracle and gift to all mankind, which will continue until the end of time, is salvation to all who will receive HIM, by faith, as their Savior. HE gave HIS life to pay the debt for sin.

This opened the opportunity for all people to receive salvation and eternal life through faith in CHRIST. It is a gift but as with any gift each person must reach out and take it. It is only then that the person will experience the miracle of rebirth and the confirmation of salvation by the indwelling, empowerment, enlightenment and teaching of the Holy Spirit. JESUS still performs miracles today through those HE calls and equips with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

If you have not received CHRIST as your Savior, now is the moment. Ask HIM to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life. Blessings!!!