Who is this Man?

Welcome to Southwest!

• New Message Series: “Behold Your King.”
• Focusing on the identity of Jesus as we enter the Christmas season.

1. The Question in the Gospels

There is a specific question that keeps coming up in a variety of situations:

• Matt. 21:10 — Jesus arrives in Jerusalem.
• Mark 4:41 — Jesus calms the sea.
• Luke 7:49 — Jesus forgives a sinful woman. 
• John 8:25 — Jesus declares he is not of this world.
• Acts 9:5— Saul’s (Paul’s) conversion. 
• The Question: Who is this Man? One of the most questions we will ever ask. 

We Know Jesus Really Existed.

• Tacitus (Roman Historian): “Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judaea… but even in Rome.” (Annals, c. 116 AD)

What the Bible Says About the Identity of Jesus

Key Point: We know that Jesus was a real person, but we still have to decide what we believe about him for ourselves.

Jesus is described in a variety of ways:

• Jesus is the Son of God. 
• Jesus is a Prophet.
• Jesus is a Priest.
• Jesus is a Shepherd.
• Jesus is our Savior. 
• Jesus is the King.

Focus of this Message Series: What do the titles given to Jesus reveal about his identity, his , and the gifts God is offering us?

2. Today: Jesus is the Son of God

Scripture: Luke 3:21-23 (Baptism of Jesus)

What Do We Learn About Jesus’ Identity?

• He is the Beloved Son of God and God is Pleased With Him. 
• God loves Jesus and is pleased with him before Jesus even began his ministry.
• God doesn’t love us because of what we do, but because of who we are (his children).

Jesus’ Identity as the Son of God is a Foundational Teaching in the Bible.

• Believing this is the key to having life in Christ, having God dwell within you, and overcoming the world (John 20:31, 1 John 4:15; 5:15)

The Other Things We Learn About Jesus from the Story of his Baptism:

• “You Are my Son” — a reference to Psalm 2:6-7, which describe a King who confronts the corrupt powers of the world.
• The Holy Spirit resting on Jesus — A likely reference to Isaiah 42:1-7, where God talks about a Chosen One who will bring justice and establish a new covenant. 
• Washing with Water — Part of the ordination process for priests (see Exodus 29:4). Hebrews 5:5-6 says this moment (the baptism of Jesus) is when God appointed Jesus as our High Priest.

Everyone Has to Make Their Own Decision about Jesus.

• That’s why Jesus asked his disciples to share their own opinion about who he was in Matthew 16:13-15.

Our Upcoming Messages Will Explore this Question about the Identity of Jesus.

• Jesus is a Prophet. (11/24)
• Jesus is a Priest. (12/1)
• Jesus is a Shepherd. (12/8)
• Jesus is our Savior. (12/15)
• Jesus is the King. (12/22) 

3. Application & Reflection:

• Read John 7:25-44. What are some of the different things people said about the identity of Jesus during his ministry?
• Why do you think there was so much controversy about the real identity of Jesus in the Bible? Do you see a similar trend today?
• As we move into the Thanksgiving and Christmas reason, reflect on who Jesus is to you and the blessings we have through our relationship with him.
• Spend some time thinking about the primary role Jesus has in your life. Do you think of him as a King you submit to? A shepherd who guides you? A prophet who challenges you? Or something else? 
• What happens when we overemphasize one aspect of Jesus’ identity at the expense of the others?
• What has helped you come to believe that Jesus was a real historical figure that actually existed?
• What has helped you come to believe that Jesus is more than a good, moral teacher?
• Invite a Friend — Who in your life would benefit from hearing what the Bible says about the real identity of Jesus? Make a plan to invite them to our services for the next several weeks, then follow through!