TEXT: John
INTRO: Tonight is a continuation of last week’s message from the Gospel of John found in chapter 12:44-45. Vss. 43-50, John says, are the last public teachings of Jesus before His crucifixion and the focus on why He came t earth, His purpose and mission. Thus, though they deal with His coming from a different perspective, they still teach us about Christmas.
REVIEW
- Real mature faith is not a private matter , struggling with fear, but a public proclamation of the truth of the claims of Jesus.
- Second, we noticed that Jesus taught that to believe in Him is not simply a belief in a man, but is equal to belief in God.
III. JESUS IS THE VISIBLE REVELATION OF THE INVISIBLE GOD.
A. READ Vs. 45. Isn’t God Spirit and invisible? Why then does Jesus say God can be seen in Him? Humans could never understand about God without some more intimate means.
1.) One form of revelation can show us the attributes, or abilities, of God. God is omnipotent, all powerful. Through Jesus, God’s power was on display!
2.) The second form of revelation in regard to God lies in revealing His characteristics. He’s powerful, but is He good?
a.) The Law teaches both His concern for people, and His demand for righteousness. He will save those He chooses to save, and condemn those who disregard His commandments. How does He reconcile His justice with His mercy?
b.) We find the answers to these questions only in Jesus. When we see Jesus, we see God. We understand how the Lord feels about us and wants to bless – even if we don’t deserve it.
CHRISTMAS CONCLUSION #2
a.) Real belief in Jesus exists only if it leads to real belief in God. Jesus’ purpose was to lead us to know and trust in God. God is as Jesus showed us.
Phil. 2:6-8: “[Jesus] who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave , taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death – even to death on a cross.
b.) The stable that night in Bethlehem was the place this transformation showed itself on earth.