Jesus Christ, God in Human Flesh
Rev. Enoch Thompson | July 21, 2024 | John 14:8-14
KEY VERSE:
Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? John 14:9 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
Who is Jesus Christ? One of the many prophets recognized by many religious people? An amazing ancient teacher and miracle worker or an overzealous radical Jewish youth who met His untimely death at the hands of political and religious forces that were too strong for Him? The identification of who truly the historical Jesus is, the God-Man who lived and died in time and space, is crucial to the Christian faith and Christian mission in the world. We believe and do ministry because Jesus Christ is God!
The Lord Jesus Christ was forthright in asserting the fact that He was God in human flesh. He let His disciples into the truth that though He was among them as a human being in all ways, except in their sinfulness He was in essence and being God Almighty veiled in human skin. This thought may sound outrageous to some today as it was to the religious minds of the times in which He walked the earth physically. The reference of the Lord Jesus to “the Father” made Philip request, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us." John 14:11 (NIV). Certainly, the Father in this context was a reference to God. The response of the Lord to Philip’s request was a staggering declaration of the Lord Jesus of His deity, a clear statement that He was God. He was the embodiment of God; He was in the Father and the Father was in Him. Paul captures this in other words; “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, ¹⁰ and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.” Col 2:9-10 (NIV). In other words, everything that God is is summarised by who Christ Jesus is.
The consequence of this truth is that we who believe in this revelation gain our self-definition and fullness of life in Christ, hallelujah!! It also means that we become co-workers with Him in His divine mission, and beneficiaries of unequal access to God when we stand in prayer (John 14:12-14).
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Believe in the God-Man Jesus, despite strident voices that seek to reduce Him to a mere mortal, or to even deny His having existed in history. Redefine yourself in the context of His deity and find your fullness in Him.
PRAYER:
Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God, I worship your Majesty, and declare that there is no God but you. Please help me live as one who has God living in me by your Holy Spirit, and may I show forth the fruit of being a participator of the divine nature, according to your Word in 2 Peter 1:4. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: AMONG YOU
The phrase "among you" in Greek is "μεθ' ὑμῶν" (meth' hymōn). This phrase emphasizes presence and association, indicating a close and intimate relationship.
The phrase "among you" in John 14:9 emphasizes the intimate presence of Jesus with His disciples, revealing His identity as God incarnate. Despite His prolonged time with them, Philip's request shows a lack of understanding of this truth. Jesus' response clarifies that His presence among them was a direct revelation of the Father. This passage powerfully illustrates the mystery and reality of the Incarnation—God made visible in human form through Jesus Christ. The disciples’ experience with Jesus was a firsthand encounter with God’s divine nature, love, and mission.
Reflections:
How does recognizing Jesus as God in human flesh shape your relationship with Him and influence your daily life?
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