Jesus Christ is God!

Rev. Enoch Thompson | September 20, 2023 | Matthew 26:63b-68

KEY VERSE:

⁶³The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." ⁶⁴"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. " Matthew 26:63-64 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

I have often come across writings on social media that raise questions on whether Jesus of Nazareth is God and seek to give the view that the historical Jesus of Nazareth never in His teachings or in any way indicated that He was God. That contention is important and must be addressed. The whole of the Christian message in the Good News and all the ministry of the Church is based on our faith that God took on human form in Jesus of Nazareth and paid the ransom for our souls because the blood of goats and bulls could not suffice for the souls of humans.

The songwriter contemplates that reality and asks, “Amazing love, how can it be, that Thou my God shouldst die for me.” If it was not God who died, then the blood that was shed would have been contaminated by sin and could not therefore save anyone.

The prophecies of the Old Testament concerning the Saviour, which were fulfilled accurately in the case of Jesus of Nazareth is one line of conviction of the deity of Jesus of Nazareth. His sinless life, His power over nature, death and demons is another indicator of His deity. His death, resurrection, and His transforming power in the lives of those who believe in Him are other considerations for the deity of Christ.

In today’s text the question was put more directly as "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." Now we must understand that the Jewish understanding of the Messiah or the Christ, was that He would be a God-man. The Christ would not be AN ANOINTED PERSON, as kings, priests and prophets were anointed; He would be the Christ, THE ANOINTED ONE, who would be the embodiment of all that it meant to be the God who was King of Israel. Again, the hymnist helps us in the words, “Jesus my Prophet, Priest and King . . . “ to celebrate the fact that Jesus of Nazareth was all in all Anointed One. In effect when the High Priest asked his question, he was daring the Lord to state if He was the God-man anticipated by Israel.

To further clarify his question the High Priest demanded for the Lord Jesus to state if He was “the Son of God.” The Son of God to the Jewish mind did not mean a smaller God or a biological child of God. It meant God! That is why in another instance (John 10:25-33) we see the Jews accusing the Lord of blasphemy and wanting to stone Him, because He referred to God as His Father, implying He was the Son of God. To say He was the Son of God meant that He was saying He was God. Look at the response of the Jews in Matthew 26:65-66.

The Lord Jesus claimed to be God, and we believe in His deity. We follow the God who saw our need, and came into our situation, He lived and died to free us from the power of Satan and sin. Glory to Christ, the Son of God, our God who became man in order to die for us!

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Do you believe in the God who died and rose again? Are you following the authentic Jesus, truly God and truly man? He is the mystery that confounded the Devil. Celebrate the amazing love which made our God die for you.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord Jesus, I worship you, my God, and my King! Please help me to understand the mystery revealed of you my God dying for me. Please help me to live in awe of the great transaction for my redemption, and to live the life of those who share in the divine nature, because God became man.

For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! ________________________ DAILY word study: SON OF GOD

The phrase "Son of God" in Matthew 26:63 is translated from the Greek words "υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ" (huios tou theou).

"υἱὸς" (huios): This Greek word means "son" or "child." It signifies a familial relationship, indicating offspring or descent.

"τοῦ" (tou): This is the Greek genitive article, equivalent to "of" in English. It shows possession or association.

"θεοῦ" (theou): This Greek word means "God." It refers to the divine, the Supreme Being.

The phrase "Son of God" in this passage carries profound theological significance. It encapsulates the belief in Jesus' divine nature and His unique relationship with God the Father. In Christian theology, Jesus is often referred to as the "Son of God" to emphasize His deity and His role in the triune nature of God.

This passage invites us to reflect on the implications of Jesus' identity as the Son of God. It underscores His authority, divinity, and messianic mission. It also highlights the tension between the religious authorities' rejection of Jesus and His true identity as the Son of God.

Reflections: How does your understanding of Jesus as the Son of God impact your faith and relationship with Him? In what ways does His identity as the Son of God shape your beliefs about His role in salvation and His authority in your life?