Uniqueness of Christ & Names of Christ

Matthew 16:13-20 Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

www.biblegateway.com NIV

   Many people today have their own ideas about who Jesus is. Some people think He was merely a prophet or good teacher who taught people how to live. Even those who claim to be Christians have some inaccurate views of Him because they haven't based their perceptions on the comprehensive truth of Scripture.
   When Jesus asked, "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:15-16). Jesus was unlike any other person who ever lived. He was set apart by …
   HIS BIRTH. Conceived by the Holy Spirit, the eternal Son of God entered the human race through the womb of a virgin.
   HIS WISDOM. At age 12, Jesus spent three days with the Jewish teachers, amazing them with His divine wisdom and understanding.
   HIS BAPTISM. Though He was innocent of sin, Jesus asked John to baptize Him in order to identify with the sinners He came to save.
   HIS TEMPTATION. Though Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, Jesus did not yield. Throughout His life, He fully obeyed every law of God and never sinned.
   HIS MINISTRY. He challenged man-made traditions and demonstrated the power of God by healing people, raising the dead, and forgiving sins.
   HIS DEATH. Jesus' death was a sacrifice for the sins of mankind so they could be forgiven and reconciled to God.
   HIS RESURRECTION. Christ was the only person to ever permanently overcome death through resurrection.
   Is this the Jesus you know? He is the only one who can save you.
Stanley, Charles F. "The Uniqueness of Christ." In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living. Atlanta: In Touch Ministries. Dec 2019, pg 22.

Acts 4:8-12

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is
“‘the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.’

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

www.biblegateway.com NIV

   In Biblical times, a baby's name was based on the child's characteristics or a hope or prayer of the parent. The same is true of Jesus, whose name means "Jehovah is salvation." He is uniquely sent from heaven by the Father to be our Savior, and all His names and titles are powerful descriptions of who He is and what He does. What's more, the way Jesus describes Himself in John's gospel provides additional, rich insight into His character and work:

   THE BREAD OF LIFE (5:32-40). Jesus Christ is the only one who can truly satisfy our heart and feed our soul with sustenance that leads to eternal life.

   THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD (8:12). He shines through this dark, sinful world, showing us the way to forgiveness and salvation.

   THE DOOR (10:7-10). Whoever enters through the door of Christ will be saved.

   THE GOOD SHEPHERD (10:11-18). As our Shepherd, Jesus knows and cares for us-with a love so great that He laid down His life to save us.

   THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE (14:6). Jesus alone is the origin of truth and life, so He is the only avenue by which we can be saved and live eternally.

   THE VINE (15:1-10). Christ is the source of our spiritual life. Without His abiding presence, we could do nothing of eternal value.

   These are just some of the titles that Jesus Christ used to identify Himself, and the Bible refers to Him in many additional ways. Each time you read God's Word, pay attention to the descriptive names of Jesus. Each one will help you come to a better understanding of the One who loves you and came to save you.

Stanley, Charles F. "The Uniqueness of Christ." In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living. Atlanta: In Touch Ministries. Dec 2019, pg 23.

Finding Favor With God and Man

Proverbs 3:1-4 

The Rewards of Wisdom

My son, do not forget my teaching,

But let your heart keep my commandments;

 

For length of days and years of life

And peace they will add to you.

 

Do not let kindness and truth leave you;

Bind them around your neck,

Write them on the tablet of your heart.

So you will find favor and good repute

In the sight of God and man.

www.biblegateway.com New American Standard Bible (NASB)

   One of our basic human needs is acceptance. Without it, we feel alienated or maybe even rejected. In the Bible, acceptance is often referred to as "favor." For example, when Joseph was sold into slavery, Genesis 39:4 says he "found favor" in the sight of his master Potiphar and was put in charge of the official's entire household. Joseph found acceptance and approval because of his exemplary behavior.

   Whose favor are you longing to receive? Do you desire God's approval? Today's text shows us how we can find favor with both God and man.

   FIRST, WE SHOULD VALUE THE LORD'S TEACHING. God blessed us by giving us HIs Word, but not everyone makes it a priority. We should recognize Scripture as our most valuable earthly possession because it is God's revelation of Himself and His instructions for us.

   SECOND, WE SHOULD MAKE OBEDIENCE TO GOD A MATTER OF THE HEART. Following His commands is about far more than just external rule keeping; it involves not only our actions but our attitudes and thoughts as well.

   THIRD, WE ARE TO LET KINDNESS AND TRUTH CHARACTERIZE OUR LIFE. When we are wholeheartedly living in obedience to God's commands, the effect will spill over into our relationships, as kindness and truth become the guardians of our words and actions.

   Although the Christian faith may evoke a negative response from some, believers shouldn't be discouraged. A life that reflects Christ pleases God. And in bringing light to a dark world, an obedient life will also bring the favor of many in its circle of influence.

Stanley, Charles F. "Finding Favor With God and Man." In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living. February 2018. Atlanta, In Touch Ministries. page 35.