The goal of all Bible study is not to accumulate knowledge but to come to a decision about that knowledge, to respond to it. We become accountable to God for what we learn about Him.
In light of this fact, it is important not to leave the study of the person of Jesus merely feeling satisfied that we have filled in all the blanks. What does this knowledge we have gained--this knowledge we will now be held accountable for--lead us to do?
If the claims of Jesus are true, we have only two options. Everyone confronted with Jesus' claims when he "dwelt among us" had to choose one of these two options. So must we.
1.The religious leaders chose to ____________ him. Matthew 12:14
2. In the following passages, what did Jesus say or do that angered the religious leaders? Why?
a. Mark 2:5-7
b. John 5:16-18
c. John 8:58-59
d. John 10:30-33
3. What did they understand him to be claiming in each of these passages?
a. John 5:18
b. John 10:33
4. What was Jesus, as far as the religious leaders were concerned? John 10:33
5. What was God's punishment for this, according to Leviticus 24:16?
6. Just before his crucifixion, what was the official charge against Jesus? Mark 14:61-64
7. By contrast, other people ___________ and chose to _________ him. Who were some of these people?
a. Matthew 2:7-11
b. Matthew 8:2
c. Matthew 9:18
d. Matthew 14:22, 33
e. Matthew 28:16, 17
f. Mark 5:1-6
g. John 9:24, 38
8. What was Jesus' response to being worshiped? Matthew 16:16, 17
9. Contrast Jesus' response with the responses of other men whom people tried to worship:
a. Peter in Acts 10:25, 26
b. Barnabas and Paul, Acts 14:11-18:
Ready to go deeper?
10. Look up Exodus 34:14 and Isaiah 42:8. Then read the Father's command regarding the worship of Jesus in Hebrews 1:6. How can you reconcile these verses?
11. Compare Isaiah 45:21-23 with Philippians 2:9-11. Who is the only legitimate object of worship in the Isaiah passage? In the Philippians passage? How can you explain this apparent paradox?
12. Can you see how a loyal Jew would feel that it is not kosher to worship both Jehovah and Jesus? What could you tell him? What Hebrew (Old Testament) Scriptures could you use?
13. All history will culminate in the worship of whom? Revelation 5:8-9, 12-14
What is your response to Jesus--believe him or reject him? Crucify him or worship him?
Based on this 12-week series, WHO IS THIS MAN? Write your own response:
Throughout this 12-week study we have referred to "Jesus." Now that we have climbed from the foundation of Jesus as human being, miracle-worker, perfect man, Messiah, Son of God, Word of God, Savior, and have scaled the pinnacle to see Jesus as Jehovah God, let us be more careful about referring to Him casually and familiarly as "Jesus."
Yes, he is brother, friend, intimate acquaintance Who teaches us, leads us, encourages and comforts us. But let us not forget Who He is--Almighty God, Creator of the universe, the One Who holds all history, life, and death in His hand.
Not simply "Jesus," but "Jesus Christ" or "King Jesus"--these are the titles befitting the One we worship.
May you go forth challenged, humbled, and awed as you seek to serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Today I am thankful that my Friend is the Creator, the Sovereign King over all space and time.
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