Dave’s Monday Blast – November 28, 2023

Pastor Charles Stanley (Celebrating this Christmas in Heaven) wrote in his ongoing publication Timeless Teachings of Dr. Charles Stanley that the most important question every person must answer is: Who is Jesus? “When He was with His disciples, He asked them this question: ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is’ (Matthew 16:13). They gave Him several opinions they’d heard, all of which were wrong. So He then asked, ‘But who do you yourselves say that I am?’ Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God’ (vv.15 – 17). Jesus said the future apostle was blessed because God alone, not human reasoning, had revealed the correct answer to him.”

Let’s take some time over the next two weeks to explore the real Jesus, not based on man’s opinions, but on God’s Word:

1. Beginning with His birth. Jesus was anything but an ordinary baby. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit in a virgin’s womb…God’s son in human flesh (Luke 1:26 – 35).  His birth was prophesied 700 years prior. Even the location was predicted: “But as for you Bethlehem Ephrathah…from you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel, His times of coming forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity” (Micah 5:2). Just think about that…the Son of God existed eternally and was the Creator of all things, yet He entered His own created world as a helpless baby.
2. Continuing with the names He was given and what they say about Him. An angel told Joseph to name Him “Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The prophets said He would be called Immanuel, which means “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23). Jesus is the God-man who came to walk among us and be our Savior.

Stanley comments: “Isn’t it amazing the emotions that the name Jesus stirs up in human hearts? To believers it’s the sweetest name ever heard, but to others it’s offensive. Some believe and embrace the Savior while others revile and hate Him. But because of His perfect obedience, love, and sacrifice, ‘God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name’ (Philippians 2:9). One day, at the name of Jesus every knee will bow either in loving submission or dread (vv. 9 -11). It all depends on how we respond to Jesus in this life.”

Next week we will consider His Claims and His Ministry and Purpose.