What we think and believe about Jesus

The most important thing about us is what we think and believe about Jesus. If we have a “low” view of Jesus, we are prone to wander and believe the things of this world are better than what He offers. If we have a “high” view of Jesus, we will constantly be enthralled by the person of Jesus. We will have an insatiable appetite for knowing more of who He is, what He is like, and how our story fits into His story.

Our relationship with Jesus is seen through many analogies in Scripture. He is seen as:

Living Water

• John 4:10–14 – Jesus tells the Samaritan woman, “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.”
• John 7:37–38 – “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me... rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

Light of the World

• John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.”
• John 9:5 – “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Vine/Branches

• John 15:1–5 – “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener… you are the branches.”

Bridegroom

• Matthew 9:14–15 – Jesus calls Himself “the bridegroom.”
• Matthew 25:1–13 – Parable of the ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom.

Shepherd

• John 10:11, 14 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
• Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my shepherd.” (Fulfilled in Christ.)
• Hebrews 13:20 – “Our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep.”

The Word

• John 1:1, 14 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
• Revelation 19:13 – “His name is the Word of God.”

Bread of Life

• John 6:35 – “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry.”
• John 6:48–51 – “I am the living bread that came down from heaven.”

Bright and Morning Star

• Revelation 22:16 – “I, Jesus... am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

Paul says that Jesus is the chief cornerstone, the head of the church, our foundation, the visible image of the invisible God—just to name a few. We need these analogies so we can begin to understand Jesus (and the whole Godhead).

Psalm 145:3 says, “Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.” We will spend eternity unpacking the greatness of God. Based on that, we ALL must grow in our understanding of the person of Jesus.

So, what are some characteristics of a “high view” of Jesus?

1. Endeavor to know Him more. Make it your life goal to discover who Jesus is. Enjoy the journey.
2. Become like Him. Be transformed. (Ask Kayla how. ?)
3. Be humble before the Lord. Don’t put Jesus in a political or theological box. He doesn’t fit.
4. Do the things that Jesus did. Spend time with the Father and take up the mission that Jesus started. We find Jesus as He reveals His Kingdom to us and as we reveal His Kingdom to a lost and dying world.

Happy trails,

Jeff
Elder & Teaching Team