Is Jesus Really God?
Mark Spurlock
Part of Explore God
October 22, 2023

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Jesus is…

1.

God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:26-28

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. Luke 1:29-31 (See also: Matthew 1:21-23)

2.

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:32-33 (See also: Philippians 2:9-11, Hebrews 1:3, 8)

3.

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” Luke 1:34

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:35-37

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:39-41

In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Luke 1:42-43

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Read John 20:24-29 and Luke 24:38-48. In what ways can you relate to Thomas? What did you learn about Jesus’ response to doubt in these verses? How does this help you in your struggle with doubt?


2. Read Hebrews 4:14-16. What do these verses tell you about who Jesus is? What does it mean to you that Jesus has gone through the problems and temptations you face?

What Jesus Claimed About Himself

• He claimed he was Lord of the Sabbath and had authority over it (Mark 2:23-28).

• He took the divine name “I AM” for himself (John 8:58, from Exodus 3:14).

• He said that the way to the Father is through him (Matthew 11:27, John 14:1-7).

• He called God his own Father, making himself equal with God (John 5:18).

• He claimed that whoever saw him saw the Father (John 14:9).

• He claimed to have descended from heaven (John 3:13).

• He claimed that he would rise from the dead (Luke 18: 33, John 2:19, 10:17-18).

• He claimed to share glory with God before the world existed (John 17:5).

• He claimed to be sent from heaven (John 6:38, John 4:34, John 3:13).

• He claimed he would send his angels (Matthew 13:41, Luke 12:8-9).

• He claimed the authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:5).

• He claimed the authority to judge the world (Mark 14:62).

• He claimed to have all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18)

• He claimed to be perfectly sinless (John 8:46).

• He claimed that to know him was to know God (John 8:19), to see him was to see God (John 12:45), and to receive him was to receive God (Mark 9:37).

• He claimed, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:29-33), which was not lost on his listeners, who responded, “You, a mere man, claim to be God” (verse 33).

For Further Consideration
• Read Daniel 7:9-14 and compare it with what Jesus says in Matthew 26:64. See also Revelation 1:7, 12-14.

• Read Isaiah 44:6 and compare it with Revelation 1:8, 17. Note the reference in Rev. 1:17 to being dead and then alive forever. Only Jesus the incarnate Son of God can say this!

• Check out this podcast: The (Remarkable) State of Jesus Research

LIFE AT TLC

ACTS OF KINDNESS
10/21-11/19
• Reach out and serve our community in all kinds of creative ways! There are projects for everyone, whether you jump in with your family, friend group or on your own. For project ideas, contact our Outreach Director, robin@tlc.org. Visit tlc.org/aok to see more project details and ways to help!

TLC PRESENTS ‘SCREEN SANITY’
10/20 or 10/27 •
Parents, don’t miss this opportunity to learn about digital health for you and your kids. It’s such an important topic that we’re offering two opportunities to attend this class! For parents of Pre-K through Middle School. RSVP and full details at tlc.org/youngfamilies Questions? adrian@tlc.org

WELCOME LUNCH
10/29, 12:15-1:30pm, Bldg. next to Loft Coffee •
Want to learn the history of TLC, or to take that next step to get connected or involved here? Whether you’ve been here for one week or one year, we’d love to have you! Lunch is FREE (RSVP much appreciated at tlc.org/welcome) and kids are welcome! Hope to see you there!

COUPLE’S CAFÉ
11/3 •
Ready for a night of fun and inspiration, a time to pause and recharge? This evening is designed to help you connect with your spouse and enhance your relationship. We’re excited to have Pastor Julian and Jessica Pizarro join us. Appetizers and a great kids program included. $25 per couple, $3 per child. tlc.org/family

WOMEN’S WORSHIP NIGHT
11/15, 7-9pm • Monschke Hall • Girls/Women ages 10-100+

Be still, reflect on Him, pray & praise. Featuring music and encouragement led by Pastor Elizabeth Hunnicutt Summers, Grace Wysong and Jessica Pizzaro. Refreshments included. Childcare available with advance reservation: tlc.org/women

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