fromthepreacherspc

THE TEACHING OF JESUS

INTRODUCTION

A. Teachers are some of our most unforgettable characters.

1. I remember my high school football coach, who instilled
within me a love for competition and the need for
teamwork.

2. I remember one of my history teachers – he always took a
special interest in his students individually

3. I remember one of my Bible class teachers…

B. When Jesus walked this earth, He was called by a
number of titles –    e.g. Rabbi, Master, Lord.

1. One of the most common was “Teacher.”

2. Forty times in the four gospels Jesus is called
“Teacher.”

C. Christianity is a taught religion – it is not inherited, nor
does it just randomly affect this person or that.

1. Jesus charged His apostles to teach people all things that
He had commanded – Matthew 28:20

2. That responsibility comes to us not only by implication
from Matthew 28, but also from passages such as
2 Timothy 2:2.

D. Let’s look at the Master Teacher so that we may better
appreciate Him and imitate Him.

DISCUSSION

A. JESUS TAUGHT WITH AUTHORITY

1. Matthew 7:28-29

a. The scribes based their teachings on what various
respected Rabbis had said (often cited a chain of Rabbis)

b. Many today base their authority on what some man says,
or on some book other than the Bible

2. But Jesus strongly appealed to Scripture

a. Matthew 21:42

b. Luke 24:27

c. Jesus strongly emphasized truth  John 8:40, 45-46

d. Our authority derives not from ourselves,

1) Our authority comes from God’s word

2) Colossians 3:17

3) John 12:48

4) We must emphasize God’s word, and be loyal to truth

3. Jesus had low regard for human tradition –
Matthew 15:9

a. Even traditions that were essentially harmless were not
to be bound as law

b. Traditions that conflicted with Scripture were to be
abandoned.

c. We are duty-bound to teach the truth regardless of
human tradition

d. We must resist temptation to compromise the truth for
the sake of tradition.

B. JESUS ACCOMPANIED HIS TEACHING WITH ACTION

1.  Acts 1:1

2. For example – Matthew 9:35, he helped people as
well as teaching them

3. He practiced what He preached (e.g. praying for His
persecutors

a. Matthew 5:44

b. Luke 23:34

4. If we would teach successfully, then we, too, must
accompany our words with action

a. Don’t be “so heavenly-minded that we are no earthly
good”

b. Our spirituality must be shown on action

b. Show that we care

C. JESUS’ TEACHING WAS MOTIVATED BY COMPASSION

1. Mark 6:34

2. It is interesting that Jesus’ response to these shepherd-less
sheep was to TEACH them!

3. People today are wandering every which direction trying
to find meaning/purpose/hope

4. Let us have compassion on them and TEACH them!

D. JESUS’ TEACHING WAS BALANCED

1. God’s love & care – e.g. parables of lost sheep, lost coin,
lost son (Lk. 15)

2. God’s judgment against sinners – e.g.

a. Parable of unforgiving servant (Mt. 18:21-35)

b. Parable of the talents (Mt. 25:14-30)

3. Like Jesus, Paul preached “the whole counsel of
God” (Acts 20:27); we, likewise, must resist the temptation
to go to extremes one way or the other; we must be
balanced in our teaching!

4. We must also avoid hobby preaching or teaching

E. JESUS’ TEAHINGS CORRESPONDED WITH
THE ABILITY OF HIS LISTENERS TO
COMPREHEND

1. John 16:12

2. Paul compared it to “milk” and “meat”

a. 1 Corinthians 3:2

b. As we would not feed steak and potatoes to a new-born,
so Jesus (& Paul) taught what their listeners were
capable of understanding

3. We, likewise, need to start with people where they are,
and lead them to where they need to be.

F. JESUS TAUGHT AS HE HAD (or Made) OPPORTUNITY

1. Formal settings and informal settings

a. In the synagogue, Mt. 13:54

b. Daily in the temple, Lk. 19:47

c. In Simon the Pharisee’s house, Lk. 7:36ff

d. Sitting in a boat speaking to people on shore, Lk. 5:3

2. Spoke to large multitudes (Mk. 2:13), small groups
(e.g. 3 disciples on the Mt. of Transfiguration, Matt. 17;
also occasions where He was alone with the twelve),
individuals (Zacchaeus, Lk. 19; woman at the well,
John 4)

3. We, too, should teach as we have opportunity

a. The Great Commission not only commands us to “GO”
but also commands us to make disciples “as you are
going” (i.e. as you go hear and there in your day-to- day
life)

b. Sometimes we can make opportunities where they
would not just appear by themselves (e.g. by asking a
question, handing someone a tract and asking “Will you
read this and tell me what you think of it?” — etc.)

CONCLUSION

A. Jesus was the Great Teacher.

B. We are privileged to be His disciples, and to teach what He
taught

C. Let us practice what we teach, and teach what we practice!

THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS

Matthew 4:1-11

INTRODUCTION

A. Imagine that someone spent a lifetime building a business; he always made the

right decisions and never made a mistake – and he became a billionaire.

1. Now, what good does that do for you or me?

2. NONE – unless we can find out how he was successful, and/or unless he is

willing to share his wealth with us.

B. Hebrews 4:15

1. Jesus was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin.

2. But what good does that do us?

a. Is Jesus merely an enviable example that we know we can’t match?

b. No, Jesus’ victory affects us positively.

3. Though we will never be perfect as He is, we can learn how to resist

temptation.

4. He is more than willing to share the benefits of His success with us.

DISCUSSION

A. THE TEMPTATIONS JESUS ENDURED WERE REAL

1. That is, they were not games or make-believe

2. The Tempter was Real

a. Satan is not a fairy-tale character with a red suit, horns, pitch-fork tail, etc.

b. The devil spoke; Jesus spoke to him; this doesn’t fit a non-existent or

fictional character

c. Satan “came to Him” (v. 3) and “leaveth Him” (v. 11) – the devil is a real

person

d. That is why Peter said … 1 Peter 5:8  

3. Jesus’ vulnerability was real  

a. He was hungry … Matthew 4:2

1) Had fasted 40 days (cf. Luke 4:2, the inspired physician emphasizes

“He ate nothing“)

2) While it is true that the sharp hunger pangs subside after a few days of

fasting, it is also true that they can return periodically; the text specifically

says Jesus was hungry.

3) Such extended fasting would leave Him in a physically weakened

condition, which also heightens one’s vulnerability to temptation.

4) Jesus felt hunger every bit as much as you or I would; being God in the

flesh did not mean He just turned of His hunger switch!

b. Being human (as well as deity), Jesus was tempted in very real ways by

         Satan

1) Satan appealed to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of

life

2) 1 John 2:16 … these 3 categories include “all that is in the world”

3) Temptations did not simply bounce off of Jesus like bullets off of

Superman!

4. The appeals Satan made were real  

a. Matthew 4:3

1) This is an obvious appeal to the desire of the flesh (He was hungry)

2) Satan says, “If thou be the Son of God”

a) This phrase is not expressive of doubt, but a first-class conditional

statement (i.e. since you are …)

b) This is also an appeal to pride – Hey, You’re the Son of God, aren’t you?

Show off your power!

b. Matthew 4:5-6

1) Once again he tempts, “Flaunt Your power! Show off your standing with

God!” pride is again involved

2) This time Satan even (mis)-uses Scripture to “prove” his point

c. Matthew 4:8-9

1) “Showed” Jesus a panoramic view of the world’s kingdoms; promised

them all to Him

2) Satan appeals to His eyes, and His pride

3) Perhaps Satan was suggesting a short-cut method to being “King of kings”

a) Escape crucifixion and related ordeals

b) All Jesus had to do was bow down to the devil one time

d. There were other temptations, too, and they were real – note  Luke 4:13,

“for a season” – i.e. until another convenient time

B. JESUS’ VICTORY OVER TEMPTATION BROUGHT MANY BENEFITS

   FOR US  

1. His example shows us how to resist  

a. Know and obey the Scriptures – Psalm 119:11

b. Even when yielding to temptation is so inviting and would “appear” to

satisfy a pressing need – Don’t give in!

1) Illustration: I am aware of a man who lied about the odd jobs he was

working so he wouldn’t lose unemployment benefits.

2) Jesus wouldn’t abuse His power and flaunt His position even to satisfy His

critical need for food.

3) Be careful re: proper usage of scripture – be sure they are taken in context

and accurately.

4) We are wrong to use Scripture out of context – even to accomplish good or

to promote truth

2. Jesus’ experience qualifies Him to help us when we are tempted  –

Hebrews 2:18  …  Hebrews 4:15

a. He suffered in temptation – they were real and severe

b. He is sympathetic to our pain

1) Jesus knows by experience what it is like to be tempted

2) Illustration: It can be irritating to work for a boss who has never been “in

your shoes,” doesn’t understand what your job is like

3. He is qualified to be our sin offering  – 2 Corinthians 5:21

a. It was necessary that the Redeemer should not Himself need redemption

b. Jesus’ victory over temptation, with complete absence of sin, lets Him fit the

requirement of being without spot or blemish

c. 1 Peter 1:19  

4. Jesus regained for us what Adam lost

a. Adam was defeated by Satan; Jesus defeated Satan

b. Adam was tempted in the Paradise Garden, yielded, and was banished to “the

wilderness”

c. Jesus was tempted “in the wilderness,” emerged victorious, and made the

way for all human-kind to return to Paradise eternally

CONCLUSION

A. You and I are not always successful in facing temptation.

1. We have weak moments

2. We at times to not rely heavily enough on God’s word

B. But Jesus was – and through Him we can have victory at the last.

There are many of misconceptions and false views in our day as to the kind of person Jesus really was. It is a popular view to consider Jesus as very excepting, tolerant, and non-judgmental. Our Lord is portrayed by many as being very non-confrontational—not wanting to argue with anyone, and accepting just about all men regardless of their conduct, doctrines, and attitudes.

Friends, we must not allow the world to develop our understanding of Jesus. The Bible must be our authority in creating our  perception of our Lord. We must be as the noble Bereans, where of them it is said, “Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

One of the attributes of the Father’s Son that many have difficulty  with is His boldness in addressing and correcting error. Many find it hard to believe that Jesus would actually confront people and tell they are wrong—and then tell them the correct view. This type of action goes against our current culture. Most of the world has a pluralistic attitude, sometimes referred to as multiculturalism. This is the view that all cultures regardless of their moral and religious views are equally valid. The world, as a whole, believes that Jesus was not judgmental of others’ views and practices, and would never embarrass anyone suggesting they had the wrong view on a matter. But this is not the Jesus of the Bible. Jesus corrected error, engaged in debate, and participated in logical argument setting forth truth and countering error.

Let us now consider one biblical example of Jesus confronting error. In Matthew 15, Jesus is confronted by the scribes and Pharisees making accusation against His disciples, “Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread” (Matthew 15:2). Notice that the scribes and Pharisees did not accuse the disciples of transgressing God’s law, but “the tradition of the elders.” They were criticizing Jesus and His disciples for what they believed to be wrong doing.

How did Jesus respond to this accusation? Did Jesus say, “Look fellows, let’s not argue—religion is not about arguing. Let me just give you a big hug and we will agree to disagree.” This is not the approach that our Lord took in any shape, form, or fashion.

Rather, Jesus comes back at them quickly and boldly, saying, “Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3). Jesus says, You are the one transgressing, and you are doing so by placing your traditions above the teachings of God. In the next few verses Jesus will show them where they have violated actual inspired teachings—not His disciples.

The example Jesus uses is they thought they could use their money for items to the neglect of the parents, and called it a “gift” (Matthew 15:5), or “Corban” (Mark 7:11) – that is, dedicated to God. They thought this exempted them from the caring of their parents. They were violating, though, one of the Ten Commandments, “Honor thy father and thy mother” (Exodus 20:12), by their tradition of “Corban.” Jesus is saying, How dare you make up a law that clearly goes against biblical teaching! Our Lord’s stern condemnation of their error is clearly seen in the next verses, “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:7-9).

Does this sound like a man who did not want to be judgmental or one who was multicultural in attitude? Not on your life! The examples of Jesus confronting error could be greatly multiplied, but this one example is enough to prove that the view many have toward Jesus (accepting and tolerant of most things) is clearly false.

Friends, doctrine matters to Jesus. The often held view that it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are sincere is foreign to the Bible. Jesus boldly and courageously addressed and corrected error. If we want to be like Jesus we will go and do likewise.

Tom Moore

Park Heights church of Christ

P. O. Box 107

1300 East Boynton Street

Hamilton, Texas 76531

http://www.parkheightscoc.com

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THE BAPTISM OF JESUS

INTRODUCTION

A. You can probably identify several pivotal events that have shaped your life.

1. If you are married, your wedding day would certainly be one of those.

2. Graduation from high school/college might be another.

3. Accepting a particular job offer might be a crucial event.

4. Looking at spiritual matters, your baptism certainly qualifies as a pivotal event in your

life.

B. Jesus also had a number of landmark events in His earthly life.

1. His virgin conception and birth certainly fit this mold.

2. In this lesson we want to look carefully at His baptism.

3. The baptism of Jesus is similar in some ways to our own, yet very different in others,

Jesus’ baptism marked a crucial point in His life and redemptive work.

DISCUSSION

A. BACKGROUND OF JESUS’ BAPTISM  

1. The word “baptism” clearly denotes an immersion  

a. The Greek term is baptizo means to dip, plunge, immerse, submerge – never

sprinkle or pour

b. Note Leviticus 14:15-16 (LXX)

1) “Pour” – epi chei

2) “Dip” – baptizo

3) “Sprinkle” – ranei

4) God left no doubt what baptism means – God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor.

14:33)

c. According to Matthew 3:16 & Mark 1:10 Jesus “came up out of the water”

1) Acts 8:38-39

2) In all 3 cases, going into the water and coming up out of it would be nonsensical if

“baptism” was sprinkling or pouring

d. Acts 22:16  

1) lou0 – wash whole body

2) nipto – wash body parts

3) Every passage where wash is used in connection with baptism louo is always

used

2. Baptism such that to which Jesus submitted was not a Jewish washing.

a. Jews purified all sorts of things by dipping them (cf. Mk. 7:4, 8) – even

dipped themselves as a ritual cleansing.

b. Baptism administered by John was different:

1) People didn’t dip themselves, but were dipped by another

2) Not just a ceremonial cleansing, but a spiritual one

3) That it was different from Jewish washings is immediately evident in the attention

it Attracted-if just another Jewish washing, who would bother to give it special

attention?

B. WAYS JESUS’ BAPTISM WAS A LANDMARK EVENT  

1. It marked the acknowledgment from Heaven that Jesus was the Son of

        God

a. Luke 3:22

b. This had been mentioned in private and implied –Matthew 1:23

c. Certainly John heard this announcement, and there is no reason to think others who

were there could not hear it.

2. It marked the revealing of Jesus to Israel  

a. John 1:31  

b. Prior to this, John had not “known” Jesus

1) They certainly were acquainted, i.e. were cousins (Mary & Elizabeth were kin,

Lk. 1:36)

2) He knew Jesus well enough to conclude that it was he who needed baptism from

Jesus, not the other way around, (Mt. 3:14)

3) He may well have been convinced in his own mind that Jesus was the Messiah.

c. At Jesus’ baptism (esp. as the Spirit descended as a dove & the Voice spoke), John

         knew by revelation that Jesus was the Son of God. He then proceeded to introduce

Him as such.

3. It marked His reception of the Holy Spirit

a. In fulfillment of prophecy – Isaiah 11:2  

b. Luke 3:21 (perhaps an answer to His prayer??)

c. Unlimited in its manifestation

1) John 3:34  

2) Unlike other prophets who spoke God’s words only from time to time when the

Spirit came upon them, the Spirit was always upon Jesus, and whenever He spoke

it was always God’s word

d. Why did Jesus receive the Spirit?  

1) Only after this did He work miracles!

2) Philippians 2:7  – His “emptying” of Himself evidently involved a voluntary

suspending of His exercising of the powers of Deity

4. It marked the beginning of His public ministry  

a. First He endured a period of severe testing, as is seen in Matthew 4 (40 days of

fasting, temptations)

b. Then we see Him preaching, working miracles, calling disciples, etc.

5. It marked His complete obedience to the Father

a. Matthew 3:13-15

b. Note that Jesus’ baptism was NOT “for the remission of sins” (contrast Mk. 1:4);

Jesus had no sins for which to repent (Heb. 4:15)

c. Jesus was baptized to “fulfill all righteousness” = complete obedience to God

1) Jesus taught that John’s baptism was the will of God

a) Matthew 21:25

b) Luke 7:30 (rejected will of God)

2) Contrary to popular belief, you and I cannot be  baptized “to fulfill all

righteousness” unless we, like Jesus, are sinlessly perfect

a) It is true that we obey God in baptism

b) It is true that Jesus’ baptism is, in many ways, an example for us.

c) But to fulfill ALL righteousness, you would have to be sinless like Jesus was – we

are baptized for remission of sins

d. Note how important obedience was to Jesus:   ©

1) He traveled from Nazareth in Galilee to the to the Jordan River in the wilderness of

Judea (Mk. 1:9 cf. 1:4) – about 60-70 miles

2) Jesus often emphasized His submission to the Father’s will, e.g. John 5:30; 6:38

3) Though He did not need remission of sins, His perfect obedience gave Him the

moral authority to tell others they should obey as well.

CONCLUSION

A. Jesus’ baptism was a landmark occasion  

1. It marked the acknowledgment from Heaven that He was the Son of God;

2. It marked His revealing to Israel;

3. It was at His baptism that He received the Holy Spirit;

4. His baptism marked the beginning of His marvelous public ministry;

5. And it marked His absolute, complete obedience to God the Father.

B. Having been obedient not only on this landmark occasion, but at all other times as well, Jesus is now “the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Heb. 5:9). Will you obey Him now?

THE VIRGIN BIRTH OF CHRIST

INTRODUCTION

A. If I were to tell you that I had no human biological father,
would you believe me?

1. The Bible makes exactly that claim for Jesus of Nazareth.

2. Some people respond with disbelief, even as they do with
other Bible miracles.

B. We need to be ready (prepared & willing) to offer a good
defense, because this is not merely an academic question.

1. It goes to the heart of who Jesus is and what He did for us.

2. If He was not conceived and born of a virgin, then we
have no savior!

INTRODUCTION

A. The Case of the Virgin Birth is Damaged by
Promoters of Falsehoods and Speculations

1. Jesus born on December 25

a. His date of birth is not known

b. Circumstances make it highly unlikely that it was at this
time of year

2. Near simultaneous arrival of shepherds & wise men

a. Virtually every “manger scene” on display has three
wise men

b. Truth is that an unknown number of wise men arrived
much later, after the family had moved into a house and
the newborn Jesus was a “young child”

c. Matthew 2:9-11

3. Perpetual virginity of Mary

a. This is an outright falsehood

1) Matthews 1:25 – “till”

2) Matthew 13:55-56 – Jesus had “brothers and
sisters” (who had a biological father)

b. This doctrine sprang from Gnostic ideas that all physical
pleasure was sinful, even intimacy between a married
couple.

B. Biblical Affirmation of the Virgin Birth

1. Old Testament Prophecy

a. Isaiah 7:14

b. Matthew 1:23

2. Gospel writers speak on the virgin birth

a. Matthew agrees with Isaiah – and also affirms Mary’s
virginity in – Matthew 1:25

b. Lk. 1:26-27

c. The context goes and tells her that she was to have a
child of the Holy Spirit   –

3. Consider Mary’s own testimony – Luke 1:34

4. Notice the angel’s testimony to Joseph –
Matthew 1:18-21

a. Joseph avoided making the matter public; but he
intended to put Mary away privately, believing she had
been unchaste.

b. But Mary wasn’t impure! “That which is conceived in
her is of the Holy Ghost”   – Luke 1:32, 35

5. The Genealogical records make it clear that Jesus had
no biological father

a. Matthew 1:16 – note Matthew’s careful wording to
avoid the notion that Joseph was the biological father
(after all the “begots” he deliberately avoids saying
Joseph “begot” Jesus)

b. Luke 3:23 – “as was supposed”

6. This array of evidence would stand up in court:

a. There is a significant number of witnesses

b. There are reliable witnesses

c. There is clear, consistent testimony

C. Objections Offered

1. Biological impossibility

a. True enough!

b. This was a MIRACLE!

c. The same God who can create life from nothing can
surely take upon Himself human flesh and be born of a

woman without any involvement by a human male!

2. Other religions also claim a virgin-born savior
(skeptics say Christianity’s claim is no more valid than
others)

a. Buddha: the oldest accounts of his birth say nothing
about a virgin birth – both mother and father are
mentioned.

1) Other accounts clearly affirm the agency of his father
in producing him.

2) Only many centuries later did various legends arise
with alleged miraculous events connected with his
birth

b. Krishna (Hinduism): evidence of his existence is
scarce; none of it comes from the time he supposedly
lived.  Accounts vary; none consistently affirms virgin
birth.

c. Zoroaster (6th cent. BC Persian): Records are few and
unclear; they definitely affirm the biological role of his
father in producing him (though both father and mother
were said to have drunk milk into which the material
essence of Zoroaster had been mixed!)

d. Compare Christianity, where records are ancient,
numerous, complete, clear, consistent, and reliable!

D. Why Is the Virgin Birth So Important?

1. Important as to the Nature of Christ

a. He was 100% human

1) Hebrews 4:15 – Jesus is touched by our difficulties
because, He too:

2) Became thirsty, hungry, tired, needed friends,
etc., YET . . .

b. He was 100% God – THE Son of God (not just ‘a’ son
of God)

1) John 3:16 – “only-begotten”

2) 1 Timothy 3:16 – great mystery “God was
manifested in the flesh”

c. Colossians 2:9 – all the fullness of deity dwelt in Jesus
in bodily form (He was God in human flesh)

2. Important as to the mission of Jesus

a. Mission: to extend forgiveness to man – something
only God could do.

b. To be the supreme sacrifice for sin, He had to be God
incarnate (no mere human, no matter how righteous,
could fill that role).

3. Thus to deny the virgin birth is to deny the essence of
Christianity

a. It would be a religion without salvation!

b.  It would be Christianity without Christ!

CONCLUSION

A. We ought to believe, and to shamelessly affirm, that Jesus
the Christ was conceived and born of a virgin.

B. Therefore, He is not *just* a human being, but is the unique
God/Man.

C. He lived a sinless life, died a sacrificial death, and was
raised in triumph over death on the 3rd day.

D. Put your confidence in Him now by confessing His name
and being baptized into Him!

The Pre-Existence of Christ

INTRODUCTION

A. Jesus Christ did not begin to exist when He was born in Bethlehem, nor even when He   was conceived within the virgin, Mary.

B. Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ, unlike us, existed long before His conception
and birth.

1. This is not just an intellectual point or a trivial fact to challenge our
imaginations or arouse our curiosities.

2. Rather, the pre-existence of Jesus Christ has a direct bearing on a number of
issues that relate to exactly who Jesus is and what He has done for you and for
me.

DISCUSSION

A.  PROOF OF THE PRE-EXISTENCE OF CHRIST

1. John 1:15  

a. “Preferred before me” has to do with rank – i.e. Jesus out-ranked John

b. “He was before me” has to do with time – Jesus existed before John did (yet
we know Jesus was not conceived until about six months after John was
conceived within Elizabeth) – thus Jesus existed before His conception or
birth

2. Jesus has been since before “the beginning” … John 1:1  

a. “The Word” refers to Jesus … John 1:14  

b. “The beginning” refers to creation (Gen. 1:1)

3. Thus at the creation Jesus already was!

B. IMPORTANT MATTERS RELATED TO HIS PRE-EXISTENCE  

1. His Deity  

a. John 1:1 … “The Word (i.e. Jesus) was God” … not a god

b. That Jesus already “was” in the beginning, tells us that He is eternal (one of

the attributes of Deity)

c. This is not just an academic matter – if Jesus is not eternal Deity, then He is
not the “Son of God”

d. John 8:58

1) “I am” (“not I was” or “I have been”) – this is an emphatic present -“I
Myself am”

a) This denotes a timeless existence (eternity)

b) Watchtower perverts it to “I have been”

2) Exodus 3:14, this is exactly what God told Moses he should say if Israel
asked what God’s name was (“I am that I am” i.e. He is eternal and self-
existent)

e. Jesus’ pre-existence proves He is Deity

2. Jesus as Creator 

a. “By Him all things were created” (Col 1:16)

1) This agrees with John 1:3 & Hebrews 1:2

2) Watchtower inserts [other] (other things – not all things) into Col. 1:16
twice, plus twice in v.17 & once in v.20!

b. Since Jesus is Creator . . .

1) He must be eternal, or He couldn’t have been there to do the creating!

2) He must be God (thus eternal), or He would not have the ability to create!

3. Jesus as the Condescending One

a. Not meaning that He humiliated others or looked down on them, but . . .

b. He humbled Himself, lowered Himself – in doing so He:

1) Emptied Himself (ASV) … Philippians 2:6-8

a) Unless He was pre-existent, He could not have “emptied Himself” to
come to this earth in the form of a man. (We do not say of anyone born
today that he “emptied himself” before conception)

b) Had equality with God – thus eternal existence.

2) Became poor … 2 Corinthians 8:9

a) Was rich (before incarnation) – cannot be said unless he pre-existed!

b) Rich in the glory of His heavenly being (which He enjoyed eternally
before the incarnation)

3) Gave up glory… John 17:5

a) He had this glory with the Father before the world existed (i.e. prior to
creation)

b) If He was not pre-existent, then it could not be accurately said that He
gave up His glory, nor would it have been sensible for Him to pray for
restoration of such glory.

4. Jesus as the Model of Obedience

a. John 6:38 

b. Had He not existed prior to conception, He could not have “come down from
Heaven” nor could He have been “sent” by the Father.

c. Had He not been perfectly obedient, He couldn’t have been our once-for-all
atonement offering.

d. His obedience serves as a model for us… Hebrews 5:8, 9

5. Jesus as Mediator

a. We pray TO the Father in the name of Jesus… John 16:23

1) Note: we do not pray TO Jesus (v. 23a, Jesus specifically said “you will
ask Me nothing”)

2) We should realize that Jesus is not the Father and the Father is not Jesus

a) It was not the Father who gave His body and blood on the cross, it was
Jesus – the Father endured the agony of witnessing His Son’s suffering.

b) It is true that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one God, but they are not
one Person – they are distinct personalities and we should refer to them
as such.

b. To effectively mediate, Jesus has to be both God and man – and He is…
1 Timothy 2:5

c. To be God (as well as man), Jesus must have existed prior to His incarnation

1) Jesus affirms that He did… John 16:28

2) An understanding of this basic fact is necessary for proper faith and
acceptable prayer in His name… John 16:26-27

CONCLUSION

A. Jesus did not come into being at the virgin conception or the birth in Bethlehem’s stable.

B. He has always been, and always will be.

1. He is eternal Deity.

2. He is our Creator.

3. He emptied Himself, gave up the wealth and glory of Heaven, and took upon
Himself a body of human flesh in which He obeyed the Father’s will in
absolute perfection.

4. That obedience culminated in His sacrificial death upon the cross.

5. Now He calls us to imitate that obedience by dying to sin and self, and living
anew for Him.

6. He ever lives as our mediator to help us accomplish that task.

C. All this is possible because of the Pre-Existence of Christ