Topic:
In writing to the Corinthian church Paul discussed Jesus’ resurrection. He told them that if Christ had not been risen from the dead than our “faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Cor. 15:17). He continues if our faith in Christ only gives us hope for this life we should be pitied. If Jesus wasn’t God and didn’t do the things he said he would do, then we are to be pitied and are hopeless. Paul argues Christ is risen. Jesus did what he said he would do. He was who he said he was. Jesus’ life and teaching have been under attack ever since. If Jesus is not credible, people can write him off and don’t have to follow him. If they are wrong then they fall under the judgement of those who rejected him.
Facts & Biblical Foundation:
Jesus was fully God and fully human. The truths below were affirmed church in the 5th century in the Chalcedonian Creed.
1. Jesus has two natures -- He is God and man.
-Titus 2:13; John 20:28; John 1:18;
-He knows everything (Mt 16:21; Luke 11:17; John 4:29)
-He has all power (Mt 8:26-27; 28:18; Jn 11:38-44; Lk 7:14-15; Revelation 1:8),
-He is our Creator (Colossians 1:16).
Jesus is Man
-He was born to a human mother (Luke 2:7; Galatians 4:4)
-He was hungry (Matthew 4:2) and thirsty (John 19:28)
-He experienced emotion (Matt. 8:10; John 11:35).
2. Each nature is full and complete -- He is fully God and fully man.
3. Each nature remains distinct.
4. Christ is only one Person.
5. Things that are true of only one nature are nonetheless true of the Person of Christ.
Extra Biblical accounts line up with what scripture teaches. Historical records outside the Bible affirm that: “Jesus was a wise and provocative Judean teacher, he was said to have performed miracles and made prophetic claims, Jewish leaders condemned him for acts they deemed as ‘sorcery’ and ‘apostasy,’ He was crucified by the Roman procurator Pontius Pilate, Jesus’ followers reported that he had risen from the dead, Christianity spread to Rome where Christians were persecuted, first-century Christians worship Jesus Christ as God, the followers of Christ were known for their courage and virtue.” (Reasons.org)
Where to Start:
What is the motivation for wanting to disprove Jesus? Is the student hurt by something that has happened to them and is struggling with their faith as a result? God is love. Jesus is an expression of God’s love and helps us see even more what the father’s love is like. Is there sin in the student’s life that they don’t want to give up? The message of Jesus is forgiveness of sins. When we turn from sin and follow Jesus we find the abundant life he intends for us. Sin doesn’t seem as worth it.
Where to Learn more:
http://www.reasons.org/articles/the-great-claims-of-jesus
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