In the Bible, who did Jesus call Himself, and what did He say about Himself?
Dear readers, today I would like us to learn a bit about this Jesus of the Bible, who was no ordinary man.
People all over the world have heard about Jesus Christ, even though He lived on earth about 2,000 years ago. However, many do not truly know who Jesus was. Some say He was just a good man. Others claim that He was merely a prophet. Still, others believe that Jesus is God and deserves to be worshiped.
It is important to know the truth about Jesus. Why? Because the Bible says:
The Bible teaches that Jesus lived in heaven before coming to earth. Micah prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and also said that His origin “is from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2) Many times, Jesus Himself said that He lived in heaven before becoming a man. (John 3:13; 6:38, 62; 17:4, 5) As a spirit being in heaven, Jesus had a unique relationship with His Father, who is God.
John 17:5
"And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."
The word “GLORY” means honor, power, beauty, fame, strength, praise, and authority. Jesus possessed all these before the world was created. Jesus Christ existed even before being born to Mary; He confirmed this Himself when He told the Jews:
"Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
The Jews answered Him, "Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?"
Jesus replied, "I am not possessed by a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and He is the judge. Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death."
At this they exclaimed, "Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died, and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death. Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?"
Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know Him, I know Him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know Him and obey His word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad."
Consider just two examples. First, more than 700 years earlier, the prophet Micah foretold that the promised one would be born in Bethlehem, a small town in Judah. (Micah 5:2) Where was Jesus actually born? In that very town! (Matthew 2:1, 3-9) Second, centuries earlier, the prophecy in Daniel 9:25 specified the exact year the Messiah would appear—29 C.E.* The fulfillment of this and many other prophecies confirms that Jesus was the promised Messiah.
What did Jesus accomplish by remaining faithful until death? Jesus’ death makes it possible for us to gain everlasting life in a paradise earth, as God originally intended.
There is overwhelming evidence in the Holy Bible proving that Jesus existed even before anything was created. The prophets also foretold His coming and declared openly that this Jesus existed from eternity and that He is God.
STUDY QUESTIONS:
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(a) Why does knowing the name of a famous person not necessarily mean you know them well?
(b) What differing opinions do people have about Jesus? -
Why is it important to know the truth about Jesus?
It is my hope that you will continue to research more about this Jesus who lived before the world was created.
May God bless you all.
In His service,
I am Max Shimba, a servant of Jesus Christ.
Max Shimba Ministries Org.
For Max Shimba Worldwide Missions
02/15/2014
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