I am a researcher by nature (nerd alert). I often find myself asking a
question and then diving into scripture, books, or (let’s be real) my magical
iPhone to find the answer. Often I don’t find the answer, or the answer is one
of those shades of gray answers that involves faith and long deep breaths.

But, sometimes God is gracious and He answers me.

Like when I asked, “How am I supposed to interact with the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit?”

They are three seperate persons, but each person is fully God, and they are all one God. That mind bender of a concept is the trinity. Because they are each their own distinct person, they must have unique purposes and roles within the Trinity…What is each person in charge of? What is each person good at? How do they prefer to interact with me?

I think God is gracious to us in all things, and doesn’t place strict rules on how we interact with him. But, I do think that reading his word helps us understand him better and therefore how to interact with him more fully.

So, this is a three-part post on what I found about each member of the trinity. We’ll start with Jesus. Because he is The Man.

Here’s how this is going to work:

First, let’s shake the cobwebs off of our hearts. Watch this 3-minute video where Jesus is described by Dr. S.M. Lockridge in his famous sermon: “Seven Way King”. I have watched this video so many times when I need reminding of the greatness of who Jesus truly is.

Second, read the following list of basic explanations (in my own words) of who Jesus says he is, and then a scripture reference for where I found said words.

In no particular order…

He’s our advocate – when we sin, He speaks to the Father in
our defense. (1 John 2:1)

He’s our Amen. Our stamp of approval. Our period at the end
of our sentence. Our trustworthy witness. He’s the Anointed One – chosen for a specific task by the Father. (Revelation 3:14)

He’s the Author (the creator) of our faith and the perfector
who brings all things through to completion. He always finishes what He
started. (Hebrews 12:2)

He’s the Bread of Life. The bread that if you eat it you
will never die, but live forever. The ultimate satisfier of all our needs and
desires. (John 6:48)

He’s the Bright and Morning Star who shines in all our dark
places. (Revelation 22:16)

He’s the commander of the army of the Lord who defends God’s
children. (Joshua 5:14)

He’s the Cornerstone on the building of God. He is the stone
that the builders rejected that has now become the cornerstone. He’s our
Deliverer. The One we have waited for. (1 Peter 2)

He’s Immanuel, God with us, not a distant God, but instead he gets down on his hands and knees to be with us. (Isaiah 7:14)

He’s the ultimate prince on the white horse whose rider is
called Faithful and True. (Revelation 19:11)

He’s a friend of sinners who befriended prostitutes, liars,
thieves…that includes us. (Matthew 11:19)

He’s the Shepherd of His sheep who protects us. He makes us
lie down in green pastures and restores our soul. (Psalm 23)

He’s our high priest, our ultimate intercessor. The last
sacrifice once and for all. (Hebrews 4:14)

He’s our hope when we have no hope. (1 Timothy 1:1)

He’s the perfect image of God – the exact representation of
His being. (Hebrews 1:3)

He’s the great I AM! The ultimate existence or being. No
words can fully explain him. (John 8:58)

He’s the Just judge who judges the living and the dead
rightly. (Acts 10:42)

He’s the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords and he can and
will bring the rulers of this world to nothing. (Isaiah 40:23)

He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world
and makes them white as snow. (John 1:29)

He’s the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Life to the full. (John 14:16, John 10:10)

He is the Light of the world and whoever follows him shall
NEVER walk in darkness. (John 8:12)

He’s the Lion of the tribe of Judah who is worthy and
powerful. (Revelation 5)

He is the True Vine and if we remain in him we will bear
much fruit, but without Him we can do nothing. (John 15)

He is the great physician who says, “it is not the healthy
who need a doctor, but the sick.” (Matthew 9:12)

He speaks only in righteousness, and he is mighty to save. (Isaiah 63)

And a few bonus characteristics:

He is prophecy fulfilled.

He healed the demon possessed.

He fed 5,000 with five loaves of bread and two fish.

He heals lepers.

He teaches in beautiful tabernacles and dusty households.

He gives sight to the blind.

He raises the dead.

He dines with the wealthy and religious, but prefers the poor and humble.

He corrects hypocrisy and gives grace to the repentant.

He blesses little children and says we should act more like them.

He drives merchants out of the temple in righteous anger.

He washes his disciples feet and says “do as I have done for you”.

He prays a lot and is always getting alone to be with His Father – even amongst chaos.

What is something not on this list that you love or appreciate about who Jesus is? 

 

 

Hey Young Life Leaders! Get this list in a PDF and turn it into a Campaigners lesson here.