Knowing Jesus
The Apostle Paul’s great desire was to know Jesus and the power of His resurrection Philippians 3:10.
Likewise, he prays that God may give us the wisdom so that we may know Him better Ephesians 1:17.
Few people seeking a relationship with Jesus have an accurate picture of Him. Before one can embrace true discipleship, he or she must first know, respect, even love the man to be followed. Otherwise, discipleship remains a mere commitment to ‘commitment.
Knowing Jesus is a prerequisite for following Him. While this study will help, you may instead ask seekers to read through a gospel suggest one week as a timeframe), listing every inspiring observation they make about Jesus. You can then discuss and celebrate that list with them.
John 1:1 & John 1:14. Jesus is God, yet he became man for us. Why would he do that? What type of man would be described as “full of grace and truth?”
John 2:13-17 Jesus burned with zeal for righteousness. He was a man who acted on that zeal.
John 3:1-16. Jesus taught the teachers. Later, Nicodemus was so amazed by Jesus’ righteousness that he began to defend him before the intimidating council of Jewish leaders John 7: 50-51.
Ultimately, Nicodemus was so moved by Jesus’ sacrificial love, that he exposed his commitment to Jesus by caring for his burial John 19:38-39. What type of man inspires someone like Nicodemus to leave everything and start anew?
John 6:35. Jesus was more than a good moral teacher; he pointed to himself as the source of spiritual nourishment. Could a mere human teacher make such statements about himself? (You may wish to view other “I Am” statements of Jesus in John 8:12, John 8:58, John 9:5, John 10:7, John 10:11, John 11:25. John 13:13, John 15:1, John 18:37. He does not give us the option of simply admiring Him; you must conclude that either He is mad or He is Lord!
John 14:1-6. Jesus is the only way.
What more could he do to lovingly show us that one true way? If you get to know him, you will follow him. He will lead you to heaven.
Additional Scriptures:
John 4:1-42,John 12:32,Luke 4:1-13,Hebrews 1:3,Hebrews 2:9-11,Hebrews 2:17-18,Hebrews 4:15-16 1John 2:5-6 Mark 1:32-39