1. At this point, Jesus was well into His ministry. 2. He had been very active, and He had reached great multitudes of people. a. Matthew 4:23-25 b. Matthew 9:35 3. However, many people did not recognize Him as God's Son -- He was considered to be one of God's great servants from the past. 4. Even though so much confusion existed, Peter recognized Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:15-17). 5. This conversation took place many years ago, but 2 things remain the same. a. First, many people do not properly recognize Jesus today. b. Second, by going to the right sources, "we can know who Jesus is." 6. In our lesson we are examining 4 sources that will enable us to properly identify the Lord. Discussion: I. FIRST, LET US LISTEN TO GOD
A. God identified Jesus when He was baptized (Matthew 3:16-17). B. God also identified Jesus when He was transfigured (Matthew 17:1-5). II. SECOND, LET US EXAMINE THE SCRIPTURES
A. We need to examine the Scriptures because they testify of Jesus (John 5:39). B. We cannot examine all the prophecies in the Old Testament that Jesus fulfilled in one lesson. C. Three great preachers illustrate how the Scriptures will enable us to properly identify Jesus, including: 1. Phillip (Acts 8:35-38) 2. Paul (Acts 17:1-3) 3. Apollos (Acts 18:28). III. THIRD, LET US EXAMINE THE LORD'S SIGNS
A. Consider the statements found in: 1. John 3:2 2. John 20:30-31. B. Just in the Gospel of John, Jesus: 1. turned water into wine (2:1-11) 2. healed the nobleman's son (4:46-54) 3. healed the impotent man (5:1-9) 4. fed the 5,000 (6:1-13) 5. walked on the water (6:16-21) 6. gave sight to a man born blind (9:1-7) 7. raised Lazarus (11:1-45) 8. caused a great catch of fish by the disciples (21:1-11). IV. FOURTH, LET US LISTEN TO CREDIBLE WITNESSES, INCLUDING:
A. John the Baptist (John 1:32-34) B. Andrew (John 1:40-41) C. Philip (John 1:45) D. Nathanael (John 1:49) E. the Samaritans (John 4:40-42) F. Martha (John 11:27). Conclusion:
1. We can know who Jesus is -- He is God's divine Son. 2. This knowledge will: a. prevent us from leaving Him (John 6:66-69) b. help us when our hearts are troubled (John 14:1) c. enable us to overcome the world (1 John 5:5) d. assure us of eternal life (1 John 5:13).