The Revelation of Jesus’ Identity
Jesus Christ is presented in the Bible as the Son of God, sent to the world to bring salvation to humanity. Through the sin of Adam and Eve, mankind was separated from God, but Jesus’ sacrifice restored this communion, offering eternal life to those who believe in Him. This central truth of Christianity is vividly expressed in John 3:16-18, one of the most cherished passages of Scripture, revealing God’s love and the purpose of Christ’s coming.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18, KJV)
The Need for Redemption
The original sin of Adam and Eve caused a separation between humanity and God, as described in Romans. All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, but His grace, manifested through Christ, offers free justification.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:23-24, KJV)
To reconcile humanity with God, a perfect sacrifice was required. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, fulfilled this ultimate act of love by giving His life on the cross.
Divine Revelation to Peter
Jesus’ identity as the Son of God is further confirmed in His interaction with Simon Peter. When Jesus asks who He is, Peter, inspired by God, declares that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. This revelation came not from human wisdom but directly from the Father.
He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 16:15-17, KJV)
The Birth of Jesus
The birth of Jesus was foretold centuries earlier by the prophet Isaiah, who announced that a virgin would give birth to the Son of God, named Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.”
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14, KJV)
Years later, a young virgin named Mary received a visit from the angel Gabriel, who announced that she would conceive the Messiah by the power of the Holy Spirit. Despite her initial perplexity, Mary humbly accepted God’s will.
And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:28-38, KJV)
Jesus was born in humble circumstances, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger, reflecting His simplicity and accessibility.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7, KJV)
The Purpose of Jesus on Earth
Jesus’ primary purpose was to proclaim the works of the Father and announce salvation. He came not to condemn but to save, offering redemption to all who believe in Him.
The Ministry of Jesus
Jesus’ ministry was built on four pillars, which continue to inspire the Christian calling today:
- Preaching the Gospel: Jesus brought the Good News to the poor, humble, and afflicted, calling all to make disciples.Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 28:19, KJV)
- Healing the Sick: He healed both physical and spiritual ailments, delivering the oppressed.Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. (Matthew 10:8, KJV)
- Breaking the Chains of Evil: Jesus shattered the bonds of sin and evil dominion, bringing freedom.Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2 Corinthians 3:17, KJV)
- Opening Spiritual Eyes: He enlightened the lost to see the light of the Gospel and be saved.And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Acts 2:21, KJV)
Jesus’ ministry pointed to the path to heaven, revealing the Father’s will. He declared, “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30), showing that His life was devoted to fulfilling divine purposes.
I and my Father are one. (John 10:30, KJV)
The Death of Jesus on the Cross
Jesus’ death on the cross was the perfect sacrifice, foreshadowed in the Old Testament. Events like Abraham’s offering of Isaac pointed to Christ’s sacrifice, which replaced the need for further offerings.
And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. (Genesis 22:9-13, KJV)
When Jesus died, the veil of the temple was torn, symbolizing restored access to God’s presence.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent. (Matthew 27:51, KJV)
Jesus’ sacrifice fulfilled the promise made in Eden, where God declared that the woman’s seed would crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). He bore humanity’s sins, offering redemption.
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. (1 Peter 2:21-25, KJV)
The Ongoing Mission
Jesus’ work did not end at the cross; it was entrusted to His followers. We are called to carry the Gospel to all creatures, heal the sick, deliver the oppressed, and proclaim salvation in His name. Jesus will return for His church, and our mission is to prepare the way, winning souls for the Kingdom.
