A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

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A B i b l i ca l Vi s i on, Par t I I : Mas ter i ng the New Tes tament Wi tnes s to Chr i s t

4. From the beginning of his mission, Jesus announces and reveals himself to be the Messiah promised of old, the fulfill ment of the promise to Abraham, the Suffering Servant of the Lord, and King of the Kingdom of God.

a. His opening announced his identity as the living presence of the Kingdom, Mark 1.14-15 – Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, [15] and saying, “The time is ful filled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

b. In the works and person of Jesus Christ, the very nature and glory of God Godself was seen

(1) John 1.14, 18 – And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. [18] No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. (2) Eph. 3.8 – To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.

(3) Col. 1.19 – For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.

(4) Col. 2.9 – For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.

B. His character was matchless: all his character revealed the in-breaking of the Kingdom of God.

1. His birth and childhood revealed Jesus as the One chosen by God to bring God’s sovereign rule back to the world , cf. Luke 1.31-33 – “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.