Merry Christmas! For the last couple of weeks I’ve posted claims Jesus made about himself recorded in the gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each claim Jesus made created an uproar in his community and among the Jewish religious leaders. People either embraced his claims—though not fully aware of the magnitude—or they scorned…
Category: Christmas
Consider the Claims of Christ this Christmas: ‘I am the resurrection and the life’
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 (NIV) Jesus had the power to bring the dead back to life. Compassion moved him to restore life to the only son…
Consider the Claims of Christ this Christmas: ‘I am the good shepherd’
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort…
Consider the Claims of Christ this Christmas: ‘I am the gate’
“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.” John 10:1 (NIV) Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the…
Consider the Claims of Christ this Christmas: ‘Before Abraham was, I am’
“I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father.” “Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did. As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told…
Consider the Claims of Christ this Christmas: ‘I am not of this world’
“The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all.” John 3:31 (NIV) John the Baptist testifies Jesus is from above, ‘the one who came from heaven.’ But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not…
Consider the Claims of Christ this Christmas: ‘I am the light of the world’
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who…
Consider the Claims of Christ this Christmas: ‘I am the bread of life’
When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!…Here is a boy with five small barley…
Consider the Claims of Christ this Christmas: ‘I am the life’
Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night…(John 3:1) I love this scene from the Bible. Nicodemus seeks Jesus out to ask him questions—Is he truly from God? Could he really be the Messiah? “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do…
Consider the Claims of Christ this Christmas: “I am he” (the Messiah)
The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ)“is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” John 4: 25-26 (NIV) “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” Mark 8:29 (NIV To those…