The Incarnation
The Coming of the Messiah-King

In this session, we will look at the opening verses of John’s Gospel and discover some of the most important words in Scripture on the identity of Jesus and the reason He came. As we explore the purpose and the way Christ came to earth, we will see what it means to be like John the Baptizer—a faithful witness to the grace of God shown to us in Jesus Christ.

What are some ideas people have about who God is and what He is like? 


How does Jesus fulfill and challenge our expectations of what God is like?

1. The identity of the King who has come (John 1:1-­5)

Based on the well ­known phrase “word of God” in the Old Testament, why do you think John chose this title for Jesus? 


What is the relationship of “the Word” to God Himself?

What does it take to have confidence in someone? 


Given what John has told us about the Word, can you have confidence in Him? Why?

2. The witness to the King who has come (John 1:6-­9)

Why did the divine Word—the Creator of all things, One with overcoming power—need a witness? 


What does this emphasis on a witness mean for us today?

Many find sharing their faith difficult and scary. In what ways does John the Baptizer’s example clarify the subject of our witness? 


Is sharing the story of Jesus harder than giving your personal testimony? Why or why not?

3. The purpose of the King who has come (John 1:10­-13)

When was the “but now” moment in your life? 


How was God’s power evident in saving and changing you? 


How does your life before knowing Christ compare to your life now?

4. The way the King has come (John 1:14­-18)

In what ways can our lives reflect the grace and truth of the gospel in our homes, our workplaces, and our extended families? 


How does our reflection of Christ’s grace and truth help us bear witness to God’s work?

Conclusion

In the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ, God incarnate, the invisible God is now visible to us. Jesus came to explain to us—to teach us—about the goodness and glory of the Father. Moses longed to see God more fully and was granted a partial glimpse (Ex. 33:17–34:7). In Christ we see God dwelling among us in human flesh (Col. 1:15). It is more than we could ever have hoped for! It is more than we shall ever be able to grasp! It is a wonder that will inspire our worship throughout time and eternity.

Next Week

Jesus’ Teaching
The Teaching of the Kingdom

In this lesson, we will look at how the teaching ministry of Jesus Christ was centered on the kingdom of God—the arrival of God’s reign in fulfillment of His promises to His people. The kingdom puts on display the saving power of God as it is proclaimed to all kinds of people. In response to Jesus’ proclamation of the kingdom of God, we must repent of our own personal agendas, trust in Him as our King, and then represent Him faithfully in the world.

The Incarnation: The Coming of the Messiah-King

By Butch Ewing

Made with Slides.com

The Incarnation: The Coming of the Messiah-King

In this session, we will look at the opening verses of John’s Gospel and discover some of the most important words in Scripture on the identity of Jesus and the reason He came. As we explore the purpose and the way Christ came to earth, we will see what it means to be like John the Baptizer—a faithful witness to the grace of God shown to us in Jesus Christ.

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