The Bible And Jesus Pt 2 Leadership Series

The Bible and Jesus - Pt 2 Leadership!

Thesis: The Story of God as revealed in the Bible points to Jesus as the main character of the story of the Bible and the hero of the world. Yes, Jesus is the main hero (Savior) of the Bible! Since Jesus is the central figure of the Bible we need to observe his life and learn how we should be living and even leading!

Reference handout of Jesus in the books of the Bible!

Scripture Text:

John 5:39: Jesus said this about the OT to the teachers of it, “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me”

Jesus said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. (Luke 24:25–27)

After revealing himself to his eleven disciples shortly thereafter, Jesus reiterates the same point: He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. (Luke 24:44–45)

Introduction to series:

Jesus is the central theme and main story of the Bible. Jesus is not just found in the Gospels but in every book of the Bible. The entire story of the Bible points to Jesus.

If we ever hope to properly handle the stories in the Bible, we must first grasp the story of the Bible. Jesus is the central figure of the Bible both OT and NT!

T.S. – So let’s be clear! The Bible is not just about Jesus in the New Testament because He is seen and revealed all the way back to the Beginning of Creation and throughout the books of the Bible.

Summary of last week:

I. The Bible and Jesus

a. Quote from Zondervan: “The Bible is best understood when it’s viewed as one story in six acts (with the main character or hero being Jesus!)” According to The Jesus Bible page 8,9.

i. Beginnings – Every story has a beginning - God the Father/Jesus and The Holy Spirit are there at Creation! (Genesis 1-2):

1. The triune God (Father/Son/Holy Spirit) also called The Trinity has been together from the beginning, God said “Let us make mankind in our image” so we are created in the image of God, and we consist of 3 parts too (Our Soul, Body and Spirit). In the story of the Bible God works through the Son to bring about the creation of everything according to the Bible and in the writings of the Apostle Paul. “For in him [Jesus] all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him” (Col 1:16).

2. So, the Bible makes it clear Jesus has always been and Creation centers around His involvement in it!

3. The World was created by God to reveal His glory – that glory was and is seen in Jesus Christ – who is the glory of the grace of God being displayed in His death and bestowing on those who believe – grace to enter into a relationship with God Himself.

ii. Revolt - Every story has a problem. The problem for humanity is sin. The Story of Adam and Eve reveal this human problem. When people revolted, God had already set in motion a plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. (Zondervan,. The Jesus Bible, NIV Edition, Leathersoft, Brown (p. 32). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.) (Genesis 3-11):

1. Genesis 3:14-15: 14So the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, “Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. 15And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

iii. People - Every story has participants—those who are going to be impacted by the unfolding drama. (Genesis 12-Malachi):

1. Through Abraham, God commissioned a people to be his—a special chosen people who would be a witness on earth of his faithfulness. God showered them in blessing, yet they constantly reverted to sinful ways. Time and time again the people rejected God, their decisions ultimately leading them to oppression and loss. Invariably, they called out to the God they had forgotten, and God, in turn, always showed mercy. At each turn of this vicious cycle of death and destruction, God would announce through a prophet about The Redeemer.