The Face Of Jesus

From the Desk of Pastor Toby Powers

Truth Baptist Church

Hwy 78

Bremen, GA

THE FACE OF JESUS

II Corinthians 4:1-6

Intro: Paul writes to the Corinthians while he is under great persecution and stress, yet he says that he has fainted not (v. 1). This is because he has received mercy, and, therefore, he has a purpose in life. He renounced the old way of living (v. 2), and he has purposed to walk in such a way to declare the saving Gospel of Christ to the lost. The god of the world has blinded their eyes that they might not see the light of God’s glorious Gospel, and those of us who have experienced his grace owe it to them to tell them about the joy in Jesus. Therefore, Paul says, there is no need to preach to them about ourselves. We were just as they are… lost and blinded, but the Lord shined in our lives. We must tell them about HIM.

Verse six is what I am really interested in, however. He tells us that as surely as God called light out of darkness in creation, he has done the same in our hearts in conversion. Furthermore, the avenue he used to accomplish this was the “face of Jesus Christ.” This is an interesting phrase. It is through his appearance we can experience his grace. It is through his divine light that we may be converted. He has turned his face toward us… he has revealed himself to us… He has manifested himself to sinful man, and this has changed our lives. I want to talk to you today about this “Face of Jesus Christ.” It is seen in the Word of God as:

I. A Shining Face: “His face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light" Matt. 17:2. On the mountain of transfiguration Jesus took on his glorified, heavenly, majestic form. His face shone as the sun! Through his body showed his divinity. Through his human nature was shown his heavenly nature! He was confirming to the inner circle of apostles (Peter, James, and John) and later through his Word to us his authority as heaven’s representative to earth. Just as he shined in a world of darkness before them that day, there came a day when darkness reigned in my life, yet his face shined upon my heart! He opened my blinded eyes. I came to see his love and his grace!

II. A Set Face: "And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem" Luke 9:51. Isaiah 50:7, “For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.” This phrase “set his face” shows us his determination.

• Though he knew what would become of him, he set his face.

• Though he knew he would be doubted, he set his face.

• Though he knew he would be rejected, he set his face.

• Though he knew he would be arrested, he set his face.

• Though he knew he would be carried from prison and to judgment, he set his face.

• Though he knew the crowd would cry “crucify him!” he set his face.

• Though he knew all his disciples would forsake him fleeing, he set his face.

• Though he knew he would be beaten, spat upon, and mocked, he set his face.

• Though he knew he would be hanged on a rugged cross, he set his face.

• Though he knew he would thirst, he set his face.

• Though he knew he would be buried in a borrowed tomb, he set his face…

• Because he knew that he would rise on the third day, he set his face! Hebrews 12:1-2 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” HE WAS WILLING TO FACE THE SUFFERING IN ORDER TO SEE THE GLORY!

III. A Stricken Face: "And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?" Luke 22:63-64. Isaiah 50:6, “I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.” "Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him: and others smote him with the palms of their hands" Matt. 26:67. He was not a beautiful sight to see, but if through the eye of faith you could see his sacrifice for you, you can be redeemed today!