Who Is Jesus To You?

Christ of the 2:10’s – 11th January 2009 pm

To the artist He is the One Altogether Lovely.

To the architect He is the Chief Cornerstone.

To the astronomer He is the Sun of Righteousness.

To the baker He is the Living Bread.

To the banker He is the Hidden Treasure.

To the biologist He is the Life.

To the carpenter He is the Sure Foundation.

To the doctor He is the Great Physician.

To the educator He is the Great Teacher.

To the farmer He is the Sower and Lord of the Harvest.

To the florist He is the Lily of the Valley and the Rose of Sharon.

To the geologist He is the Rock of Ages.

To the horticulturist He is the True Vine.

To the judge He is the Righteous Judge.

To the juror He is the True Witness.

To the jeweller He is the Pearl of Great Price.

To the editor He is the Good Tidings of Great Joy.

To the oculist He is the Light of the Eyes.

To the philosopher He is the Wisdom of God.

To the Printer He is the True Type.

To the servant He is the Good Master.

To the student He is the Incarnate Truth.

To the toiler He is the Giver of Rest.

To the Sinner He is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.

To the Christian, He is the Son of the Living God, the Saviour, the Redeemer and Lord!

I. The Joy Bringer – Luke 2:10

Tidings of Great Joy! Tidings for all the people of the world, joy for all the people of the world, just what the world needs. It’s had it soldiers and sovereigns enough, it needs a Saviour.

This message of Joy and peace came to a world that had known much war. The famous “Pax Roma” (Roman Peace) had been in effect since 27 B.C. but the absence of war doesn’t guarantee peace or joy.

The philosopher Epictetus said, “While the emperor may give peace from war on land and sea, he is unable to give peace from passion, grief, and envy. He cannot give peace of heart for which man yearns more than even for outward peace.”

The Jewish word “Shalom” means much more than a truce in the battles of life. It means well-being, health, prosperity, security, soundness, and completeness. It has more to do with character than circumstances.

Life was difficult then (just as it is now) taxes were high, unemployment was high, morals were slipping lower, and the military state was in control. Roman law, Greek philosophy, and even Jewish religion could not meet the needs of men’s hearts. Then God sent His Son! The Joy-bringer.

True joy can only come from Salvation. True joy can only come from a relationship with Christ. True joy can only come when your sins are forgiven. Jesus Christ is the Joy Briger.

II. The Character Builder – Ephesians 2:10

Good works are part of God’s plan for our lives. They are not the price of salvation but the proof. We are not saved as a result of good works; good works are a result of salvation. They are a result of God working in our hearts. They are proof of the glorious togetherness (as John Philips puts it) that exists between the believer and the Saviour.

When the Lord was here on earth He lived a life of good works. Peter said in that Jesus went about doing good (Acts 10:38). Now through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit He continues to do His good works in us.

The word workmanship poiema, indicates that we are His poem, His masterpiece. Each of our lives is the canvas on which the Master is producing a work of art that will fill the everlasting ages with His praise.

A great dispositional change marks genuine conversion, so that a person who is still dead in trespass and sins is in contrast to the believer who has been quickened together with Christ. If we profess to be Christians but our lives exhibit no evidence of behavioural change, we are just deceiving ourselves.

III. The Adorable Name – Philippians 2:10

The name Jesus was very popular in that day. It was no different than any other name which could be given to children. Even in our day, in Latin America, the name Jesus is very common. While this is true, this is still the name chosen by the Heavenly Father for the Son to use during the time of His humiliation. Therefore, there must be something very special about this Name.

The name Jesus was not given to our Lord by Mary and Joseph. It was a name handpicked by God, Matt. 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins..