Why Jesus: Jesus Offers Relationship (John 1:1, 14)

Series: Why Jesus

Sermon: Jesus Offers Relationship

Scripture: John 1:1, 14

Date: December 2, 2018

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God; and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  (John 1:1, 14)

"Truth is the most valuable thing in the world."  -Ravi Zacharias

What is the truth about God and your life?  Please be honest enough with yourself to ask that question.

How does a universe, which itself developed from nothing, impart into every human strand of DNA enough specific information to cover 600,000 pages of information - all from nothing?

No, the Christian's faith is not a leap into the dark; it is a well-placed trust in the light - the Light of the World, who is Jesus.

One atheist said, "It isn't just that I don't believe in God and, naturally, hope there is no God!  I don't want there to be a God; I don't want the universe to be like that."

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God; and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we behold His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  (John 1:1, 14)

The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.  We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish.  (John 1:14, The Message)

Here are three unique aspects of Jesus' offer of relationship to each of us:

1. Jesus offers a relationship that is clear
   • When the New Age person refers to deity, a follower of this type of spirituality is not talking about a transcendent, personal God who created the universe, but is referring to a higher consciousness within themselves.
   • Buddhists do not worship any gods or God.
   • It is not a what but a who we are look for, and that is where Jesus is unique.
   • Most Hindus worship one Being of ultimate oneness.
   • Muslims believe there is the one almighty God, named Allah, who is infinitely superior to and transcendent from humankind.
   • He is a powerful and strict judge, who will be merciful toward followers depending on the sufficiency of their life's good works and religious devotion.  A follower's relationship with Allah is as a servant to Allah.
   • In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God; and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  (John 1:1, 14)
   • In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.  The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.  After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.  So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.  (Hebrews 1:1-4, NIV)
   • Jesus came after us.
2. Jesus offers a relationship that is close
   • "God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal."  -Henry Blackaby
   • Are we seeking His guidance?
   • As a believer, may the joy of the Lord give you absolute confidence that God is personal and involved in your life and that evil will one day be defeated forever, and that heaven is a reality.
   • 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - pray without ceasing
     • pray continually (NIV)
     • never stop praying (NLT)
   • I beg leave! I beg leave, I beg leave....May I be freed at all times from the four states of Woe, the Three Scourges, the Eight Wrong Circumstances, the Five Enemies, the Four Deficiencies, the Five Misfortunes, and quickly attain the Path, the Fruition, and the Noble Law of Nirvana, Lord.
   • The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.  We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish.  (John 1:14, The Message)
3. Jesus offers a relationship that is compassionate
   • For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  (Hebrews 4:15-16)
   • Are we missing out on life with Jesus - a clear, close, and compassionate relationship with the God who made us?