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Family Devotions:
M. Christ the Lord, Our Saviour..................................................................Luke 2:1-14
T. The Messiah, Interpreted, the Christ.......................................................John 4:1-42
W. Thou Art the Christ.................................................................................Matthew 16:13-18
T. Christ Is Preached....................................................................................Acts 17:1-4
F. The Risen Christ.......................................................................................Luke 24:1-26
S. Believers in Christ.....................................................................................I John 5:1-5
S. We Are Sure Christ Is the Son of God.....................................................John 6:66-69
Devotional Reading: John 4:19-26
Memory Selection: Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
(John 4:29)
Lesson Scripture
Luke 9:
18. And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked
them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?
19. They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old
prophets is risen again.
20. He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.
Introduction
During this quarter all thirteen lesson titles have one thing in common, they are all connected
to the name Jesus; in fact, each lesson begins with His name and then connects one of the many titles
found in the Bible. This first lesson declares that Jesus is the Christ of God. It is a title of great
importance and hopefully He will receive due glory.
As we begin, let us consider the beloved name of Jesus. It is a name by which saints have
declared Him throughout the ages. The mere mention of “Jesus” has blessed the hearts of multiplied
millions of His followers. It is a very special name for it identifies Him as our Saviour. The name
Jesus was actually given to Him by God our heavenly Father. Matthew’s record of the Gospel tells
how perplexed Joseph was about the whole matter of His birth. “But while he thought on these
things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of
David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy
Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his
people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21).
The name Jesus in the Hebrew language means Saviour. It is the name most often used to
identify Him and appears in the Bible almost one thousand times. Truly, the name Jesus is above
every other name. Paul reminds us of the fact with the words of Philippians 2:9-11. He said,
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things
under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God
the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).
You may have noticed in the above reference that first He is referred to simply as “Jesus” and
then as “Jesus Christ.” In the Bible there are more than two hundred and fifty times the two names
appear together. Understandably, the first lesson will be devoted to the second most often used
name, Christ, which appears more that five hundred times and means - God’s anointed. In our study
today we shall explore the title of “Christ” by considering three inseparable connecting titles. (1)
Christ, the Messiah (2) Christ, the Son of God and (3) Christ, the Lord.
Christ, the Messiah
In John 4:25, we read, “The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is
called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.” It is interesting to notice that the names
Christ and Messias were both used by the Samaritan woman. “Messias” is the Greek form of the
Hebrew “Messiah,” which is found in Daniel 9:25-26 and means - anointed. In the earlier verses of
this chapter we are told that Jesus intentionally went to Samaria, even though relations were not good
between the Samaritans and the Jews. Apparently, He went specifically to reveal Himself to a
woman at Jacob’s well. In their lengthy conversation which followed, Jesus revealed His in-depth
knowledge of her past and present. He went on to speak of “true worship” and declared the spiritual
nature of God. She responded by saying that she knew something of the Messiah and that He would
possess such knowledge. Interestingly, she not only knew of the” Messias” but referred to Him as
“Christ.” Jesus then revealed to her that He was, in fact, the Christ. Later, in the city, she said,
“Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” (John 4:29). Yes!
Indeed, He is the promised and long awaited Messiah. As God’s Anointed Saviour, He came to
redeem all the elect of God by His shed blood and sacrificial death.
1. Explain the importance of the name Christ as it relates to Jews and Christians alike.
Christ, the Son of God
Peter said to Christ, “And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the
living God” (John 6:69). The passage from which this verse is taken tells of a time when some men
turned away from Christ and refused to follow Him any longer. The Scriptures reveal their reason;
they did not like some of His teachings. They viewed them as “an hard saying” (John 6:60). We
must guard ourselves from such a spirit of conceit or we too shall deprive ourselves of rich blessings.
Because others had turned back, Jesus asked His disciples if they intended to do the same.
He knew the answer because He was and still is God. John reminds us that as Christ, He knew the
hearts of men by declaring; “And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was
in man” (John 2:25). Even though Jesus knew their hearts, the disciples needed to reflect upon the
question, just as saints throughout the ages have pondered it. In doing so, His disciples discovered
they were willing to follow Christ, not the crowd. Had they abandoned Him, they would have
missed the rich blessings of fellowship with Jesus.
Indeed, He is the Christ, God’s only begotten Son (John 1:14). When we really come to
grips with this fact, we cannot turn back either. Viewing Christ as the Son of God, we see Him
differently from some other religions which regard Him only as a good man or prophet. May we
thank our heavenly Father daily for the joy of this truth, that Christ is the Son of God. This
wonderful knowledge has moved many to commit their lives gladly to His service.
2. Discuss reasons you believe God connected the titles of Christ and the Son of God.
Christ, the Lord
Luke 2:11 says, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ
the Lord.” Luke, chapter two, describes some of the miraculous events that surrounded the birth of
Jesus Christ. We are told that Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem because of the tax decree of
Caesar Augustus. While there, Jesus was born and because there was no room in the inn, baby Jesus
was laid in a manger. Imagine that, the Christ of God and the “KING OF KINGS” (Revelation
19:16), was laid in a feeding trough for animals.
While shepherds attended to the needs of their flocks, angels came. At first only one angel
spoke, then later a multitude of angels joined in praising God. The long awaited Messiah, or Christ,
had been born. At first the shepherds were frightened by the angelic appearance, but soon their fears
gave way to faith. The message of the angel was so plain and simple, yet so overwhelming. The
“good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10) were this: the Saviour of sinners had been born and He was
declared to be “Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
It is important for us to understand that Christ is not only the Messiah, the Son of God, or
even our Saviour. He is all that and so much more; He is the LORD Jesus. He was given that
position of power and authority as Ruler of heaven and earth. On the Day of Pentecost Peter
proclaimed the Lordship of Jesus. He said, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that
God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). God,
His Father and ours, made Him Lord and Christ. How inseparable these titles have become, so
inseparable that we rejoice to call Him our Lord, Jesus Christ. God’s Christ is our Lord! He is
Master of our lives. He said to His disciples, “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so
I am” (John 13:13). Those ancient disciples called Him LORD and every disciple since then should
continue to acknowledge this wonderful truth about Christ.
When Thomas saw the nail prints in His hands and feet, he said “My Lord and my God”
(John 20:28). Later when Saul of Tarsus was touched and changed, he came to understand that Jesus
Christ is Lord. Embracing such knowledge he cried out, “...Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”
(Acts 9:6). Today, all who have come to recognize that God’s Christ is Lord, should yield their lives
to His will. Through studying God’s Word and much prayer we can understand what He wants us
to do. If the Lordship of Christ matters to you, then His kingdom and church will of necessity
become more important to you, more valuable than the trivial and fading possessions of this world.
Remember that whether men obey Him or rebel, Christ is Lord forever. If you call Him Lord, obey
Him (Luke 6:46).
3. Explore the importance of the Lordship of Christ. How should it make us different?
Application
First, let us rejoice that Jesus is the Christ of God. The concept of the “Messiah” seems to
have existed among the Jews for a long time. Exactly when it began is not easily determined, but
apparently many Jews waited expectantly for His coming. No doubt, there were mothers who hoped
to give birth to the Messiah. When He came most Jews never realized that He was the Christ of
God. Of course some did, such as the Samaritan woman and Jewish members of the early church.
How richly they were blessed as the Holy Spirit touched their hearts. Have you realized that Jesus
is God’s Christ, that He is indeed God’s anointed? If so, you have been blessed to hold this
wonderful truth in your heart. Give Him your praise, for He is worthy!
Second, Jesus is declared to be “Christ the Son of God.” God wants us to make this
connection and reflect upon this glorious fact. Today would be a good time to discuss how you feel
it affects you. We also need to think and talk about this truth and try to discover how it should
influence our churches, homes and individual lives. Surely this truth is more important than any of
us have realized. It should motivate us to give Him our worship for He is worthy!
Third, recognize and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! God does not say that He will be if
you acknowledge Him or let Him be Lord. The truth is, HE IS LORD; even over those who deny
Him. He now rules over the vast universe and His power and authority are unquenchable and
unquestionable. He cannot be overthrown nor will He ever relinquish His power. Though men and
devils despise the fact that Jesus Christ is Lord, they can do nothing about it. Obviously, it is in our
best interest to recognize His power and seek His will. Hopefully, such knowledge will cause us to
be faithful subjects of His kingdom. Obey His Word and will for He is worthy!
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