Jesus is the Son of God: John 14.1-14

The first thing to note when considering Jesus is the son of God is to understand the mystery of the incarnation. The doctrine that God became man is a significant part of the Christian faith. In fact, without the incarnation there would be no Christianity; no crucifixion, no resurrection, no salvation, no eternal life. A case can be made that the incarnation is the foundation on which all our Christian faith stands.

The word "incarnation" comes from the Greek root 'carn' that means flesh. When we speak of the incarnation we literally mean that God took on flesh and became human. Many English words come from this same root. A carnivore is a being that eats flesh. A carnation is a flower with petals that feel like flesh. A carnival is a festival of the flesh. Chili con carne is chili with meat in it.

John 1.1-14. John 1 gives us a good place to begin understanding the incaranation. Jesus, the Son of God, the Word, was in the beginning with God. In fact, we learn that Jesus was the one who was the instrument of creation. In verse 14 we read that Jesus took on flesh and became a human. This is the incarnation.

Philippians 2.1-11. In this passage we see very clearly that the incarnation was voluntary on the part of Jesus. Jesus relinquished his rights and priviledges as God to become a person. He was definitely the Son of God.

1. Jesus refers to God as his Father (v. 2). When Jesus refers to God as his Father it is not a formal reference. He did not address God in some distant way. If Jesus were speaking in this passage today he might call God "Dad," "Daddy," "Papa" or some such term of respect and endearment.
2. Jesus claims to be the same as the Father (v. 9). This was a revolutionary- perhaps blasphemous- thought to the ancient Hebrew mind. He claims the incarnation by asserting his position as the same as God.
3. Jesus gets authority from the Father (v. 10). Everyone gets their right to act from someone or somewhere. Jesus authority came directly from heaven. By claiming divine authority Jesus once again asserts his claim as the Son of God.
4. Jesus gives his authority to his followers (v. 12). The next step in this progression of authority is to delegate your authority to others. Jesus shares his authority with his disciples.
5. Jesus does things for his followers (v. 14). Not only is Jesus making claims and proclaiming promises, he is actually acting with authority. He is able to do things because he is the Son of God.

Verse of the Week-

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14.6