Category: Christology (The study of Jesus Christ)

The word “Christology” comes from the two Greek words: Christos – meaning “anointed one,” and logos – meaning “study.” Christology is essentially the study of the Person and Work of Jesus Christ.

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Joel

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of Joel

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Joel

Theme of Joel

Joel 1:15

“Day of the Lord”

The day of the Lord is coming and brings judgment before restoration.

“Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is near, and as destruction from the Almighty it comes.” 

Christ-Focus in Joel

Implications from Joel

Hooks from Joel

Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead.

 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep form the goats…And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

 

– Matthew 25:31-32, 46

We may look forward to the day of Christ’s return with confidence that he has paid the price for our sin.

 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep and night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

 -1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Why should a righteous judge not find us guilty?

 Do you feel connected to the source of life?

 Do you recognize any negative consequences in your life that have come from a weak connection?

 How could you make your relationship with God more vibrant?

 Do you regard painful experiences in your own life as divine judgment?

 What is the difference between discipline and judgment?

 How have difficulties in your own life enhanced your relationship with God?

 How could you use those experiences to encourage others in their faith?

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Hosea

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of Hosea

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Hosea

Theme of Hosea

Hosea 1:2

“Divine Faithfulness”

A faithful God contends with his unfaithful people.

When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea, “Go, take to yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the LORD.”

Christ-Focus in Hosea

Implications from Hosea

Hooks from Hosea

Jesus faithfulness makes the church a faithful bride.

“Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure—

for the linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.”

 – Revelation 19:7-8

We may take comfort in knowing that the faithfulness of Christ is counted as our own.

 “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; and he will surely do it.”

 – 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Are any of us faithful? Even when we feel closest to God, are our hearts entirely devoted to him?

 How would you evaluate your own consistency in your relationship with God?

 Would your spouse let you get away with the lack of attention and care that you give God?

 Is our Lord ever unfaithful? Do you live as though you doubt his faithfulness?

 What are you looking at for your security in your relationship with God, your own faithfulness or Jesus?

 Are we trying to become more like our faithful Lord, with the strength he himself provides by his Spirit?

 What should motivate us to deepen our relationship with God?

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Daniel

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of Daniel

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Daniel

Theme of Daniel

Daniel 2:20-21

“Cosmic Authority”

God asserts His authority over human kingdoms.

Daniel answered and said:  “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”

Christ-Focus in Daniel

Implications from Daniel

Hooks from Daniel

Jesus has divine authority over all things in heaven and on earth.

 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

 – Matthew 28:18

Our kingdom service flows from and is sustained by, the limitless power and authority of God.

 “Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen”

 – 1 Peter 4:11

Are you embarrassed to speak the truth?

 Does your faith in God seem misplaced in the face of the apparently greater forces and influences that the world offers and values?

 Where are you looking for life?

Has God’s authority been surpassed for you by modern technology, science, or charismatic leadership?

 Whose authority had more effect on you in your daily life, God’s or someone else’s?

 Do you trust your source?

 Do you believe God is who he has said he is?

 Do you believe that God has done what he has said he has done?

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Ezekiel

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of Ezekiel

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Ezekiel

Theme of Ezekiel

Ezekiel 37:5

“Life from God”

God’s presence is the key to life.

 “Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.”

Christ-Focus in Ezekiel

Implications from Ezekiel

Hooks from Ezekiel

Life is found in Jesus Christ.

“In him was life, and the life was the light of men.”

– John 1:4

Let us keep our eyes focused on Christ, who is our life.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you will also appear with him in glory.”

– Colossians 3:1-4

Does your focus enrich your life or deplete it?

 Where are you looking for life?

 Do you look for life from the author of life, or from something that is a cheap imitation?

 Whose warranty do you think is better?

 How could you enhance God’s presence in your life?

 Does your life point others to the source of life?

 When people look at your life, can they recognize God’s presence with you?

 Does your abundant life spill over into other people’s lives?

“He is Able To Sympathize” – Article by Erik Raymond (The Ordinary Pastor)

 

Hebrews 4.15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses

Often times, particularly during tough times, we struggle with the thoughts that people do not understand what we are going through. I cannot count how many times I have heard people say, “But you don’t understand what I am going through!” The good thing for us who are Christians is that we don’t necessarily have to understand or identify with what each person is going through in order to help or to be consoled.

Why? Because Jesus does.

This is so good, so rich and so life changing!! In God’s infinite wisdom and design he has organized things to exalt his Son. Within this context we have Christ’s sympathy and compassion exalted. There is nothing that anyone has gone through, are currently going through, or will go through that Jesus cannot relate to, sympathize with or encourage his children in. Jesus is so gloriously and marvelously sufficient!!

When I read a passage like the one above I am driven to the gospels to analyze the context of some of the days within the context of Christ’s earthly ministry. I am left with an open mouth and enriched praise when I consider that Jesus was under no obligation to become a man and deal with the junk that comes as a result of our sin in this fallen world. He did this because he loves his Father. Jesus is loving his Father as he is loving his sheep.

Consider this small sampling of what Jesus went through:

He was homeless (Matt. 8.20)

His family thought he was crazy (Matt. 12.46; Mk. 3.21; Jn. 7.5)

His best friends turned their back on him (Matt. 26.56)

One of his closest confidants sold him to be killed for pocket change (Matt. 26.46-50)

He stood face to face with the devil and endured all of his demonic tricks (Luke 4.1-13)

He dealt with death (Jn. 11.1-45)

He endured gossip and slander (Matt. 12.24; Jn. 8.52)

He endured suffering for righteousness’ sake (Jn. 15.20)

He was shamed publicly (Mk. 14.65)

He endured periods of hunger (Mk. 11.12ff)

He received criticism of his ministry (Jn. 5; Matt. 12)

His theology was mocked (pick a verse!!)

His message was rejected (pick a verse!!)

His preaching was critiqued (Luke 4 & pick a verse!!)

His disciples didn’t “get it” (again..)

He endured complete and utter separation from God so that you would never, ever, ever have to!!

Matthew 27:46 46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?” that is, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?”

Hebrews 12:2-3 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 2:17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

It seems to me that Jesus is qualified to sympathize, to understand, to provide encouragement, and to be depended on. Jesus is to be valued by his followers.

Is not the incarnation of the Son of God and his corresponding trials while here not comforting to the wounded heart?

Is not Jesus not more esteemed when we are debased?

Jesus is a better Savior than we think him to be.

Note the text in Hebrews 4, our high priest is able to sympathize with us. Therefore to ignore his consolation is to devalue his incarnation. Run to Jesus with your wounded heart and encourage others to do the same; for he is exalted in his children’s weakness.

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Lamentations

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of Lamentations

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Lamentations

Theme of Lamentations

Lamentations 3:22-23

“Comfort in Cataclysm”

God’s loving compassion and faithfulness are present even during the cataclysmic destruction of Jerusalem.

 “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Christ-Focus in Lamentations

Implications from Lamentations

Hooks from Lamentations

The faithful presence of the Spirit of Christ comforts us in any trouble.

 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

– John 14:26-27

The comfort we receive from God enables us to comfort others.

 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.”

 – 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Where do you find your security and comfort in life?

 Have the things you are trusting in ever failed you?

 Do you spend most of your time developing your relationship with God or developing your relationship with other things?

 Are you as compassionate with others as God has been with you?

 Are you ready to be merciful and compassionate to those who, in your estimation, don’t deserve it?

 What if God were like you?

 

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Jeremiah

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of Jeremiah

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Jeremiah

Theme of Jeremiah

Jeremiah 31:33

“New Covenant”

God promises His people a new covenant beyond the necessary exile

 “But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

Christ-Focus in Jeremiah

Implications from Jeremiah

Hooks from Jeremiah

Jesus accomplishes the new covenant at the cost of his blood.

 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

 – Luke 22:20

Our new covenant relationship with God is unbreakable in Christ.

 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

 No in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 – Romans 8:32-39

Is God’s love for you conditional?

 Have you been living as though it is?

 Does your confidence in your relationship with God ultimately depend on your faithfulness or on Jesus?

 Have you made Jesus your representative in faithfulness and in judgment?

 Are you more demanding than God is with yourself or others?

 Do you feel the need to pay for sins that have already been paid for?

 Is your behavior more motivated by guilt or by gratitude?

 

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Isaiah

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of Isaiah

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Isaiah

Theme of Isaiah

Isaiah 42:1

“Divine Presence”

The Holy One of Israel challenges His people to respond appropriately to His presence among them.

 “Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.”

Christ-Focus in

Isaiah

Implications from

Isaiah

Hooks from

Isaiah

Jesus is Immanuel, God’s presence with us.

 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

 – Matthew 1:23

The Spirit of Christ is present within us and enables us to respond to our King with grateful service.

 “how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.”

 – Hebrews 9:14

Do our lives of service to God challenge people around us with His presence and invite them into His presence as well?

 Are we challenged by God’s presence with us?

 How would you behave differently if God were physically present with you?

 How do we know what a life of service to God looks like for us in our particular circumstances?

 Is God’s presence with you something that is obvious, or do you guard it more closely than your bank account number?

 Is God served and are people challenged by your Facebook page?

 What is one observable difference God’s presence in your life has made?

The “Jesus Focus” in The Book of Song of Solomon

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of Song of Solomon

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Song of Solomon

Theme of Song of Solomon

Song of Solomon 8:7

“Love”

God depicts intimate human love as a gift and also a key to understanding His own love for His people.

 “Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised.”

Christ-Focus in

Song of Solomon

Implications from

Song of Solomon

Hooks from

Song of Solomon

Christ demonstrates what God’s love looks like.

 “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

– Romans 5:8

Let others se Christ’s love by our love for one another.

 “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

 – John 13:34-35

Does our love for God or for each other look anything like God’s sacrificial love for us?

 How would you describe to an unbeliever what love is?

 Does your experience or practice of love look any different from that of an unbeliever?

 How does your effort to love like God affect your Christian witness?

 How can any of us hope to understand the infinite love of an infinite being?

The “Jesus Focus” in Ecclesiastes

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of Ecclesiastes 

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook” Chart adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Ecclesiastes

Theme of Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes 12:13

“Life Questions”

God prompts the Teacher to question the purpose of life.

 “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

Christ-Focus in Ecclesiastes

Implications from Ecclesiastes

Hooks from Ecclesiastes

In Christ alone is found meaning, purpose, and direction in life.

 Jesus said to him,

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

– John 14:6

Let us look for life’s purpose in the eternal truths that God has revealed in Christ.

 “that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ,

 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

 – Colossians 2:2-3

Why should we bother drawing in another breath?

 Have you become so focused on trying to gain meaning and direction for your life by your own effort that you have neglected the only avenue through which you can expect to find those things?

 How would you rate the meaningfulness of your life right now?

 Where do we go to find out about the true life revealed in Jesus Christ?

 Do you really believe, along with the Teacher, that trying to find fulfillment in things, status, or work is “meaningless”?

 Are you taking any steps to enrich your life by getting to know Jesus better?