In Need of a Savior

• Sunday Schoo

In Need of a Savior Series

We are all in need of a Savior. Jesus is the only one who can save us from our sins. In this series  we will learn about Jesus and how we can be saved through Him.

Lesson 1: Who is Jesus?

Read John 1:1-3. What does it mean for Jesus to be named Immanuel (God with us)? What does that say about his nature and person?

Jesus is described by the prophets as being mighty, powerful and lord over all things; but he was born in a manger to a family with no royal significance at the time. What does this say about Jesus’ purpose on earth?

Much of the world saw Jesus as just a prophet in His day, but Peter said he was, “the Christ, the son of the living God.” What does it mean for Peter to call Jesus the Christ and the son of God? Why is this distinction important?

Why was the birth of Jesus so special? What makes it contrary to how people believed Jesus would be born?

Who is Jesus to you? Who do you say that he is?

GROUP ACTIVITY

Activity 1

Read Isaiah 53 and make two lists. First, list the characteristics of the man described in the passage. Second, make a list of God’s purposes for him. Then share your two lists with the class.

Activity 2

Jesus is called both the “Son of Man” and “Son of God.” Is it possible for him to be both? Read Daniel 7:13-14 and Matthew 1:18-23, then explain your answer to the class.

Immanuel (God with us)

Immanuel's Meaning

• Given to Mary and Joseph by an angel, "Immanuel" means "God with us."
  
• It shows that Jesus represents God in a special way, being both God and a human. 

Nature of Jesus (John's Gospel)

• Described as the "Word" in John 1:1-3, it means Jesus always existed and wasn't created.
  
• Jesus had a direct relationship with God the Father and made everything.
  
• The incredible truth: Jesus, who was God, became a human and lived among people. 

Triune Nature of God

• Revealed in the New Testament; it's one God but in three persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
  
• Explains that God's unity is beyond our understanding, existing as three persons. 

Jesus: Unique God-Man

• Jesus, known as the Son of God and the second person of the Trinity, became human through Mary.
  
• He's fully God and fully human, but unlike us, he never sinned. 
• John says Jesus, referred to as "God," showed people what God is like while on Earth.

Jesus' Purpose on Earth

Humble Beginning

• Jesus was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth, growing up in a typical, humble family.
  
• He worked as a carpenter, living an ordinary life without much recognition or fame. 

Amazing Abilities, Rejection

• Despite being able to do extraordinary things like calming storms and healing the sick, Jesus faced rejection.
  
• The religious and political leaders didn’t accept him, leading to his crucifixion. 

Jesus' Ultimate Goal

• Jesus came into the world with a specific purpose—to give his life so that everyone could receive forgiveness.
  
• His entire life and sacrificial death were the fulfillment of the promise to save people from their sins, showing immense love and compassion for humanity. 

Suffering with Purpose

• Jesus chose to endure suffering and die on the cross to help everyone find forgiveness.
  
• His mission was to serve humanity, sacrificing his own life for the greater good. 

“Christ died for our sins” (1 Corinthians 15:3). “He tasted death for everyone” (Hebrews 2:9). He did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). He was born on earth to die so that we could be forgiven. This is what the angel told Joseph before Jesus was born, “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

Knowing Jesus as the Christ and Son of God

Peter's Revelation:

• Jesus is more than a mere good man or prophet; he embodies a divine-human nature as the proclaimed "Lord and Christ" after rising from the dead.

Significance of "Christ:

• Originating from the Greek word meaning "the anointed one," akin to the Hebrew "Messiah," it signifies Jesus as specifically anointed by God.

Son of the Living God:

• 
  Jesus encompasses God's essence and characteristics, with the title "Son of" indicating a unique sharing of God's nature.