Disciples Global Network

No one recognized who Jesus was except the demons that he exorcised. Only in his death can his true identity be understood .  The disciples witnessed Jesus heal the sick, cast out demons, forgive sins, and most spectacularly, calm a violent storm, and all done with great authority. Yet among them and others, rather than faith in the Son of God, these powerful miracles produced confusion, fear, and the question -  Who is this man ? Only at his execution did someone begin to understand who he was - [ Photo by  Yannick Pulver  on Unsplash ].

The name ‘Jesus’ means “salvation of Yahweh,” In him, the salvation promised to Israel by Yahweh has arrived  –  Matthew 1:18-21 .  An angel appeared to Joseph and informed him Mary was with child “ begotten of the Holy Spirit ,” and he instructed him to name the child “ Jesus .” That name was most appropriate. As the angel himself declared, “ he will save his people from their sins .” This name linked him to the saving act that God was about to accomplish for His people  as promised in Scripture  - [ Photo by  Eran Menashri  on Unsplash ].

Jesus is the “word made flesh” and the true tabernacle in which the glory of God is revealed and now resides  –  John 1:14 .  The opening paragraph of John’s Gospel presents major themes that are explicated in the body of the book. For example, Jesus is the “ Word made flesh ” in whom life and light are found, and the true and final “ tabernacle ” where God’s “ glory ” resides. Moreover,  John  employs imagery from pivotal events in the history of Israel to illustrate what God has done in Jesus - [ Photo by Terry Tan De Hao on Unsplash ].