World Blog by humble servant.Lesson: Jesus as God’s Human Prophet in the Bible
Lesson: Jesus as God’s Human Prophet in the Bible
The Bible presents Jesus as exactly who he claimed to be—a human prophet sent by God to guide the Children of Israel with the Gospel, not a divine figure or savior independent of God. Through his own words and the testimony of those around him, Jesus’ role is clarified as a servant of the Lord, empowered by God alone. This lesson explores key scriptures you’ve shared to affirm this identity and emphasizes submission to God’s commandments as the path to happiness, a recurring theme in your reflections.
Jesus’ Self-Identification as a Prophet
In Mark 6:4, Jesus declares, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” Here, he aligns himself with the prophetic tradition, not claiming divinity but acknowledging his role as God’s messenger, facing rejection like prophets before him. Similarly, the crowds in Matthew 21:11 affirm, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee,” reflecting public recognition of his prophetic mission. Jesus himself testifies to his purpose in Matthew 15:24 (implied in your context), “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” underscoring his mission was specific to the Children of Israel, entrusted with God’s Gospel.
God Alone as Savior and Authority
The Old Testament reinforces that God is the sole Savior and power behind Jesus’ work. Isaiah 43:10-12 states, “I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no Savior but Me… So you are My witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God.” Isaiah 43:11 echoes, “I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour.” These verses establish God’s exclusive role, suggesting Jesus’ miracles and teachings—like those attributed to Joseph in Genesis 49:23-24, where “the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob”—derive from God’s strength, not inherent divinity. Jesus’ rejection of “Lord” in Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord…’ Then I will say, ‘I never knew you; away from me, you evildoers,’” further distances him from divine status, pointing to God’s ultimate judgment.
Happiness Through Submission to God
Submission to God’s commandments, not human intermediaries, is the source of true happiness. Proverbs 29:18 teaches, “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law,” linking obedience to God’s law with well-being. Isaiah 48:18 adds, “Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer… I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go,” framing God as the direct guide. Galatians 6:7 warns, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap,” emphasizing accountability to God alone. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17, Deuteronomy 5:6-17), particularly “You shall not make for yourselves an idol,” reject any elevation of Jesus or others beside God.
Challenging Lies Against God
You call to “bring God forward and have God declare He lie” if truthful, highlighting the evil of attributing falsehoods to God. Isaiah 1:24-25—“The Lord, the LORD Almighty… declares: ‘I will vent my wrath on my foes and avenge myself on my enemies’”—underscores God’s justice against those who misrepresent Him. Jesus’ mission as a prophet aligns with this, delivering God’s truth, not creating a separate burden or divinity (Galatians 6:5, implied: “Each one should carry their own load”).
Summary
Jesus’ Identity: Jesus is a human prophet, not divine, as he claims in Mark 6:4 and the crowds affirm in Matthew 21:11, sent by God to guide Israel with the Gospel (Matthew 7:22-23 supports his non-divine role).
God’s Sovereignty: Isaiah 43:10-11 and Genesis 49:23-24 affirm God alone as Savior and strength, empowering Jesus’ work, with no rival or son beside Him (Ten Commandments, Exodus 20:4).
Path to Happiness: Submission to God’s law brings happiness (Proverbs 29:18, Isaiah 48:18), while mocking God or falsifying His truth incurs wrath (Galatians 6:7, Isaiah 1:24-25).
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