CHAPTER 7

God Gets You

  1.   The incarnation is what separates Christianity from all other religions in the world. What is unique about the incarnation? How is Jesus different from the gods other religions worship?

  2.   John 1:1–18 beautifully tells the story of the incarnation. What words are used for Jesus in these verses? How is he described? Underline all the descriptions, or write them down in a list.

  3.   The Greek word John used for “Word” is logos. Logos would have been a familiar term for his contemporary audience. Greek philosophers had long been using it to describe a central figure or divine being that gave meaning and order to the universe.³ Knowing this, why would John choose this particular word for Jesus?

  4.   In many ways the incarnation is a mysterious event that’s hard for us to comprehend. Now that you’ve reviewed John 1:1–18, how would you explain the incarnation to someone?

  5.   Echoing John 1, Paul wrote, “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him” (Col. 1:15–16). Later in Colossians, Paul said, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” (2:9).

       •   These verses indicate that Jesus was both fully God and fully man. Why did Jesus have to become fully man?

       •   Why did he need to remain fully God?

  6.   Do you think the divinity of Jesus is important to the Christian faith? Why or why not?

  7.   First John 4:2–3 says, “By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God” (NKJV).

       •   How can you know someone has the Spirit of God?

       •   How can you know someone doesn’t have the Spirit of God?

  8.   Max wrote, “Had Jesus simply descended to earth in the form of a mighty being, we would respect him but never would draw near to him. . . . Had Jesus been biologically conceived with two earthly parents, we would draw near to him, but would we want to worship him?”

       •   Do you tend to view Jesus through his humanity or through his divinity?

       •   How does this affect your relationship with him?

       •   How might it benefit you to think more about Jesus’ other side?

  9.   Read the following verses: Mark 4:38; Luke 2:52; John 4:6; and John 12:27. How do these verses indicate Jesus’ humanity?

10.   Think of a difficult circumstance you are facing now. What aspect of Jesus’ humanity could help you connect with him in the midst of this trial?

11.   Because Jesus became flesh, God understands us more than we might think. Hebrews 4:15–16 says, “We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

       •   When you approach God in prayer, are you confident that you will receive grace, or do you fear God’s response?

       •   Since our high priest, Jesus, understands us, how does that affect the way we approach God in prayer?

  12.   Spend some time before God’s throne today. Approach him, knowing that your high priest, Jesus, knows and understands everything you are bringing to the feet of God. Feel comforted in his presence today, because you have a God who gets you.