Introduction  “Bible commentator Marcus Dods said concerning the words contained in our scripture reading, ‘This five-minute talk with the Jews contains probably the most important truth ever uttered upon the earth.’…Our Lord by His actions and words challenged the Pharisees’ concept of God. He denied the truthfulness of what they thought and taught about God. He did this when He asserted His authority over the temple. He denied what they taught when He repeatedly violated their laws and traditions concerning Sabbath observance. He made bold claims that He came to fulfill the law rather than to break it. They questioned His authority, and He gave voice to some claims that only added to their animosity.” (Crabtree: Zondervans Pastor Annual, P. 65)

The uniqueness of His claims  Jesus claimed to be the Messiah Jn 4:25-26 He did this in His conversation with the woman at the well (Jn 4:25-26) He uses the term “Son of Man” concerning Himself ○ Mt 8:19-20; Mt 9:6; Mt 11:19; Lk 12:8 Jn 1:51; Jn 3:13-16 Dan 7:1-14 His Jewish listeners would recognize this as a direct claim to Messiahship as revealed in Dan 7:1-14 where the Messaiah is referred to as “Son of Man”

The uniqueness of His claims  He claimed to be able to forgive sins Lk 5:20—24; Lk 7:48-49 Lk 5:20—24; Lk 7:48-49  He claimed to live a sinless life Jn 8:28-29; Jn 8:46-47 Jn 8:28-29; Jn 8:46-47  He claimed to be the ONLY way to God Jn 14:6 Jn 14:6 No other world religious leader, such as Buddha, Confucius, or Mohammed ever made this claim.

The uniqueness of His claims Jn 15:17-19  He asserted His oneness, His perfect union with the Father (Jn 15:17-19) The mind of Jesus was the mind of God The words of Jesus are the words of God The actions of Jesus were the actions of God ○ Jn 8:58; Jn 10:30; Jn 14:9 Jn 5:21  He asserted His life-giving power (Jn 5:21) Jn 5:24-25 He is the giver of life in time (Jn 5:24-25) Jn 5:28-29 He is the giver of life in eternity (Jn 5:28-29)

The uniqueness of His claims  He claims His authority and appointment to judge Jn 5:22-23; Jn 5:26-27; Acts 17:30-31 Jn 5:22-23; Jn 5:26-27; Acts 17:30-31

The validity of Jesus’ claims  “Were these claims true? Are they true today? How would you have reacted if you had lived in Jerusalem in AD 30?” (Crabtree 66)  “Were these claims the result of a monstrous arrogance? Were these claims nothing more than the delusion of a pitiful hallucination? Were these words the comments of an insane, arrogant deceiver?” (Crabtree 66)  “The claims of Jesus were then, and they continue to be, supported by unimpeachable evidence. Age after age the simple and eternal truth of these claims has been demonstrated.” Crabtree 66)

The validity of Jesus’ claims The claims were verified by the witness of John the Baptist ○ Jn 1:15; Jn 1:23-27; Jn 5:31-33 The claims were verified by the witness of the Heavenly Father ○ Mt 3:16-17; Jn 5:36-37 The claims were verified by His miraculous works ○ Jn 5:36; Jn 9:16; Jn 10:37-38; Jn 20:30-31

The validity of Jesus’ claims The claims were verified by the teaching of the Old Testament ○ Lk 24:25-27; Jn 5:39 The claims were verified by changes wrought in the lives of those who trusted Him as Lord and Master The claims were verified by His victorious resurrection from the dead Jn 19:7; Rom 1:4 ○ The resurrection of Christ was necessary to prove that Jesus Christ was who He claimed to be. (Jn 19:7; Rom 1:4) 1 Cor 15: ○ The resurrection of Christ was necessary to prove that Jesus Christ had accomplished what He had promised. (1 Cor 15:13- 17) Acts 2; Ps 16:10 ○ The resurrection was a necessary in order to fulfill biblical prophecy. (Acts 2; Ps 16:10) Acts 2:23-24 ○ The resurrection of Christ was also a logical necessity. (Acts 2:23-24)

Responses to the claims of Christ  Some responded with idle indifference or unconcern  Some responded with doubts and disbelief  Some responded with intense jealousy and hatred as a result of pride, selfishness, and prejudice  Some received Jesus, believed in Him, and followed Him with a deathless loyalty

Conclusion  What will your response be to the claims of Jesus Christ concerning His unique purpose  What will you do with the claims that He made concerning provisions He has made for you through His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead?  What response will you make to His promise of forgiveness and the gift of new life for those who are willing to follow His way?  The response is yours to consider and make as we stand and sing the selected song