Christology: The Deity of Jesus and The God-Man J. Brian Tucker, Ph.D. Moody Theological Seminary

2 The Meaning of the God-Man I. The Deity of Jesus Christ as Seen in His Relation to the Father – John 1 and 14 II. The Significance of the God-Man: Incarnation of Christ in Light of OT Anticipation

3 Introduction John 1:1 Moves from deity (1:1) to incarnation (1:14). Purpose of the book – John 20:31. John’s emphasis - monogenēs.

4 John 1:1-18 John’s Purpose John’s use of “the Word” (ho logos) Not expanded on the Gospel of John. Bruce: Word became flesh that we might believe in him and live.

5 Historical use of Logos Heraclitus Logos: divine soul of the world. Logos: only stable factor in a world of change. Logos: No transcendent God behind it. Logos: All human law nourished through this word.

6 Historical use of Logos Anaxagoras Logos: A transcendent creator. Logos: An intermediary between God and creation.

7 Historical use of Logos Zeno Logos: As seminal reason. Logos: Pantheistic world.

8 OT Background General use in OT Dabar usually translated as logos. Word and creation (Ps 33:6-9) Word and providence (Ps 147:18) Word and spirit (Ps 33:6) Word and revelation (prophets)

9 OT Background Wisdom Literature Proverbs (Prov 8) - wisdom. Apocrypha (Wis of Sol 9:2) – wisdom as creator. Apocrypha (Wis of Sol 18) – wisdom as personified vehicle of wrath.

10 Philo of Alexandria Tried to synthesize Greek and Hebrew ideas of the Logos. Logos: as God’s first born son, ambassador, advocate, high priest. Logos: personified but not incarnate.

11 Prologue to John’s Gospel John used logos: as the incarnation of God. More than divine mind coming on Jesus. Jesus: manifestation of the one true God! Key verse: John 1:1-14, 18; 14:9; Heb 1:1-5 (though logos not used in Heb).

12 John 1:1 and Gen 1:1 Christ is active in creation (cf 2 Cor 5:17). Christ is active in salvation. “in the beginning” and “with God”

13 John 1:1 and Gen 1:1 Creation is a prerogative of deity (cf. Isa 44:24; John 1:1-3). Creation involved a divine relationship between Father, Spirit, and Word (1:1, 18). John affirms the assertions of Col 1:16-17; Heb 1:2, 10, through its creation emphasis (John 1:3). Three characteristics in John 1:1-18 v3

14 John 1:4 John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.. Gen 1:1 – God is the giver of life and light. Gifts of light and life to Christ

15 Incarnation of Word 1:14-18 Two natures involved: Distinction between God as spirit and men as flesh (4:24). As incarnate word: brings relationship between humanity and God (1:18). Monogenēs ‘one-of-a-kind’ – Christ is the unique expression of God the Father. Trinitarian relationship discussed in John 14. Word became flesh = John’s understanding of the logos.

16 John 14:6-11 He is the way (14:6): Jesus is he means of a relationship with the Father. He is the truth: Emphasizing his deity. He is the life: Divine relationship with the Father as giver of life. To know him is to know the Father and to see Him (14:7). Response to Thomas’ Question:

17 John 14:8-11 Jesus indicates oneness of the Father and himself in their essence (14:9-10a). Jesus indicates oneness in words (14:10b). Jesus indicates oneness in works (14:10c-11). Jesus indicates oneness in receiving prayers and glory (14:12-14). Response to Philip’s Request:

18 John 14:16-26 Jesus’ relationship with the Spirit:

19 Teaching of John 1 and 14 Christ is man – Word became flesh (no confusion of Godness and manness) 1:14. Christ is the word (logos) 1:14, 18. Christ is creator (1:2, 3). Christ is unique (monogenēs) 1:14, 18. The way to the Father 14:6 The true expression of the Father The giver of life like the Father Christ is God (theos) in 1:1, 14, 18

20 The Meaning of the God-Man I. The Deity of Jesus Christ as Seen in His Relation to the Father – John 1 and 14 II. The Significance of the God-Man: Incarnation of Christ in Light of OT Anticipation

21 Introduction and Significance John 1:14; Heb 1 and incarnation that fulfills OT prophecy. Luke 24 is essential; Psalm 2; 2 Sam 7 (cf. Heb 1-2, Acts 2, 4, 13).

22 Christ and OT in Lk 24 Background: Resurrection of Jesus had just occurred, two disciples on Emmaus road (24:25ff). Disciples looked for messiah as political not suffering servant.

23 Expo of Christ: Luke 24:27, 44 Begins with a rebuke (24:25), failed to believe the prophets. Necessary for Christ to suffer (24:26). Expounded messianic applications from OT. Messiah (v 26), used by Christ and designates Davidic kingship. Use of article with messiah used in NT to indicate object of OT hope.

24 OT Texts Underlying Luke 24 2 Sam 7 – The anointing of the Davidic king. Psalm 89 – Eternal promises to David’s seed. Psalm 110 – Eternal priesthood of the messiah. Psalm 2 – Eternal son est. as king.

25 Cultural Context Every title ascribed to Christ by Luke was one that the Roman emperors ascribed to themselves.

26 Conclusions from Luke 24 The Messianic King which the OT prophets spoke of was Christ Jesus himself, who fulfills not only the Jewish anticipation of a Lion from Judah, but also the biblical anticipation of a mediating Son.

27 2 Sam 7:14-16 and Messiah In response, God provides a twofold blessing upon the house of David which relates to the messiah. Father-son relationship was est. between God and subsequent Davidic kings (Heb 1:5). Loving-kindness of the Lord provides a right to rule within the Davidic line (Ps 2:7-12) 2 Sam 7 – desire to build a temple (7:1-3)

28 Summary Established God’s loyal love to the house of David by unconditionally providing for a king from the house of David to exercise His sovereignty over creation. In Christ, The Father maintained the Father-Son relationship between Himself and the King, while returning to man (in Christ) the sovereignty over creation which was lost in Adam (Psalm 2, Hebrews 1:6). 2 Samuel 7

29 Psalm 2 and the NT The rebellion against messiah in the world (2:1-3). The wrath again the rebellion (2:4-6). The reminder of the Father-Son relationship (2:8-9). The exhortation to worship the Lord and honor the Son (2:10-12).

30 Understanding of Psalm 2 The Psalm was clearly understood to be messianic prior to this time. Coronation psalm.

31 NT Affirms Ps 2 as Fulfilled Hebrews 1:5 cites Psalm 2:7 – over angels

32 NT Affirms Ps 2 as Fulfilled Hebrews 5:5 cites Psalm 2:7 – Christ as priest and son.

33 NT Affirms Ps 2 as Fulfilled Acts 2:22-36 – Peter names Jesus as Christ (Ps 2:2).

34 NT Affirms Ps 2 as Fulfilled Acts 4:23-31 – Peter and John showed how the cross illustrated Ps 2.

35 NT Affirms Ps 2 as Fulfilled Acts 13:33-37 – Paul’s use of Ps 2 in conjunction with resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ (coronation).

36 Conclusions from Ps 2 Use The apostolic leaders enscripturated the concept of the victorious “Anointed One” of God receiving the Davidic promises through His fulfillment of OT prophecy. The books of Luke-Acts and Hebrews synthesize OT prophecy around the Davidic fulfillment.

37 The End