Bible Study & AG 101: Who Is Jesus , And Why Does It Matter for Your Life Today?

Jesus is the eternal Son of God, fully God and fully human, who came to save us from sin, reveal the Father, die on the cross, rise bodily, reign as Lord, and return again. Because He lives, you can receive forgiveness, healing, Holy Spirit power, hope, and a new life.

The question behind every other question

Who is Jesus?

Your answer shapes how you understand God, yourself, suffering, sin, forgiveness, purpose, death, and hope. Jesus is not merely a religious figure from history or an inspiring teacher whose wisdom we selectively admire. He is the living Christ, the Savior of the world and the Lord of every life.

That means Christianity is not first about trying harder, becoming more religious, or cleaning yourself up before approaching God. It is about encountering Jesus, trusting His finished work, receiving His grace, and learning to follow Him through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Who does the Bible say Jesus is?

1. Jesus is the eternal Son of God

John begins his Gospel by taking us beyond Bethlehem:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” , John 1:1

Then John makes the mystery personal:

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” , John 1:14

Jesus did not begin existing when He was born in Bethlehem. He is the eternal Son of God who entered human history. He is fully divine and fully human, Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

This is foundational to Assemblies of God faith. The 16 Fundamental Truths affirm Jesus’ deity, virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, atoning death, bodily resurrection, exaltation, and promised return. Jesus is not one path among many. He is God’s unique provision for our redemption.

2. Jesus is our Savior

The angel announced Jesus’ mission before His birth:

“You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” , Matthew 1:21

Sin is more than making mistakes. It is humanity’s rebellion and separation from God. Sin damages our relationship with God, distorts our desires, wounds other people, and leaves us unable to rescue ourselves.

Jesus came to do what we could never do. He lived without sin, willingly gave His life on the cross, carried our guilt, and rose again. Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ, not earned through good works.

“Salvation is found in no one else.” , Acts 4:12

To trust Jesus as Savior is to place your life in His hands. His forgiveness is not theoretical. It reaches into shame, addiction, regret, fear, failure, and every place where sin has told you that change is impossible.

3. Jesus is Lord

The first Christians did not simply say, “Jesus is helpful.” They confessed:

“Jesus is Lord.” , Romans 10:9

Lord means that Jesus has rightful authority. He is not merely an addition to your schedule, a private comfort, or an emergency contact for difficult days. He is King.

Receiving Jesus as Lord means allowing Him to direct your choices, relationships, priorities, habits, speech, finances, sexuality, work, and future. His lordship is not harsh domination. It is the loving rule of the One who knows you completely and gave Himself for you.

Philippians 2:9–11 declares that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. The question is not whether Jesus has authority. The question is whether we will gladly surrender to Him today.

4. Jesus is the healer and giver of life

The Gospels repeatedly show Jesus caring for the whole person. He forgave sins, restored dignity, delivered people from oppression, touched the untouchable, and healed the sick.

Assemblies of God teaching affirms divine healing as part of the biblical witness and encourages believers to pray in faith while trusting God’s wisdom and compassion. Jesus remains our healer, and His presence meets us in physical, emotional, and spiritual need.

Healing does not mean pretending pain is absent or blaming someone who is suffering. It means bringing our need honestly to Christ, praying with faith, receiving wise care, and trusting that God is present whether healing comes suddenly, gradually, through medical treatment, or ultimately in resurrection life.

5. Jesus baptizes believers in the Holy Spirit

Jesus does not save us and then leave us to live the Christian life through human effort. He gives the Holy Spirit.

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.” , Acts 1:8

The baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers believers for witness, service, spiritual courage, and deeper participation in God’s mission. The Holy Spirit always points us toward Jesus, glorifies Him, strengthens holy character, and equips the Church to proclaim the Gospel.

Knowing who Jesus is should move us beyond information into Spirit-empowered relationship and obedience.

Common misconceptions about Jesus

“Jesus was only a good moral teacher.”

Jesus was a wise teacher, but He claimed far more than moral insight. He claimed unity with the Father (John 10:30), authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:5–12), and victory over death (John 11:25). A merely human teacher could not be the Savior of the world.

“I have to become perfect before I come to Jesus.”

Jesus invites sinners, doubters, wounded people, and the spiritually exhausted to come to Him. He does not wait for you to become worthy. He meets you with grace and begins the work of transformation.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” , Matthew 11:28

Grace welcomes you as you are, but it does not leave you as you are. Jesus forgives us and then teaches us to walk in holiness.

“Following Jesus means losing my identity.”

Jesus does not erase your God-given personality, history, culture, or calling. He redeems your identity and restores you to the person God created you to become. In Christ, you are not disposable, forgotten, or defined by your worst moment.

“Faith is only private.”

Faith begins personally, but it was never designed to remain isolated. Jesus forms a people, a Church, where believers worship, learn Scripture, pray, serve, encourage one another, and carry burdens together.

Whether you are in Memphis, Cordova, Germantown, Arlington, Bartlett, the wider 901, or another country entirely, you need real spiritual connection.

How can you respond to Jesus today?

A simple Bible study guide

Use these passages for personal reflection or group discussion:

Focus	Scripture	Question
Jesus’ identity	John 1:1–14	What does this passage reveal about Jesus’ divinity and humanity?
Jesus’ mission	Matthew 1:21	What does Jesus save us from?
Jesus’ invitation	Matthew 11:28–30	What burden do you need to bring to Him?
Jesus’ lordship	Romans 10:9–13	What would surrender look like in your life?
Jesus’ resurrection	Luke 24:1–8	How does the resurrection change your hope?
Jesus’ Spirit-empowered mission	Acts 1:8	Where is God calling you to be His witness?

The life-changing truth is simple: Jesus is not only someone to study. He is Someone to know, trust, worship, obey, and follow.

Why does knowing Jesus matter today?

Because Jesus meets you in the present.

He brings forgiveness when the past condemns you. He brings wisdom when the future feels uncertain. He brings peace when anxiety is loud. He brings healing to wounded places. He gives the Holy Spirit for the road ahead. He gives the Church so you do not have to carry faith alone.

The world may change quickly, but Jesus remains “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

If you are beginning your faith journey, rebuilding after disappointment, or simply asking honest questions, you are welcome. In Memphis and the 901, FA Memphis offers a place to worship, study Scripture, and grow with others. If distance, health, travel, or circumstance prevents local attendance, Boundless Online Church offers Bible studies, prayer, live worship, and digital community from anywhere.

Want to take your next step?

If you are beginning or rebuilding your walk with Jesus, take two simple steps: join the Boundless Bible Study Club or connect with a Life Group at FA Memphis. Then use the Scripture guide in this article as a printable study for personal reflection or conversation with a friend.

You can also join Sunday live worship at Boundless Online Church at 10:30 CST, with live chat available. Dr. Layne McDonald is part of the Boundless Bible Study ministry. If you are in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, learn more about connecting in person at FA Memphis.

If you would like prayer, submit a request or engage with someone who can pray with you. You do not have to walk toward Jesus alone.

A simple way to connect

1. Call or text: 901-213-7341.

2. Connect locally or globally:www.famemphis.org or www.boundlessonlinechurch.org.

3. Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)

Ministry office hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. CST.

Jesus is Savior. Jesus is Lord. And because He is alive, your life can become new.