Bible Study: Who Is Jesus , and Why Does It Matter?

Some questions inform us. Others reorient our entire lives. “Who is Jesus?” belongs in the second category.

Who is Jesus?

Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who became fully human to reveal God, redeem sinners, defeat death, and lead us into new life. He is not merely a teacher, prophet, or inspiring historical figure. Jesus is Lord, God the Son, Savior of the world, and the One worthy of our faith and worship.

That answer is central to the Christian faith and consistent with the Assemblies of God’s Statement of Fundamental Truths.

Jesus is truly God and truly human

The Bible presents Jesus with a mystery that is glorious rather than confusing: He is fully God and fully man.

John begins his Gospel by saying:

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

Then John declares that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). The eternal Son of God entered human history. He experienced hunger, weariness, grief, friendship, rejection, pain, and death, yet He remained holy and without sin.

Jesus’ humanity means He understands our weakness. His deity means He has the authority and power to save us.

Matthew calls Him Immanuel, which means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). In Jesus, God did not remain distant from human suffering. He came near. He walked among ordinary people, touched the hurting, welcomed the overlooked, confronted hypocrisy, forgave sinners, and announced the arrival of God’s kingdom.

A simple definition

Deity of Jesus: The biblical truth that Jesus Christ is truly God, the eternal Son and second Person of the Trinity, while also being truly human.

The Assemblies of God teaches that there is one true God who eternally exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus is not a created being or a lesser spiritual messenger. He is God the Son.

This matters because our view of Jesus determines how we respond to Him. If He is only a teacher, we may admire Him. If He is Lord, we must trust, follow, and worship Him.

What did Jesus come to do?

Jesus came to reconcile people to God.

Sin is more than a list of bad choices. It is humanity’s rebellion against God and our separation from His good purpose. Sin damages our relationship with God, distorts our desires, wounds others, and leaves us unable to repair the breach through personal effort.

Jesus lived the sinless life we could not live. He willingly died on the cross as the sacrifice for our sins. He took our place, bore our guilt, and opened the way for forgiveness.

Isaiah prophesied:

“He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him.” , Isaiah 53:5

The cross was not an accident, a tragic defeat, or merely an example of courage. It was the center of God’s redemptive plan.

Then God raised Jesus bodily from the dead.

The resurrection is God’s declaration that Jesus truly is who He claimed to be and that sin, Satan, and death do not have the final word. Because Jesus lives, forgiveness is real, hope is available, and eternal life is promised to everyone who believes in Him.

Is salvation earned or received?

Salvation is received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works.” , Ephesians 2:8–9

Grace means God offers what we could never earn. Faith means we place our trust in Jesus, not merely agreeing that He existed, but turning toward Him in repentance and relying on Him as Savior and Lord.

The Bible does not teach that we save ourselves by becoming impressive enough, religious enough, or morally flawless enough. We come to Jesus honestly. We confess our need, turn from sin, believe in His death and resurrection, and surrender our lives to Him.

A simple definition

Salvation: God’s gracious rescue from sin and separation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, received through repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus.

Repentance is not shame spiraling. It is a Spirit-enabled change of direction. It means we stop defending what is destroying us and turn toward the One who gives life.

Faith is not passive optimism. It begins a relationship of trust that changes how we live.

Why does Jesus’ identity matter today?

Your answer to this question shapes your entire life.

1. Jesus gives us a true picture of God

Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). When we look at Jesus in the Gospels, we see the character of God: holy, compassionate, truthful, patient, just, and full of mercy.

If you have wondered whether God is willing to receive you, look at Jesus welcoming the broken. If you have wondered whether God cares about suffering, look at Jesus weeping at Lazarus’s tomb. If you have wondered whether God confronts sin, look at Jesus speaking truth while extending grace.

2. Jesus gives forgiveness a foundation

Many people carry regret like a permanent identity. Jesus offers something stronger than self-improvement: forgiveness and a new beginning.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” , Romans 8:1

This does not make sin unimportant. It means sin does not have to define your future. In Christ, the guilty can be forgiven, the ashamed can be restored, and the spiritually weary can begin again.

3. Jesus gives suffering a companion

Christian faith does not promise a life untouched by grief, illness, disappointment, or unanswered questions. It promises that Jesus is present with us and that suffering will not ultimately win.

Jesus is the compassionate High Priest who understands our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). He is also the risen Lord who gives strength through the Holy Spirit. We can bring our pain to Him without pretending, because He is both powerful and tender.

4. Jesus gives daily life a new direction

Following Jesus is not only about where we go after death. It changes how we live today.

Jesus teaches us to forgive, serve, tell the truth, love our neighbors, pursue holiness, strengthen families, care for the vulnerable, and share the Gospel. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to grow in Christlike character and participate in God’s mission.

“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.” , 2 Corinthians 5:17

The Christian life is not instant perfection. It is a lifelong journey of sanctification, being made more like Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit.

What should I do with this truth?

If you are exploring Christianity, begin with the Gospel of John. Read one chapter at a time and ask:

1. What does this passage show me about Jesus?

2. What does Jesus reveal about God?

3. What response is He inviting from me?

4. What would trusting Him look like today?

If you are already a believer, return to the center. Christian maturity is not moving beyond Jesus; it is knowing Him more deeply and becoming more like Him.

Here are three practical steps:

1. Talk to Jesus honestly. Thank Him for who He is. Confess where you need forgiveness. Ask Him to lead you.

2. Open Scripture consistently. Let the Bible shape your understanding rather than allowing culture, fear, or personal preference to define Jesus for you.

3. Practice faith in community. We were not designed to follow Christ in isolation. FA Memphis Life Groups provide space for Bible study, prayer, friendship, and spiritual growth.

Jesus is not a subject to master from a distance. He is a living Lord who invites you into relationship, transformation, and mission.

Does Jesus matter to you personally?

The question is not only, “Who do people say Jesus is?” Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15).

He is the eternal Son of God. He is Immanuel, God with us. He is the sinless Savior who died and rose again. He is the One who offers forgiveness by grace through faith. He is Lord over every part of life, including your fears, failures, questions, family, future, and deepest hopes.

Today, you can respond with a simple prayer:

Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God and the Savior of the world. I turn from my sin and place my faith in You. Forgive me, make me new, and teach me to follow You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and lead my life for Your glory. Amen.

Want to go deeper?

You have two simple next steps:

• Join a small group: If you are in Memphis or the 901, explore FA Memphis Life Groups and take one step toward Christ-centered community.

• Download a study guide: Read the official Assemblies of God Statement of Fundamental Truths as a foundational guide to what Spirit-filled, Bible-centered believers confess about Jesus and the Christian faith.

We would love to connect with you. Visit www.boundlessonlinechurch.org to join our community from anywhere, or if you are in the Memphis area, find us at www.famemphis.org.

Need prayer? You are welcome to submit a request through the FA Memphis prayer page, or call or text 901-213-7341.

A final question

What is one real step you can take today to know Jesus, trust Jesus, or follow Jesus more fully?

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Stay connected

• Phone: Call or text 901-213-7341.

• Dual invite: Connect locally at www.famemphis.org or online from anywhere at www.boundlessonlinechurch.org.

• Prayer line: 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.)