Summary

This sermon explores the concept of Jesus as the divine angel of the Lord from the Old Testament, particularly focusing on John's Gospel. The pastor explains that while the New Testament rarely uses the term 'angel' for Jesus, it applies all the other titles associated with the divine angel to Him - including the Word, the glory, the presence, and the name of God. The sermon demonstrates how Jesus repeatedly claimed divinity through 'I am' statements and other declarations that directly connected Him to Old Testament theophanies, showing that Jesus was fully God while also being fully human.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word today, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to understand the fullness of who Jesus is. Help us grasp the profound truth that Jesus is both fully God and fully human, the divine Word made flesh who walked among us. Guide our conversation and reveal what You want each of us to learn today. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

If you could ask Jesus one question about His time on earth as both fully God and fully human, what would you want to know?

Key Verses

John 1:1-3

John 1:14

John 8:58

John 10:30

Hebrews 1:1-4

Questions

How does understanding Jesus as the 'angel of the Lord' from the Old Testament change or enhance your view of who He is?

The sermon mentions that Jesus claimed to be God multiple times, yet many people say He never made such claims. Why do you think these claims are often overlooked or misunderstood?

What does it mean to you personally that Jesus experienced human life completely - including all its physical limitations and discomforts?

John's Gospel begins by identifying Jesus as 'the Word' (Logos). How does this title help bridge both Jewish and Greek understandings of who Jesus is?

The sermon points out that Jesus' statement 'I am' caused the soldiers to fall back during His arrest. What does this reveal about the power of His divine identity?

How does seeing Jesus as both the sender (God) and the sent one help us understand the Trinity better?

The pastor mentioned that it's 'one thing to read about God showing up to people, another thing to realize He has shown up to you.' When have you experienced God's presence in your life?

How might our worship change if we considered that angels might be present and joining us in praising God?

Life Application

This week, take time to meditate on Jesus' 'I am' statements in the Gospel of John. Choose one statement each day (such as 'I am the bread of life,' 'I am the light of the world,' etc.) and reflect on what it reveals about Jesus' divine nature and how it applies to your daily life. Consider how you might respond differently to challenges, relationships, and decisions when you truly embrace Jesus as the divine Word made flesh who understands your humanity completely.

Key Takeaways

Jesus is the divine 'angel of the Lord' from the Old Testament, though the New Testament uses different terminology to avoid confusion with created angels.

Jesus repeatedly claimed divinity through 'I am' statements that directly connected Him to God's self-revelation in the Old Testament.

John's Gospel presents Jesus as the 'Word' (Logos) who was both with God and was God, bridging Jewish and Greek understandings.

Jesus was fully divine while also being completely human, experiencing all aspects of human life.

Understanding Jesus' divine nature should transform how we approach worship and recognize God's presence in our lives.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, we stand in awe of who You are - the eternal Word, the divine presence who took on flesh to dwell among us. Thank You for revealing the Father to us and for experiencing humanity in all its fullness. Help us to recognize Your presence in our daily lives and to worship You with wholehearted devotion. May we live in the confidence that You understand our struggles and weaknesses, yet You are also the mighty God who holds all things together. Transform our hearts as we embrace the fullness of who You are. In Your powerful name we pray, amen.