A Clear View of Jesus (The Creed: Part 2)

The Creed

Part Two: “I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.”

Jesus Christ is a complex person within the Christian faith, and he performs a number of significant roles, such as:

• The infant son of Mary
• The Jewish prophet
• The social justice activist
• The wise teacher and example
• The Messiah who was crucified

None of these roles are wrong, but they are each one part of the greater picture of who Jesus is.

What do you think about each of these roles?

The creed emphasises Jesus’ role as “our Lord.”

Read Colossians 1:15-20, and then Colossians 2:9-12.

How does Paul describe Jesus in these passages?

What do you think of Paul’s descriptions here?

Some people would prefer to avoid this aspect of who Jesus is and restrict him to merely operating as a Jewish prophet, or a social activist, or a baby born into poverty.

Why might someone want to reject or ignore the picture of Jesus Paul is painting in Colossians?

If we accept that Jesus is our Lord, how might that affect how we live?

People also question the statement that Jesus was born to a virgin.

Why might people do this?

This week’s statement in the creed asks us to accept a Jesus who is a part of the very being of God, who was born via an incredible miracle, and who holds all creation together. He has authority over all things, and that includes us.

As you reflect on this aspect of who Jesus is, how do you feel?