Jesus Study Sample

INTRODUCTION JESUS IS AMAZING In history and religion, there is no more controversial or captivating figure, no one who has made a greater impact on individuals or institutions, than Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus is amazing! Every word on every page of Scripture proclaims this truth. The Gospel writers were given the inspired privilege of breathing literary life into the Word made flesh. And we get to bask in the glory. So much of the life of Jesus is familiar, whether you grew up in church or not. Who hasn’t heard of the One who turned water into wine, walked on top of the waves, and fed thousands with a few fish and bits of bread? Or how He cast out demons and healed the incurable diseases of the day—even the incurable condi- tions of our day? Blindness, paralysis, and leprosy didn’t stand a chance at the hand of the Great Physician. He cured with compassion. He restored life and hope. And when He taught, Jesus’ words were more than moving, beyond simply radical thinking. Every time He opened His mouth, Jesus spoke life-changing truth, and it fell on ears and hearts like rain on parched land. Stray sheep heard the voice of the Good Shepherd at last. Following Him, however, was another story. It is all of these things and more that we will examine together in The Amazing Life of Jesus Christ . Rather than rushing through the “Sunday school stories” some know by heart, we will slow our pace. These words are treasures and so we will hold them tightly, turn them over in our hands, and watch them sparkle in the light. The permanence of Scripture offers us an extraordinary opportunity: we can carefully (and joyfully!) explore the life of the One who left the beauty, perfection, and glory of heaven to “be made like his brethren in all things, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” (Hebrews 2:17) Pray for eyes to see Him as He was on earth—a Man fully human and perfectly divine, and as He is today—seated at His Father’s right hand, His work completed, waiting to return. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15) With joy, Leslie Strader 4 Part One The Amazing Life of Jesus Christ