Bible Study: The Names of Christ – Fulfillment of Prophecy and Revelation of His Nature
Objective: To explore the various names of Christ in both Old and New Testament contexts, understanding how each name fulfills prophecy and reveals different aspects of His divine nature, character, and attributes.
Introduction
- Welcome and Opening Prayer
- Objective: Introduce the significance of the names of Christ in understanding His nature and fulfillment of prophecy.
- Icebreaker: Share a name or title that holds special significance in your life and explain why.
1. The Good Shepherd
Old Testament Passage:
- Scripture: Ezekiel 34:23-24
- Context: God promises to send a shepherd to care for His people, contrasting with the failure of the current leaders.
- Questions to Consider:
- How does God describe His ideal shepherd in this passage?
- What shortcomings in the current shepherds does God address?
New Testament Passage:
- Scripture: John 10:11-16
- Context: Jesus declares Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep.
- Questions to Consider:
- How does Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd fulfill the promise made in Ezekiel?
- In what ways does Jesus’ sacrifice demonstrate His care for us?
2. The Bread of Life
Old Testament Passage:
- Scripture: Exodus 16:4-15
- Context: God provides manna to the Israelites in the desert as their daily bread.
- Questions to Consider:
- What is the significance of manna in the context of the Israelites’ journey?
- How does the provision of manna highlight God’s care and sustenance?
New Testament Passage:
- Scripture: John 6:32-35
- Context: Jesus refers to Himself as the Bread of Life, contrasting with the manna provided in the desert.
- Questions to Consider:
- How does Jesus use the image of bread to describe His role in providing spiritual sustenance?
- What does it mean for us to partake of the Bread of Life in our daily lives?
3. The Light of the World
Old Testament Passage:
- Scripture: Isaiah 9:2
- Context: The prophecy of a great light coming to those in darkness, referring to the coming Messiah.
- Questions to Consider:
- How does the prophecy describe the impact of this light on those living in darkness?
- What does this light symbolize in the context of the Israelite’s spiritual condition?
New Testament Passage:
- Scripture: John 8:12
- Context: Jesus claims to be the Light of the World, offering illumination and guidance.
- Questions to Consider:
- How does Jesus fulfill the prophecy of being a great light?
- In what ways does Jesus’ light contrast with the darkness described in Isaiah?
4. The Resurrection and the Life
Old Testament Passage:
- Scripture: Daniel 12:2
- Context: The prophecy about the resurrection of the dead and the promise of eternal life.
- Questions to Consider:
- What does this passage say about the resurrection and its significance?
- How does this prophecy provide hope for the future?
New Testament Passage:
- Scripture: John 11:25-26
- Context: Jesus declares Himself as the Resurrection and the Life to Martha before raising Lazarus from the dead.
- Questions to Consider:
- How does Jesus’ declaration about being the Resurrection and the Life provide assurance beyond physical death?
- What does this promise mean for our understanding of eternal life?
5. The Vine
Old Testament Passage:
- Scripture: Isaiah 5:1-7
- Context: Israel is described as a vine that has failed to produce good fruit, symbolizing the nation’s unfaithfulness.
- Questions to Consider:
- How is the vine used as a metaphor in this passage, and what is its significance?
- What does this metaphor reveal about Israel’s relationship with God?
New Testament Passage:
- Scripture: John 15:1-8
- Context: Jesus describes Himself as the true Vine, and His followers as the branches.
- Questions to Consider:
- How does Jesus redefine the metaphor of the vine in relation to His followers?
- What does it mean to remain in Jesus as the Vine, and how does this relationship impact our spiritual fruitfulness?
6. The Way, the Truth, and the Life
Old Testament Passage:
- Scripture: Proverbs 4:11-12
- Context: Wisdom is described as a guide on the path of life, contrasting with wicked ways.
- Questions to Consider:
- How does this passage describe the value of wisdom in guiding our lives?
- In what ways does wisdom relate to the concept of truth and life?
New Testament Passage:
- Scripture: John 14:6
- Context: Jesus claims to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life, offering exclusive access to the Father.
- Questions to Consider:
- How does Jesus’ claim to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life encompass the ideas presented in Proverbs?
- What implications does this claim have for our understanding of Jesus as the sole path to God?
7. The Alpha and Omega
Old Testament Passage:
- Scripture: Isaiah 44:6
- Context: God declares Himself as the first and the last, affirming His eternal nature and sovereignty.
- Questions to Consider:
- What does it mean for God to be the first and the last in the context of His eternal nature?
- How does this declaration affirm God’s control over all things?
New Testament Passage:
- Scripture: Revelation 1:8
- Context: Jesus is identified as the Alpha and Omega, signifying His eternal presence and supreme authority.
- Questions to Consider:
- How does Jesus’ title as the Alpha and Omega reinforce His divinity and sovereignty?
- What comfort and assurance can we draw from Jesus being the beginning and end of all things?
8. The Immanuel
Old Testament Passage:
- Scripture: Isaiah 7:14
- Context: A prophecy about a virgin giving birth to a son who will be called Immanuel, meaning “God with us.”
- Questions to Consider:
- What is the significance of the name Immanuel in the context of this prophecy?
- How does the promise of God being with His people reflect His commitment to their salvation?
New Testament Passage:
- Scripture: Matthew 1:22-23
- Context: The fulfillment of the prophecy as Jesus is born, named Immanuel.
- Questions to Consider:
- How does the birth of Jesus as Immanuel fulfill the prophecy from Isaiah?
- In what ways does Jesus’ presence as Immanuel impact our understanding of His role in our lives?
9. The High Priest
Old Testament Passage:
- Scripture: Psalm 110:4
- Context: A prophecy about a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, signifying a new priestly role.
- Questions to Consider:
- What does this prophecy reveal about the nature of the coming High Priest?
- How does the priestly order of Melchizedek differ from the Levitical priesthood?
New Testament Passage:
- Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-15
- Context: Jesus is presented as the High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses and offers access to God’s grace.
- Questions to Consider:
- How does Jesus fulfill the role of the High Priest described in Psalm 110?
- What does it mean for Jesus to sympathize with our weaknesses and provide grace?
10. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords
Old Testament Passage:
- Scripture: Daniel 7:14
- Context: A vision of the Messiah who will have eternal dominion and authority over all nations.
- Questions to Consider:
- How does the vision of the King of Kings in Daniel highlight His authority and reign?
- What implications does this vision have for understanding the scope of His kingdom?
New Testament Passage:
- Scripture: Revelation 19:16
- Context: Jesus is depicted as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords at His second coming.
- Questions to Consider:
- How does this depiction in Revelation reinforce Jesus’ authority and kingship?
- What does it mean for us to acknowledge Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords in our personal lives?
11. The Lamb of God
Old Testament Passage:
- Scripture: Isaiah 53:7
- Context: The suffering servant who is led like a lamb to the slaughter, bearing the sins of many.
- Questions to Consider:
- How does the imagery of the lamb in this passage relate to the concept of sacrifice?
- What does this prophecy reveal about the nature of the Messiah’s mission?
New Testament Passage:
- Scripture: John 1:29
- Context: John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
- Questions to Consider:
- How does Jesus being the Lamb of God fulfill the prophecy in Isaiah?
- What does this title reveal about Jesus’ role in our redemption and forgiveness?
