INTRODUCTION

Is Jesus really God? The implications of this question are enormous. Every aspect of society would be impacted by the confirmation that Jesus was literally God in the flesh. Also, if Jesus were God, then his words would take on much greater meaning. On the other hand, if he’s not God, then the entire Christian faith is undermined. As Paul said, if Jesus didn’t rise from the dead (i.e., do something that only God could do), then faith in him is in vain (1 Corinthians 5:14). Let’s take a look at what some people have
to say about Jesus.

Video 1: Pulse of the World: Jesus

Questions to Consider and Discuss

• Did you identify with anyone’s expressed views in the film? If so, who and what resonated with you?
• Does it seem consistent with your experience that “67 percent of US adults . . . have a personal relationship with Jesus”? Why or why not?

Video 2: The Curiosity Collective: Is Jesus Really God?

The Curiosity Collective is a collection of subject matter experts discussing the question “Is Jesus really God?” It displays the various questions, struggles, and perspectives of these individuals regarding this session’s topic. See what they have to say and discuss it.

Questions to Consider and Discuss

• In what ways can you identify with any of the stories in The Curiosity Collective? What did you find intriguing or compelling?
• Was Jesus a historical figure, in your opinion? Why or why not?
• What did Leonce mean when he said, “Religion says ‘I do, therefore I’m loved.’ Jesus says, ‘You’re loved, therefore you do’”?
• Christians believe that sin separates humanity from God. Yet Jesus, through his death, bridges that gap. Why do you think Jesus had to die in order to accomplish this?
• In the video, Bryan says “[Jesus] was resurrected—rose up from the dead—with over five hundred witnesses. They saw him and, based on that encounter, were willing to die in order to testify as to what they saw.” What do you think about his claim?
• What do you think about Jesus’s claim to be God?

Scripture Focus

In Mark 8:29, Jesus asks Peter a heavy question. “‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah.’”

• Based on the evidence you’ve heard, who do you say Jesus is?

Wrap Up

To the best of your ability, summarize the main points of your group’s discussion. Or, if you are
more comfortable, use the text below as a launching pad for concluding the session.

It’s fashionable to suggest that Jesus was a good teacher, a man with an important message of love, and that’s all. That He wasn’t God; that’s impossible. However… the problem with that perspective is that he claimed to be God. (In John 10:30, Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.”) Consequently, in C. S. Lewis’s words, “Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord.” Furthermore, assuming that he lived, he also predicted his death and resurrection. Then hundreds of witnesses claimed he fulfilled that prediction and indeed rose from the dead.

• What do we do with that?

Explore More on Jesus

The following resources are designed for deeper exploration of the topic of Jesus.

Videos
How is Jesus Different?
Can You Like Jesus But Hate Religion?

Articles
The Historical Jesus
Who Is Jesus?

Daily Stream of Inspiration
Jesus Said What?

Recommended Books
Jesus Among Other Gods, Ravi Zaccharias
Simply Jesus, N. T. Wright

Additional Content on Jesus
Jesus