Who is Jesus?—Teen Tuesday

Have you been taught about Jesus by your parents? Or has a friend maybe told you about Him, but you aren’t sure exactly who Jesus is? In 1 Timothy 3:15-16, one of the authors, Paul, expresses in six lines the core of the gospel and who Jesus Christ is.

Here’s that Bible verse:

"I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory."

Who is Jesus?

Let’s consider each line, remembering that every phrase is a mystery beyond our ability to totally comprehend, yet the truths are ours to choose to believe.

• God was manifested in the flesh. This is a clear reference to Christ, who revealed the invisible God to mankind by coming to earth in human form.
• He was justified in the Spirit. Here is a declaration of Christ’s righteousness based on His sinless life. Jesus Christ was justified by the Holy Spirit.
• He was seen by angels. The angels witnessed the entire plan of God in sending His Son Jesus to earth to redeem us and restore our relationship to Him.
• He was preached among the Gentiles. This points to the worldwide proclamation of the gospel. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19).
• People believed in Him. Christ is not only preached among the nations, but He is also the Redeemer and Lord and Savior to millions across the world.
• He was received in glory. The apostles witnessed Jesus’ ascension to heaven: “When He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight” (Acts 1:9).

We can always be growing in our understanding of “the mystery of godliness,” who is Jesus Christ.

Growing in Godliness

Pursuing godliness is all about Jesus Christ. He is the mystery of godliness, the mystery once hidden but now revealed. If you are a believer in Christ, as a young woman after God’s own heart, you have the ability—and the precious privilege!—to live for Him—to live for Him and strive to be like Him.

Yes, you can live a godly life in and through Jesus Christ. Put plainly and simply, a deep-seated loyalty and devotion to Christ that affects your conduct and commitment to spiritual duties and practices. What a wonderful reality! What a wonderful possession to share with others.

May you and I never let the passing of time crowd out this amazing message of the awesome mystery of Christ—the hope of glory!—in us. As a young woman pursuing godliness, please don’t lose sight of the truth and power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

RESPOND

Lord, I’m so thankful to grow in faith as the mystery of godliness is revealed in Jesus Christ. What a tremendous gift to be part of the living, growing, believing church that serves You. Thank You. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES 

A Young Woman's Walk with Godby Elizabeth George—Focus on God and learn to live like Jesus with this helpful teen resource. 

REFLECT
Having God as your heavenly Father and to be personally related to God can only come through putting your faith and trust in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. This has to be the starting point in your quest after God’s own heart. 

REMEMBER

If you are a believer in Christ, as a young woman after God’s own heart, you have the ability—and the precious privilege!—to live for Him and strive to be like Him.