Who Is Jesus? (Creed Part 2)
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Philippians 2:5-11
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
1 Corinthians 15:3-8
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
Big Idea
Jesus isn't a good option — he's either who he said he is, or he's irrelevant.
The Discussion
- Philippians 2:5-11 — The "Christ Hymn." Possibly the earliest Christian creed — older than the Apostles' Creed itself. The Creator became a servant. The King washed feet. The immortal died. The Greek word is kenosis — self-emptying. He didn't just come down — he emptied himself. For us. The story goes: throne → dung heap → throne. But the second throne is higher than the first.
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 — Paul lists the eyewitnesses. Peter. The Twelve. 500 people. James. Paul himself. And Paul was a skeptic — he was killing Christians before this. He didn't want to believe. He had to.
"If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith." Christianity stands or falls on a historical event, not a nice story.
What This Means for Us
- Jesus didn't say "follow my teachings." He said "follow ME."
- He claimed to be God, died on a Roman cross, and hundreds saw him alive three days later.
- That's not a myth. That's history.
- If it's true, your response to him is the most important decision you'll ever make.
Discussion Questions
- If someone asked you "who is Jesus?" right now, what would you say?
- Paul was killing Christians before he met Jesus. What do you think it would take to change YOUR mind about something that dramatically?
- What's keeping you from following Jesus — if anything?
This Week
Read John 14:15-27 and Acts 2:1-13 before next Sunday. Come with one note and one question.
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