Matthew 4:3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
Introduction:
In light of the recently released movie entitled: "Son of God", it was felt by this blogger to give the reader an overview of this significant title for Jesus Christ. Movies and art in general can sometimes enable us to visualize, become emotionally awakened and reflect on what is being taught about the scripture and about Jesus Christ. However the truth of the scriptures must still be unpacked either in preaching, teaching or writing in order to truly know the scriptures and Jesus Christ. The aim is simply three-fold:
1. The meaning of the words in the Biblical title for Jesus: "Son of God"
2. Trace the development of this title through the New Testament
3. How the title "Son of God" explains Jesus Christ so that we can love Him more
In yesterday's post we covered the first main thought. In today's post we will conclude this brief study by noting the final two main thoughts of our study.
Tracing the development of this title through the New Testament
A quick search through any standard Bible concordance will find the title "Son of God" being used nearly 50 times. The first occurrence is found in Matthew 4:3, the opening verse of today's post. The final mention of this title is in Revelation 2:18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this".
It is interesting that in Matthew's Gospel, every appearance of this specific title "Son of God" comes from the mouths of Jesus' enemies - which is telling. Why? They clearly are frightened or shocked to be in the presence of utter Deity. (compare Matthew 4:3; 4:6; 8:29; 26:63; 27:40; 27:54) Mark uses the title in the first verse of his Gospel and John uses it in the key verse of John 20:31 in summarizing his Gospel. Luke records the angel's explanation of the virgin birth to Mary in Luke 1:35 - "The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God."
Hebert Lockyer mentions other titles that are similar and related "Son of" titles to the title "Son of God" that the reader may find edifying to their faith:
1. His Son, Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:7
2. Son of the Father. 2 John 3
3. Son of the Blessed. Mark 14:61
4. Son of the Highest. Luke 1:32
5. Son of the Most High God. Mark 5:7
6. My Beloved Son. Matthew 3:17, Mark 12:6
7. Only Begotten Son. John 1:14,18; 3:16
8. Son of Man Matthew 8:20
9. Son of Abraham. Matthew 1:1
10. Son of David Matthew 1:1; 21:9
11. Son of Joseph. Luke 3:23; 4:22
12. Son of Mary. Matthew 1:25; Mark 6:3
As one travels throughout the rest of the New Testament, clearer and more robust statements appear in using this title to describe the exalted Divine nature of Jesus Christ in His post-resurrection existence. Passages such as Romans 1:4 tie this title to the truth of Christ's resurrection from the dead and Hebrews 4:14 and 7:3 use the title "Son of God" to describe Christ's position of exaltation at the right hand of the Father as His co-equal.
How the title "Son of God" explains Jesus Christ so that we can love Him more
In seeing the meaning of the words within this title "Son of God", as well as tracing how this glorious title unfolded in the New Testament, what applications can be given for increasing our appreciation of Jesus Christ as "The Son of God"?
a. Rules all things. Matt 4:3; 27:54
To know that He rules all things means there is not one think in my life that can ever be beyond Him.
b. Real source of salvation. Mark 1:1; John 20:31; Acts 8:37
To know He is the real source of salvation demonstrates the assurance every believer has in enduring to the end.
c. Refuge. Hebrews 4:13-16; 7:3,25; 1 John 5:10-12
Whether in times of prayer or hardship, Jesus as the "Son of God" is the refuge to find hope and protection.
d. Returning for His church. Revelation 2:18-19,25.
The blessed hope for every Christian is to see their Lord "face to face" and to know that He is coming back for every choice believer who has freely chosen Him by grace through faith. (Luke 18:1-5; Philippians 3:20-21; Titus 2:13)
Conclusion:
The hope has been that this short two-day study has shed much light on the identity of Jesus Christ, The Son of God. In this study we have considered the following points:
1. The meaning of the words in the Biblical title for Jesus: "Son of God"
2. Tracing the development of this title through the New Testament
3. How the title "Son of God" explains Jesus Christ so that we can love Him more