Who Is Jesus?
Explore the identity of Jesus Christ — who he claimed to be, the historical evidence for his life, the miracle of the Incarnation, and what his resurrection means for us today.
How to use this guide
Read the linked article for each session before your group meets. Then work through the discussion questions together — or use them as personal journal prompts. One session per week works well for most groups.
Session 1 — Can We Trust the Gospels?
Before exploring what Jesus said and did, we examine whether the documents that record his life are historically reliable.
Read: Can you trust the Gospels as historical documents?Discussion Questions
- 1.What surprised you most about the historical reliability of the Gospels?
- 2.How does the criterion of embarrassment change the way you read difficult Gospel passages?
- 3.If someone asked you why you trust the Gospel accounts, what would you say?
Session 2 — Why Did Jesus Need to Be Born of a Virgin?
The virgin birth is one of Christianity's most challenged doctrines. Why does it matter — theologically and historically?
Read: Why did Mary need a virgin birth?Discussion Questions
- 1.Why is the virgin birth essential rather than optional for Christian theology?
- 2.How does the Incarnation change the way you think about God's involvement in the world?
- 3.What does it mean to you that God became human?
Session 3 — Does God Exist?
Jesus claimed to be God. Before accepting or rejecting that claim, the prior question must be answered: is there a God at all?
Read: Is there evidence that God exists?Discussion Questions
- 1.Which of the arguments for God's existence did you find most compelling? Why?
- 2.How do you respond to the argument that evil disproves God's existence?
- 3.What would it take for you to be convinced that God does not exist?
Session 4 — What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?
Jesus told Nicodemus that a person must be born again to enter God's kingdom. What does that mean, and what does it look like in practice?
Read: What does it mean to be born again?Discussion Questions
- 1.How does the image of "new birth" change the way you think about becoming a Christian?
- 2.What is the difference between religious improvement and genuine spiritual rebirth?
- 3.Has there been a moment when the reality of the new birth became personal for you?