Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:5–9

Introduction

Of all the stories that one can read in God’s word, the story of Jesus is undoubtedly the most powerful of all.

Discussion

I. The story of Jesus begins “in the beginning.”

A. Scripture reveals that Jesus existed with God even before creation itself (John 1:1–4; 17:5, 24; Colossians 1:15–17).

B. Although Jesus was unknown by name before His coming, He was never far away (1 Corinthians 10:4; Acts 17:27–28).

II. The story of Jesus takes many surprising turns.

A. Jesus surrendered divine status to become a mortal man (2 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 2:5–7; Matthew 4:1–10; Hebrews 2:16–18).

B. When He came into the world, He ministered not to the high, but to the lowly (Matthew 11:5, 19).

C. At the very height of His popularity, Jesus was rejected and killed as an enemy of the public (John 12:12–13, 32–33; Philippians 2:8).

D. To everyone’s surprise, He rose again three days later (Luke 24:1–7, 11; John 20:25–27; Philippians 2:9).

E. He then returned to the Father (John 16:5–13; Acts 2:32–36).

III. The best part about this story is that it has no end!

A. Jesus lives forever (Hebrews 7:25), and He never changes (Hebrews 13:8; Malachi 3:6).

B. Jesus is coming back (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 2 Peter 3:8–13; Hebrews 10:37).

A. The story of Jesus truly is a story that never grows old.

B. What will your part be in this story?