When Jesus establishes who he is, he does so on the authority of the Old Testament Scripture. As we look at some of the Old Testament, it is clear that all of it points to Christ; however, in order to see it and truly put faith in Christ, the sinful heart must first be changed. The Bible must shape our worldview, not the other way around.

John 5:1-17 demonstrates to us two flavors of unbelief with which we are familiar. With the healed invalid, we see someone so near the truth, but lukewarm to it, with no conviction or true faith. The Pharisees demonstrate a legalism that seeks to work so hard at getting to God, that it results in pride, and a rejection of God. As Christians, we rest in the grace of God in fulfilling the law for us, and we do not back down from confrontation or opposition.

Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, fulfilling a 700 year old prophecy, should give us great confidence in God’s perfect sovereignty, and also is a beautiful reminder of God’s promise of hope in the midst of judgment.

In a more detailed look at Jesus’ encounter with the Woman at the well, we see several key characteristics of the gospel. It is the only offer of life and it confronts us in our sin. However, it also goes on to pay the price for our sin, and even changes our lives.

Christianity challenges our natural ideas of success and gain - consistent Christian living must result in our decrease. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we must be made nothing, so that people would see not us, but Christ in us.