Day 4 – Preincarnation of Jesus Christ

From a literary and historical perspective, Matthew, Mark, and Luke are considered the Synoptic Gospels because they can be read side by side. They share strong similarities in structure, content, and style.

The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) share the following themes: the birth, life, teachings, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. Each of the four addresses a different audience and offers a unique perspective.

• – Matthew writes for the Jewish people. He presents the fulfillment of the prophecies.
• – Mark writes for the Romans and places greater emphasis on power. He presents the urgency of the Kingdom.
• – Luke writes for the Greeks. He emphasizes the humanity of Jesus. Luke conveys universal compassion.
• – John writes for the whole world. He reveals the divinity of Jesus Christ.

Main sources of income for Jews in the time of Jesus:
-Animal husbandry
-Fishing
-Agriculture

This is why Jesus’ words often refer to these occupations. For example: “I am the good shepherd,” the parables of the sower, disciples who were fishermen,..

Today’s study focuses on the Gospel of John which is full of symbolism and considered the most eloquent and convincing regarding the pre-existence of Jesus Christ.

The supremacy of Jesus Christ

John 3:31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

Jesus gives a model of leadership, submission, and cooperation

John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

The mission of Jesus Christ

John 16:28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

He who comes from God and returns to God

John 13:3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

From eternity to humanity

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

The Preincarnation of Jesus

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The testimony of the pre-existence of Jesus

John 1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
John 1:30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

Confirmation of the pre-existence of Jesus

John 8:57, 58
Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

Another confirmation of the pre-existence of Jesus

John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.