This class presents the second installment in a bible study by teacher Jared Street exploring the identity, nature, and dual characteristics of Jesus Christ. Building upon foundational creation texts from John 1 and Genesis 1, the lesson delves into the theological significance of Jesus as both fully divine and fully human.

By referencing historical milestones like the Council of Chalcedon alongside key biblical passages (including John 8, Romans 1, Matthew 4, Mark 4 and 6, and Philippians 2), the session illustrates how Christ’s divinity establishes His ultimate authority while His human experiences allow Him to sympathize with human frailty. The discussion encourages believers to understand how this dual nature builds confidence in salvation and serves as the ultimate model for Christian obedience and humility.

The class begins with a review of the previous session, emphasizing that all things were created by and for Christ. Jared Street introduces historical reflections from the Council of Chalcedon and writings from Pope Leo I to illustrate how early Christian thinkers understood Jesus possessing both divine majesty and human mortality without losing His divine essence.

Scriptural claims of divinity are explored through John 8:58, where Jesus uses the title "I AM," and Romans 1:2-4, which connects His earthly lineage from King David to His resurrection as the Son of God. To balance this, the study examines physical evidence of Christ's humanity—His physical birth, fatigue, hunger, vulnerability to temptation, and His everyday identity as a local carpenter in Nazareth.

The discussion concludes by analyzing Philippians 2:6-8. Participants reflect on how Christ voluntarily emptied Himself to take on the role of a servant. This act demonstrates complete obedience to God, establishes an empathetic mediator for human struggles, and provides believers with firm assurance of God’s redemptive love.

1. Introduction and Class Review
* Recapping themes from John 1 and Genesis 1
* Key takeaways: Jesus as the Creator, the Word, and the bearer of divine authority

2. Historical Context: The Dual Nature of Christ
* Overview of early church councils and the Council of Chalcedon
* Quotes from Pope Leo I on the union of divine majesty and human suffering

3. Biblical Evidence of Divinity
* John 8:58: The "I AM" statement connecting Jesus to Old Testament revelations
* Romans 1:2-4: Prophetic fulfillment through Davidic lineage and resurrection power

4. Human Attributes and Experiences of Jesus
* Biological human birth (Matthew 1:23)
* Experiencing physical temptation, fasting, and exhaustion (Matthew 4:1-11)
* Need for physical rest and sleep during a storm (Mark 4:38)
* Local perception of Jesus as an ordinary carpenter (Mark 6:2-3)

5. Significance of the Dual Nature
* Empathy: Christ's experience with human limitations and temptation
* Authority: Power to forgive sins and grant eternal salvation
* Assurance: Scripture references (Hebrews 4, Romans 8) confirming bold approach to God

6. The Self-Emptying of Christ (Philippians 2:6-8)
* Choosing service over privilege
* Lowering Himself to human likeness and death on a cross
* Model of perfect obedience and humility for creation