Jesus as Paul Knew Him

In this sermon exploring “Jesus as Paul Knew Him,” we discover how the Apostle Paul pictured Jesus despite never meeting him in person. Paul’s image of Jesus was formed through a personal encounter on the Damascus road, conversations with disciples who knew Jesus, and divine revelation. Unlike the gospels, Paul’s writings focus less on Jesus’ earthly ministry and more on his crucifixion and resurrection. Paul most frequently refers to Jesus as “Christ” (369 times) and “Lord” (238 times), royal titles emphasizing Jesus as king and sovereign ruler. Yet this king demonstrated unprecedented love by laying down his life for his subjects. The sermon explores how our mental images of Jesus matter deeply, and how despite whatever struggles we face, nothing can separate us from Christ’s transformative love.

Christ the King Paul consistently portrays Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) and Lord – royal titles that establish Jesus as the ultimate authority. For Paul, being a Christian meant pledging allegiance to Jesus as king, submitting completely to his rule. This is why Paul refers to himself variously as a “slave of Jesus Christ,” an “apostle of Christ,” and a “prisoner of Christ Jesus.” These titles reflect Paul’s complete surrender to Jesus as his sovereign, similar to how we might kneel in prayer or during communion to recognize Christ’s kingship.

The Character of Christ While Paul emphasizes Jesus’ royal authority, he reveals that this king has a radically different character than earthly rulers. Paul describes a king who willingly sacrificed himself for his subjects, showing the depths of divine love. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul’s beautiful description of love can be read as a portrait of Jesus himself. Christ’s love is patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not rude or self-seeking. It’s this overwhelming love of Christ that compelled Paul’s ministry and continues to transform lives today.

The Compassionate Savior The sermon illuminates how Christ actively seeks out the lost, broken, and struggling. Like the father in the prodigal son parable or the shepherd seeking a lost sheep, Jesus pursues those who have wandered away. The story of Mary Magdalene from “The Chosen” powerfully illustrates how Jesus meets people in their brokenness, calls them by name, and delivers them from their demons. This compassionate Savior reminds us that nothing—no addiction, struggle, or failure—can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus.

Key Points:

• Our Mental Picture of Jesus Matters. How we visualize Jesus impacts our relationship with him. The sermon shows various artistic depictions of Jesus throughout history, noting how different cultures tend to picture Jesus like themselves—a divine design allowing everyone to relate to him personally.
• Paul’s Portrait Came Through Revelation, Not Personal Experience. Unlike the disciples, Paul never met the earthly Jesus. His understanding came primarily through divine revelation after his Damascus road experience, supplemented by conversations with people who knew Jesus personally.
• Royal Authority With Sacrificial Love. Paul uniquely combines the royal authority of Christ with his sacrificial love. This king doesn’t rule from a distance but gave his life for his subjects, demonstrating unparalleled love.
• Christ’s Love Reaches the Lost. The sermon powerfully illustrates through scripture and storytelling how Jesus actively seeks those who are struggling, addicted, or lost. His love can break through our darkest moments and deepest struggles.