LORD’S DAY 13
### **Devotion: Jesus, God’s Only Son and Our Lord**
**Scripture Reading**: Philippians 2:9-11
**Heidelberg Catechism Q&A**
**Q33**: Why is Jesus called God’s “only begotten Son” when we are also God’s children?
**A33**: Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God. We, however, are adopted children of God—adopted by grace for His sake.
**Q34**: Why do you call Him “our Lord”?
**A34**: Because—not with gold or silver, but with His precious blood—He has set us free from sin and the tyranny of the devil and has bought us, body and soul, to be His very own.
**Devotion**
Have you ever thought about what it means to call Jesus your Lord? Sometimes we hear the word “Lord” so often in church that we forget how big it actually is. Calling Jesus “Lord” is a declaration of loyalty and love because He paid the highest price for us, not with gold or silver, but with His own blood (1 Peter 1:18-19).
**1. Jesus as the True Son of God**
According to the Heidelberg Catechism, Jesus is unique—He’s God’s “only begotten Son.” This isn’t the same as the way we’re called children of God. We are adopted into God’s family through Jesus, by grace. Jesus is God’s Son naturally and eternally, part of God Himself, which is why only He could save us from sin and death.
Think of it this way: We’re like people brought into God’s family by adoption, treated with love and honor by the King of the universe. Jesus, however, is the true Son, who willingly laid down His life so that we could be part of this family too. That makes Him our older brother, who brings us into God’s home.
**2. Why We Call Him “Lord”**
When we say Jesus is our Lord, it means He is the One we honor and obey above everything else. This can be challenging in a world where so many things compete for our loyalty—friends, popularity, social media, or even our own plans and dreams. But when we understand what He did for us, it becomes a joyful choice.
Imagine if a friend did something incredible to save you, like sacrificing everything they had for your sake. You would likely feel so thankful and loyal to that friend forever. Jesus did infinitely more, freeing us from sin and making us His own.
**Reflect & Respond**
Take a moment to reflect on what it means to call Jesus “Lord.” Are there areas in your life where you’ve given your loyalty to something else? Maybe you’ve been more focused on fitting in, keeping up appearances, or your own comfort than on following Jesus wholeheartedly. Remember, Jesus has done everything to make you His. In Him, you find true freedom and belonging.
**Prayer**
“Lord Jesus, thank You for being my Savior and bringing me into God’s family. Help me to remember that I am Yours and to follow You with all my heart. Show me how to live as Your friend, and teach me to value You above all else. Amen.”
***May this devotion help teenagers understand their identity in Christ and encourage them to live in loyalty to Jesus, their Lord and Savior.