Who Do You Say Jesus Is?

Summary

### Summary

Today, I shared a bit about myself, revealing that I am an introvert, which might surprise some of you. This personal insight led us into a deeper discussion about relationships and comfort levels with different people, ultimately pointing to the question: How well do you know Jesus? We explored this through two stories from the life of Jesus, focusing on His calming of the storm in Matthew 8 and His conversation with His disciples in Matthew 16.

In Matthew 8, we see Jesus and His disciples caught in a fierce storm. Despite being experienced fishermen, the disciples are terrified and wake Jesus, who is asleep. Jesus calms the storm with a simple command, demonstrating His authority over nature. This story teaches us that Jesus is someone we can run to in the midst of our life's storms. He offers a peace that surpasses understanding, a peace that doesn't make sense in the face of chaos.

In Matthew 16, Jesus asks His disciples who people say He is, and then directly asks them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter boldly declares, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." This declaration is crucial because it encapsulates the core of our faith. Jesus is not just a wise teacher or a prophet; He is the Christ, the Son of the living God. This truth is so foundational that it has shaped entire religions, nations, and individual lives for over 2,000 years.

As we reflect on these stories, the question remains: Who do you say Jesus is? This is the most important question you will ever answer. If you haven't yet declared Jesus as your Lord and Savior, today could be the day to make that decision. Jesus offers not just salvation but also a life of peace and purpose.

### Key Takeaways

1. Jesus in the Storm: In the midst of life's storms, Jesus is someone we can run to. The disciples, despite being experienced fishermen, were terrified and turned to Jesus, who calmed the storm with a command. This shows that Jesus has authority over nature and our circumstances, offering us peace that surpasses understanding. [22:07]

2. Peace That Passes Understanding: Jesus' ability to sleep during a fierce storm illustrates the peace He possesses, a peace that doesn't make sense in chaotic situations. This peace is a fruit of the Spirit and is available to us as followers of Christ. In times of turmoil, we can ask God for this peace that only He can provide. [25:16]

3. The Most Important Question: The question "Who is Jesus?" is the most significant question in history. It has shaped religions, nations, and individual lives. Jesus' disciples, even after witnessing His miracles, still asked this question. It's crucial for each of us to seek and find the answer to this question in our own lives. [30:29]

4. Peter's Declaration: Peter's bold declaration that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God, is a cornerstone of our faith. This truth is not just a theological statement but a life-altering reality. Believing that Jesus is the Christ means recognizing His divine authority and committing to follow Him as Lord and Savior. [35:27]

5. A Call to Decision: If you have been asking questions about who Jesus is, it's essential to come to a point of decision. Declaring Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, and making Him your Lord and Savior is a transformative step. Don't delay this decision; it is the most important one you will ever make. [39:00]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[16:51] - Personal Insight: Being an Introvert
[17:37] - Degrees of Closeness
[18:22] - Comfort in Relationships
[19:15] - Question: How Well Do You Know Jesus?
[20:19] - Story: Jesus Calms the Storm
[21:10] - Disciples' Fear and Jesus' Authority
[22:07] - Jesus: Someone to Run to in Storms
[23:00] - Jesus' Peace in Chaos
[23:53] - Fruit of the Spirit: Peace
[25:16] - Peace That Passes Understanding
[26:25] - Jesus Rebukes the Storm
[27:07] - Personal Anecdote: Waking Up from a Nap
[28:25] - Jesus' Authority Over Nature
[29:14] - Disciples' Amazement
[30:29] - The Most Important Question
[32:28] - Jesus' Question to His Disciples
[33:09] - Peter's Bold Declaration
[34:46] - The Meaning of Messiah
[35:27] - Peter's Leap of Faith
[37:17] - Baptism and Confession of Faith
[39:00] - A Call to Decision
[40:35] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm
2. Matthew 16:13-16 - Peter's Declaration about Jesus
3. Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit

#### Observation Questions
1. In Matthew 8:23-27, what was the reaction of the disciples during the storm, and how did Jesus respond? [21:10]
2. What does Peter declare about Jesus in Matthew 16:16, and why is this significant? [34:46]
3. According to Galatians 5:22-23, what are the fruits of the Spirit, and how is peace described in the sermon? [23:53]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples, who were experienced fishermen, were so terrified during the storm in Matthew 8? What does this reveal about their understanding of Jesus at that time? [21:10]
2. How does Jesus' ability to sleep during the storm illustrate the peace that surpasses understanding mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23? [23:53]
3. Why is Peter's declaration in Matthew 16:16 considered a cornerstone of Christian faith? How does this declaration shape our understanding of who Jesus is? [34:46]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent "storm" in your life. How did you respond, and did you turn to Jesus for peace? How can you seek His peace in future storms? [22:07]
2. Jesus offers a peace that surpasses understanding. What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate this peace in your life, especially in chaotic situations? [25:16]
3. Peter boldly declared Jesus as the Messiah. Have you made a similar declaration in your life? If not, what is holding you back? If yes, how does this belief influence your daily actions and decisions? [34:46]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of knowing Jesus personally. What are some ways you can deepen your relationship with Him this week? Consider specific actions like prayer, Bible study, or serving others. [19:15]
5. Think about the question, "Who do you say Jesus is?" How would you answer this question today, and how has your understanding of Jesus evolved over time? [33:52]
6. The sermon mentioned the fruit of the Spirit, including peace. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this month. What specific action can you take to cultivate it in your interactions with others? [23:53]
7. If you are ready to declare Jesus as your Lord and Savior, what steps can you take to make this decision public, such as baptism or sharing your testimony with others? [39:00]

This guide is designed to help your small group engage deeply with the sermon content and apply its lessons to their lives. Encourage open and honest discussion, and be prepared to support each other in your spiritual journeys.

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus in the Storm
In the midst of life's storms, Jesus is someone we can run to. The disciples, despite being experienced fishermen, were terrified and turned to Jesus, who calmed the storm with a command. This shows that Jesus has authority over nature and our circumstances, offering us peace that surpasses understanding. [22:07]

Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."

Reflection: Think of a current storm in your life. How can you turn to Jesus and trust in His authority over your circumstances today?

Day 2: Peace That Passes Understanding
Jesus' ability to sleep during a fierce storm illustrates the peace He possesses, a peace that doesn't make sense in chaotic situations. This peace is a fruit of the Spirit and is available to us as followers of Christ. In times of turmoil, we can ask God for this peace that only He can provide. [25:16]

Colossians 3:15 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

Reflection: Identify a situation where you feel anxious or stressed. How can you invite the peace of Christ to rule in your heart in this specific situation today?

Day 3: The Most Important Question
The question "Who is Jesus?" is the most significant question in history. It has shaped religions, nations, and individual lives. Jesus' disciples, even after witnessing His miracles, still asked this question. It's crucial for each of us to seek and find the answer to this question in our own lives. [30:29]

Matthew 16:15-16 (ESV): "He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'"

Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on your personal answer to Jesus' question, "Who do you say that I am?" How does this answer influence your daily life and decisions?

Day 4: Peter's Declaration
Peter's bold declaration that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God, is a cornerstone of our faith. This truth is not just a theological statement but a life-altering reality. Believing that Jesus is the Christ means recognizing His divine authority and committing to follow Him as Lord and Savior. [35:27]

John 6:68-69 (ESV): "Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.'"

Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision or action. How did your belief in Jesus as the Messiah influence that decision or action? If it didn't, how can you let this truth guide you more fully?

Day 5: A Call to Decision
If you have been asking questions about who Jesus is, it's essential to come to a point of decision. Declaring Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, and making Him your Lord and Savior is a transformative step. Don't delay this decision; it is the most important one you will ever make. [39:00]

Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Reflection: Have you made a personal decision to declare Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If not, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you reaffirm this commitment in your daily life today?

Quotes

1. "Jesus is someone we can run to in the middle of a storm. He is someone that we can run to in the middle of the storm. He's someone that you can turn to. In the middle of the storm. And we all face storms in our lives. Many of you face storms this week as you went through life, whether it was a diagnosis or something happening in a relationship or with one of your children or a situation at work. You faced a storm. And who is Jesus? Jesus is someone to run to in that moment." [22:07] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus has this peace that passes understanding. That's how it's described in Scripture for us. Peace that passes understanding. Peace that doesn't make sense. This is one of those truths of Scripture that has just been sitting, on my heart for a few years now, this concept. This concept of peace that doesn't make sense. And what a gift that is. Because there are so many situations that we face in life where peace doesn't make sense. Where peace doesn't feel like something that anyone could have in that situation. And yet we're told that as followers of God, we can have this peace." [25:16] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Who is this man that he would speak to the forces of nature, that he would speak to physics, that he would speak to creation, and it would listen, that it would obey him, that he could say to the wind and the waves, enough, stop, it's over, and that there would be calm. Who, who is this guy? And the response of the disciples is basically that. In verse 27 here, the disciples were amazed. Who is this man, they asked. Even the winds and the waves obey him. Who could have this kind of authority? Who could have this kind of power to speak and be obeyed? Who is he?" [29:14] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Who is Jesus of Nazareth, who is this man, is the most important question, I think, that's ever been asked in all of history. Who is he? I mean, think about the, the, the thought that has gone into this question over the last couple thousand years, right? Think about the books that have been written. I mean, there's a reality that, that entire religions are formed around their answer to this question, who is this man? Nations have risen and fallen asking this question. There is no other question that has defined our world over the last 2,000 years. Like, who is this man?" [30:29] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "At some point you're gonna have to answer the question, of who is Jesus? Is he a teacher? Is he some wise guy who lived a few thousand years ago and has some good things to say about life? Is he somebody who's just really kind? Is he a prophet of God? Is he fake? Is he a myth? Who is he? And I don't know for sure if there's a pause here or not, but I've always imagined that there is. I've always imagined that Jesus turns the question on them and says, well, what about you guys? Who do you say that I am?" [33:52] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "I believe that you are the Christ, the son of the living God. And this is a truth that I'm sure Peter felt a little uneasy at first about offering, that this would have seemed intimidating to declare this about Jesus, but this is a declaration, a truth that over the next year or so, the disciples would go from being willing to cautiously declare it to believing it as a truth, as a truth that was so core to who they are, so core to what they believe about Jesus, something that they believed so firmly that they would rather die than stop declaring that Jesus, Jesus of Nazareth, that he is the Christ, that he is the son of the living God." [35:27] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God, not just a human, but, but God himself in human form. We believe that Jesus is exactly who the Bible claims that Jesus is. We believe that he is the son of God, and then we declare our response to it, right? We say, because this is what I believe about Jesus, this, because I believe that he is the Christ, the son of the living God, I am going to make him my Lord and my Savior." [37:17] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "If today you're, you're ready to step out, if you're ready to answer this question, don't wait. Don't put it off. Don't find a more convenient time. Declare who he is. Declare that he is the son of God, and make him your Lord and Savior. In a moment, we're going to sing some songs together. And worship our incredible God through that. And as we do, I'm going to be down front, right over here. And I would love the opportunity to talk to you. If you're in a place where you're ready to make that declaration today, you can come find me." [39:00] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?