Who Do You Say Jesus Is?
Summary
In our journey through the Gospel of Mark, we are confronted with the most pivotal question of our lives: "Who do you say Jesus is?" This question is not just a theological inquiry but a personal one that demands an answer from each of us, regardless of our current beliefs. The Gospel of Mark, written by John Mark, a companion of Peter and Paul, is a fast-paced narrative aimed at a Roman Gentile audience. It emphasizes the actions, miracles, and power of Jesus, resonating with a culture that valued efficiency and strength. Mark's Gospel is structured into two main parts: the first half introduces who Jesus is, showcasing his miracles and teachings, while the second half reveals what Jesus came to do—serve, suffer, die, and rise again.
Mark's narrative is not chronological but thematic, focusing on the essence of Jesus' mission. The Gospel omits genealogies and birth narratives, which were less relevant to its Roman audience, and instead highlights Jesus' actions and the immediacy of his mission. The central question, "Who do you say Jesus is?" is posed in a spiritually dark setting, Caesarea Philippi, surrounded by idols and pagan worship. This backdrop underscores the gravity of the question, challenging us to see beyond societal perceptions and recognize Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God.
Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah reveals a common misunderstanding of Jesus' mission. The Jews expected a conquering king, but Jesus came as a suffering servant. This misunderstanding is corrected as Jesus explains that his path involves suffering and sacrifice, a model for his followers. The call to deny oneself, take up the cross, and follow Jesus is a radical departure from comfort and self-preservation, inviting us into a life of purpose and eternal significance.
In our modern context, we often reshape Jesus to fit our comfort zones, but Mark challenges us to embrace the true Jesus of the Bible. Our identity, purpose, and future hinge on our answer to this question. If Jesus is merely a teacher or myth, our lives remain centered on our plans and achievements. But if he is the Son of God, it transforms everything, grounding our identity in him and securing our future in his hands.
Key Takeaways:
- The Gospel of Mark challenges us with the question, "Who do you say Jesus is?" This question is central to our faith and life, demanding a personal response that shapes our identity and purpose. [27:24]
- Mark's Gospel is structured to reveal both who Jesus is and what he came to do. The first half focuses on his identity through miracles and teachings, while the second half emphasizes his mission of suffering and redemption. [30:22]
- Jesus' mission as a suffering servant contrasts with the Jewish expectation of a conquering king. This misunderstanding highlights the need to align our understanding of Jesus with the biblical narrative rather than cultural expectations. [33:46]
- Our modern tendency to reshape Jesus into a comfortable figure is challenged by Mark's portrayal of Jesus as one who calls us to deny ourselves and follow him, even through suffering. This call is a radical invitation to a life of purpose beyond personal comfort. [36:53]
- The Roman centurion's recognition of Jesus as the Son of God at the crucifixion underscores the transformative power of truly understanding who Jesus is. This acknowledgment changes our perspective on life, grounding our identity and future in him. [46:08]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Introduction to the Gospel Truth Series
[03:45] - The Importance of Life's Questions
[06:10] - Who is Mark?
[09:20] - Mark's Audience and Writing Style
[12:00] - Structure of the Gospel of Mark
[15:30] - The Central Question: Who is Jesus?
[18:45] - Jesus in Caesarea Philippi
[22:00] - Misunderstandings of Jesus' Mission
[25:15] - The Call to Follow Jesus
[28:30] - Modern Perceptions of Jesus
[31:45] - The True Purpose of Jesus' Mission
[35:00] - Personal Reflections on Suffering
[38:20] - The Roman Centurion's Declaration
[41:00] - Conclusion: Answering the Question
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Mark 8:27-38
- Mark 10:45
- 2 Timothy 4:11
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of the setting in Caesarea Philippi when Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do you say I am?" [30:22]
2. How does Mark's Gospel structure help us understand who Jesus is and what he came to do? [27:24]
3. What were some of the misconceptions about Jesus' mission that Peter and others had during Jesus' time? [33:46]
4. How does the Roman centurion's declaration at the crucifixion contribute to the understanding of Jesus' identity? [46:08]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might Mark have chosen to focus on Jesus' actions and miracles rather than genealogies or birth narratives? How does this choice speak to the intended audience? [27:24]
2. In what ways does Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah reveal a misunderstanding of Jesus' true mission? [33:46]
3. How does the call to deny oneself and take up the cross challenge modern perceptions of comfort and self-preservation? [36:53]
4. What does the Roman centurion's recognition of Jesus as the Son of God at the crucifixion signify about the transformative power of understanding Jesus' true identity? [46:08]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal answer to the question, "Who do you say Jesus is?" How does your answer shape your daily life and decisions? [48:47]
2. Consider the ways in which you might have reshaped Jesus to fit your comfort zone. What steps can you take to align your understanding of Jesus with the biblical narrative? [36:53]
3. How can you actively deny yourself and take up your cross in your current life situation? What specific actions can you take this week to follow Jesus more closely? [36:53]
4. In what ways can you ensure that your understanding of Jesus is not influenced by societal perceptions but grounded in Scripture? [36:53]
5. Think about a time when you faced suffering or hardship. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for God to redeem rather than just remove it? [46:08]
6. Identify one area of your life where you seek comfort over purpose. How can you reorient your priorities to focus on eternal significance rather than temporary comfort? [36:53]
7. How can you engage with someone in your life who may have misconceptions about Jesus' mission? What approach can you take to share the true message of the Gospel with them? [33:46]
Devotional
Day 1: The Central Question of Faith
The Gospel of Mark challenges us with the question, "Who do you say Jesus is?" This question is central to our faith and life, demanding a personal response that shapes our identity and purpose. In a world filled with distractions and competing narratives, this question cuts through the noise, calling us to a deeper understanding of who Jesus is. It is not merely an academic or theological inquiry but a personal one that requires introspection and honesty. The answer to this question influences how we live, the choices we make, and the values we hold dear. It is a question that invites us to explore the depths of our beliefs and to align our lives with the truth of Jesus' identity. [27:24]
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: Consider how you currently perceive Jesus. Is He a distant figure, a moral teacher, or the living Son of God? How does this perception influence your daily life and decisions?
Day 2: Understanding Jesus' Mission
Mark's Gospel is structured to reveal both who Jesus is and what he came to do. The first half focuses on his identity through miracles and teachings, while the second half emphasizes his mission of suffering and redemption. This structure is intentional, guiding the reader to a fuller understanding of Jesus' purpose. His miracles and teachings demonstrate his authority and compassion, while his journey to the cross reveals the depth of his love and the cost of redemption. Understanding this dual focus helps us grasp the full scope of Jesus' mission and its implications for our lives. It challenges us to see beyond the surface and to embrace the transformative power of his sacrifice. [30:22]
Isaiah 53:4-5 (ESV): "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."
Reflection: Reflect on the dual nature of Jesus' mission. How does understanding both his teachings and his sacrifice deepen your appreciation of his work in your life?
Day 3: The Suffering Servant
Jesus' mission as a suffering servant contrasts with the Jewish expectation of a conquering king. This misunderstanding highlights the need to align our understanding of Jesus with the biblical narrative rather than cultural expectations. The Jews of Jesus' time anticipated a Messiah who would overthrow their oppressors and establish a political kingdom. However, Jesus came to establish a spiritual kingdom through humility, service, and sacrifice. This revelation challenges us to reevaluate our expectations and to embrace the true nature of Jesus' mission. It calls us to follow his example of selflessness and to find strength in weakness. [33:46]
Philippians 2:6-8 (ESV): "Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
Reflection: In what ways have you misunderstood Jesus' mission? How can you align your understanding with the biblical narrative and embrace the call to serve others?
Day 4: The Call to Radical Discipleship
Our modern tendency to reshape Jesus into a comfortable figure is challenged by Mark's portrayal of Jesus as one who calls us to deny ourselves and follow him, even through suffering. This call is a radical invitation to a life of purpose beyond personal comfort. It requires a willingness to let go of self-centered ambitions and to embrace a life of service and sacrifice. Following Jesus means prioritizing his kingdom over our own desires and trusting in his plan for our lives. It is a call to live with eternal significance, knowing that true fulfillment is found in surrendering to his will. [36:53]
Luke 9:23-24 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you are holding back from fully following Jesus. What steps can you take today to surrender this area to him?
Day 5: The Transformative Power of Recognizing Jesus
The Roman centurion's recognition of Jesus as the Son of God at the crucifixion underscores the transformative power of truly understanding who Jesus is. This acknowledgment changes our perspective on life, grounding our identity and future in him. When we see Jesus for who he truly is, it alters our priorities, values, and relationships. It brings clarity to our purpose and instills hope for the future. Recognizing Jesus as the Son of God is not just a momentary revelation but a lifelong journey of growing in faith and understanding. It is an invitation to experience the fullness of life in him. [46:08]
Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: How has recognizing Jesus as the Son of God transformed your life? In what ways can you continue to grow in your understanding and relationship with him?
Quotes
"When you look at the book of Mark, you can really kind of break it in to two halves. The first half, so the first part of Mark, he's just introducing who Jesus is. He starts with John the Baptist that's going to be the forerunner of Jesus and kind of pointing to, hey, here's the Messiah, the Savior of the world that's come." [00:27:44] (19 seconds)
"What Mark is trying to do in this section right here is he's trying to tell us who Jesus is. Okay, this is important, okay? He's trying to tell us who Jesus is. The second part here, from Mark 8, 27 to the rest of the book, he's trying to tell us and to show us what Jesus came to do." [00:28:41] (21 seconds)
"And remember I said that there's a question that every one of us must answer, and it's a question that has the power to define our life and our eternity. And it's a question that you've got to answer whether you're a follower of Jesus or not. And the question that we all have to answer, tucked in the middle of this book, is this." [00:29:12] (19 seconds)
"Who do you say Jesus is? You see, this is the question that Mark is trying to answer for everybody. Again, the first half, this is who Jesus is. You know, he healed people. He cast out demons. He performed miracles like feeding the 5,000, walking on the water. This is who Jesus is." [00:29:33] (22 seconds)
"Jesus is with his disciples. And he goes into Caesarea Philippi. And his disciples are all around. And they're looking around, and they're seeing all of these idols. They're seeing them worship these idols. And the only place that I've been to that I could kind of get a sense of what this might have been like." [00:30:55] (20 seconds)
"I try to think about some of the ways that we would answer that question today. If you were to ask somebody, you know, who is Jesus to you? And I thought of just a handful of things. One of the ways that somebody might answer that is, he's just a great moral teacher or a life coach. You know, he's just there to kind of give you some direction." [00:32:34] (21 seconds)
"But the other one is, is some see him as just a social justice advocate. He's here to, you know, fight systemic oppression, whatever that looks like. You know, that's what Jesus came to do. We see this one a lot in our culture today, don't we? The social justice movement." [00:33:36] (20 seconds)
"Here's the thing we try to do, because us Americans, we love our comfort. Okay? We love being comfortable. And what we try to do is we try to Americanize Jesus. And David Platt, he has a statement that really summarizes up perfectly what we try to do. Here's what he says." [00:36:07] (20 seconds)
"A nice middle-class American Jesus. A Jesus who doesn't mind materialism and would never call us to give away everything we have. A Jesus who's fine with nominal devotion that does not infringe upon our comforts. Heaven forbid that we would want Jesus to infringe upon our comforts." [00:36:50] (22 seconds)
"And the thing about it is, Mark's teaching us that Jesus didn't come to make us comfortable. He didn't come to, quote, get us. He came to call us to something bigger. He came to call us out of that to do more for him." [00:37:23] (14 seconds)
"If what Mark said is true, if he's showing us who this Jesus is and what he came to do, if that's true, then it changes everything. It means our identity isn't found in success. It isn't found in status or comfort. It's found in him. It means that our purpose isn't just about career or achievements. It's about following him." [00:48:13] (27 seconds)
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