Who Do You Say Jesus Is?
Summary
God is unchanging—He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. To truly know Him, it’s essential to be in His Word daily, not just to learn about Him, but to experience a growing relationship with Him. Just as a marriage grows over time, so does our walk with God; it’s a journey of continual growth, not a destination of perfection. We all wrestle with the tension between our spirit and our flesh, and that’s part of the Christian life. The key is to keep moving forward, taking the next step God puts before us, even when it’s uncomfortable.
A central question shapes everything: “Who do you say Jesus is?” This isn’t just a theological question—it’s the foundation of our faith and the direction of our lives. The answer determines not only our eternity but also how we live and make decisions here and now. Many voices compete for our attention—fear, selfishness, rationalization, and even biblical illiteracy. But God calls us to listen to His voice, to study His Word for ourselves, and to trust Him, even when it stretches us beyond our comfort zones.
Faith isn’t about having it all together or never doubting. Like the father who brought his son to Jesus, we can say, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” God honors honest, imperfect faith that’s willing to take the next step. The difference between calling Jesus “Rabbi” (teacher) and “Lord” (supreme authority) is profound. Judas walked with Jesus, heard His teachings, and saw His miracles, but never surrendered to Him as Lord. The other disciples, though imperfect, called Him Lord and surrendered their lives to Him.
Ultimately, Jesus is not just a good teacher or a source of wise sayings. He is the Savior who died and rose again to bring us from spiritual death to life. Salvation isn’t about church attendance, baptism, or good works—it’s about trusting Jesus as Lord and Savior. Each of us must answer the question: Who is Jesus to me? That answer will shape every step we take, both now and for eternity.
Key Takeaways
- Knowing God requires more than surface-level engagement; it demands a daily, intentional pursuit of Him through His Word. Only by immersing ourselves in Scripture can we truly understand who God is and what He desires for our lives. This ongoing relationship is the foundation for spiritual growth and transformation. [30:20]
- Spiritual growth is a journey marked by tension and discomfort. The battle between flesh and spirit is real, and God often calls us to places that stretch our faith. Rather than seeking perfection, God desires a maturing faith—a willingness to take the next step, however small, trusting that He will meet us there. [43:36]
- The voices we listen to shape our response to God’s call. Fear, selfishness, rationalization, and biblical illiteracy can all hinder generosity and obedience. True spiritual maturity comes from discerning God’s voice above the noise, studying His Word in context, and allowing Him to challenge and change us. [41:46]
- The distinction between calling Jesus “Rabbi” and “Lord” is crucial. “Rabbi” acknowledges Jesus as a respected teacher, but “Lord” surrenders to Him as the supreme authority. Our willingness to submit every area of our lives to Christ as Lord is what sets us apart as true disciples, not just admirers. [53:33]
- Salvation is not about religious activity or moral improvement, but about a personal relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior. Each person must answer the question, “Who do you say Jesus is?” This answer determines not only our eternal destiny but also the direction and purpose of our lives here and now. [01:01:44]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[30:20] - The Unchanging God and His Word
[31:27] - Growing in Relationship with God
[32:16] - Prayer for Spiritual Growth
[33:05] - Wrestling with God’s Word and Will
[33:52] - The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit
[34:52] - The Weight of the Question: Who is Jesus?
[35:45] - The Eternal Impact of Our Answer
[38:36] - Living Within Biblical Boundaries
[39:19] - Praying for Spiritual Eyes, Ears, and Heart
[40:52] - Voices That Challenge Generosity
[41:46] - Wrestling with Doubt and Fear
[43:36] - Imperfect but Growing Faith
[44:11] - Taking the Next Step in Faith
[49:47] - Jesus’ Question: Who Do You Say I Am?
[53:33] - Lord vs. Rabbi: The Heart of Surrender
[59:16] - The True Meaning of Salvation
[01:01:44] - Responding to Jesus as Lord
[01:04:06] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:05:56] - Next Steps and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
---
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 9:21-24 (ESV)
> And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
2. Matthew 16:13-16 (ESV)
> Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 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.”
3. Matthew 26:20-25 (ESV)
> When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Mark 9, what was the father’s honest response to Jesus when he was struggling with faith? What does this reveal about his heart? ([46:23])
2. When Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” in Matthew 16, what were some of the answers people in the community were giving, and how did Peter respond? ([49:47])
3. At the Last Supper in Matthew 26, how did the disciples address Jesus when asking if they would betray him, and how was Judas’ response different? ([53:33])
4. According to the sermon, what is the difference between calling Jesus “Rabbi” and calling Him “Lord”? ([55:01])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus honored the father’s imperfect but honest faith in Mark 9, instead of rebuking him for his doubt? What does this say about how God views our struggles with belief? ([46:23])
2. The question “Who do you say Jesus is?” was asked directly to the disciples. Why is this question so central to the Christian faith, and how does it impact a person’s life and decisions? ([35:45])
3. The sermon points out that Judas called Jesus “Rabbi” while the other disciples called Him “Lord.” What does this difference in titles reveal about their relationship with Jesus and their willingness to surrender? ([53:33])
4. The pastor mentioned that spiritual growth is a journey, not a destination of perfection. How does this perspective affect the way we approach our daily walk with God? ([43:36])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized the importance of being in God’s Word daily to truly know Him. What is your current habit of reading the Bible, and what is one practical step you can take this week to grow in this area? ([30:20])
2. The father in Mark 9 said, “I believe; help my unbelief.” Can you think of a specific area in your life right now where you feel both faith and doubt? How can you bring that honestly to God in prayer? ([46:23])
3. The pastor talked about the tension between our spirit and our flesh, and how spiritual growth often feels uncomfortable. What is one area where you feel God is stretching you right now? How can you take a “next step” even if it feels small? ([43:36])
4. Many voices compete for our attention—fear, selfishness, rationalization, and biblical illiteracy. Which of these voices do you most often struggle with, and what is one way you can intentionally listen for God’s voice instead? ([41:46])
5. The difference between calling Jesus “Rabbi” and “Lord” is surrender. Are there areas of your life where you treat Jesus more like a teacher than the supreme authority? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him? ([55:01])
6. The sermon said salvation isn’t about church attendance, baptism, or good works, but about trusting Jesus as Lord and Savior. How would you answer the question, “Who is Jesus to you?” and how does that answer shape your daily life? ([01:01:44])
7. The pastor encouraged the church to pray for “spiritual eyes to see, ears to hear, and a receptive heart.” What would it look like for you to pray this prayer daily, and how might it change the way you approach God’s Word and your decisions? ([39:19])
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for honest faith, a deeper hunger for God’s Word, and courage to take the next step God is calling each person to take.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus is Lord, Not Just Teacher
The difference between calling Jesus “Lord” and merely “Rabbi” is the difference between surrender and simple respect. Eleven disciples called Jesus “Lord,” surrendering their lives and authority to Him, while Judas called Him “Rabbi,” acknowledging His wisdom but withholding true surrender. The heart of faith is not just admiring Jesus’ teachings or enjoying His presence, but making Him the supreme authority, the one who calls the shots in your life. Is Jesus just a good influence, or is He truly your Lord, the one to whom you yield every part of your life? [55:01]
Matthew 26:20-25 (ESV)
When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”
Reflection: In what area of your life have you been treating Jesus more like a respected teacher than the Lord who has authority—what would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?
Day 2: Wrestling with Imperfect Faith
Everyone faces moments of doubt and tension between belief and uncertainty, but God honors honest, growing faith. The father who brought his son to Jesus admitted, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”—and Jesus responded not with condemnation, but with compassion and a challenge to deeper trust. God is not looking for perfect faith, but for a faith that is willing to take the next step, even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain. You are not alone in your wrestling; what matters is that you keep moving forward, trusting God to meet you in your honesty and stretch your faith. [45:41]
Mark 9:21-24 (ESV)
And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Reflection: Where are you struggling to trust God fully right now, and what is one small, honest step you can take today to invite Him into that struggle?
Day 3: Who Do You Say Jesus Is?
The most important question you will ever answer is, “Who do you say Jesus is?”—because your answer shapes not only your eternity, but every decision you make in this life. Some see Jesus as a good man, a prophet, or a wise teacher, but only those who confess Him as the Christ, the Son of the living God, experience the fullness of His salvation and purpose. This question is not just for a moment of conversion, but for every day: is Jesus truly the center of your life, or just a part of it? [50:32]
Matthew 16:13-16 (ESV)
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 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: If someone looked at your life today, what would your actions and priorities say about who Jesus is to you?
Day 4: Living Within Biblical Boundaries Brings Blessing
God’s Word is not just information—it is His will, and His will is always for your best. Living within the boundaries of Scripture is not about restriction, but about positioning yourself to receive God’s blessing and experience His best for your life. When you choose to obey God’s Word, even when it’s uncomfortable or countercultural, you open yourself up to the fullness of what He wants to do in and through you. The blessings of God flow to those who trust Him enough to live according to His ways. [38:36]
Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV)
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Reflection: What is one area where you know God’s Word is calling you to a different choice—how can you take a step of obedience today to live within His boundaries?
Day 5: Take Your Next Step—Faith is a Journey
No one is expected to have arrived at perfect faith; what matters is that you are taking your next step in following Jesus. Whether you have been a Christian for fifty years or fifty days, God is inviting you to grow, to stretch, and to move forward in your relationship with Him. You are only responsible for your next step, not someone else’s, and God delights in your willingness to keep growing. Don’t compare your journey to others—ask God to show you what your next step is, and trust Him to walk with you as you take it. [44:11]
Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV)
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: What is one specific next step God is prompting you to take in your faith journey, and how can you act on it this week?
Quotes
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jul 06, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?