Who Do You Say That I Am?

Jul 27, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Who Do You Say That Jesus Is?

Each of us, no matter our background or beliefs, will ultimately have to answer the question Jesus asked His disciples: "Who do you say that I am?" This is not a question that can be answered by our friends, family, or even our church community—it is deeply personal and unavoidable. Jesus invites us on a journey of discovery, allowing us to explore, question, and seek, but He also makes it clear that our response to this question is of eternal significance. The sooner we wrestle with and align our answer to the reality of who Jesus truly is, the better off we will be. This is not just a matter of curiosity or opinion; it is a matter of life and death, and each of us must respond for ourselves. [25:46]

Luke 9:18-20 (ESV)
Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”

Reflection: If Jesus asked you today, "Who do you say that I am?"—how would you answer, and what in your life shows that you truly believe it?

Day 2: Responding to Jesus with Urgency

It is possible to be interested in Jesus, to consider His teachings, and even to enjoy hearing about Him, yet never actually respond in faith and obedience. Herod was perplexed by Jesus, intrigued by the miracles and the message, but he never moved beyond curiosity to repentance. The Bible warns us not to harden our hearts or delay our response, because the window of opportunity to seek the Lord may close sooner than we expect. God is gracious, but He is not obligated to keep offering us chances forever. When He speaks, we are called to respond with urgency—right away, all the way, and with a cheerful heart—rather than putting off obedience for a more convenient time. [37:27]

Hebrews 3:15 (ESV)
As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

Reflection: Is there something God has been prompting you to do that you’ve been putting off? What would it look like to respond to Him today, without delay?

Day 3: Jesus Is the Christ of God—The Anointed King and Suffering Servant

Peter’s confession that Jesus is “the Christ of God” is not just a title, but a declaration that Jesus is the long-promised King and Savior who would bring justice, peace, and healing to the world. The Old Testament foretold that the Christ would not only reign, but also suffer, be rejected, and die for the sins of the people—yet rise again in victory. Jesus fulfills these prophecies as the one who brings justice to the nations, who is gentle with the broken, and who establishes an everlasting kingdom. This truth may be the minority opinion in the world, but it is the reality that brings hope and salvation to all who believe. [52:27]

Isaiah 42:1-4 (ESV)
Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law.

Reflection: In what ways do you need to trust Jesus as both the King who reigns and the Servant who suffers for you?

Day 4: The Sacrifice and Lordship of Jesus

Jesus’ mission was not just to teach or perform miracles, but to offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. He humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant, and became obedient to death—even death on a cross—so that we could be forgiven and reconciled to God. Because of His sacrifice, God has exalted Him above every name, and one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This is not just a future reality, but a present invitation: to confess Jesus as Lord now, to receive His grace, and to let our actions match our confession. [01:04:32]

Philippians 2:5-11 (ESV)
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 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. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Reflection: What area of your life do you need to surrender to Jesus’ lordship today, letting your actions reflect your confession that He is Lord?

Day 5: Don’t Set the Terms—Yield to Jesus Fully

It is tempting to want a relationship with Jesus on our own terms—limiting His authority to certain times or areas of our lives, or treating Him as a consultant rather than as Lord. But when we do this, we risk mocking Him with empty gestures rather than true worship. Jesus is worthy of all our devotion, not just a portion. He calls us to yield every part of our lives to Him, to let go of the desire to control the relationship, and to trust that true life is found in surrendering fully to Him. [47:29]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Reflection: Are there areas where you are holding back from Jesus or trying to dictate the terms of your relationship with Him? What would it look like to offer yourself fully to Him this week?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a family to consider the most important question any of us will ever face: “Who do you say that I am?” This is the question Jesus asked his disciples, and it’s the question that confronts every person, regardless of background, upbringing, or current beliefs. We saw that Jesus doesn’t simply hand us an answer sheet—he invites us into a journey of discovery, a process of wrestling with who he truly is. While there is room for honest exploration, there is also an urgency: the window to respond to Jesus’ invitation is not open forever.

We looked at the example of Herod, a man who was fascinated by Jesus, perplexed by his miracles, and even enjoyed listening to John the Baptist. Yet, Herod never moved beyond curiosity. He kept the message of God at arm’s length, considering it but never acting on it. When Herod finally stood face-to-face with Jesus, Jesus was silent—a sobering reminder that persistent indecision and hardened hearts can lead to a point where God’s gracious invitation is withdrawn. The call is clear: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Delaying obedience, presuming upon God’s grace, or seeking a relationship with Jesus on our own terms is dangerous.

We also saw Peter’s confession: “You are the Christ of God.” This is not just a title; it is the recognition that Jesus is the promised King, the suffering servant, the one who would bring justice, peace, and healing to the world. The Old Testament prophecies—Isaiah 42, Daniel 7, Isaiah 53—paint a picture of a Messiah who would not only rule but also suffer and die in our place, bearing our sins so that we might have peace with God. The resurrection is the vindication of this mission: Jesus is alive, and his kingdom is everlasting.

Ultimately, every person will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord—either now, as a friend, or later, as a foe. The invitation is to respond now, in faith and repentance, to the grace that is offered. This is not about empty ritual or intellectual curiosity, but about surrendering to the one who gave everything for us. Jesus is not interested in being Lord of a small window of our lives; he is Lord of all, and he calls us to yield every part of ourselves to him. The time to respond is now.

Key Takeaways

1. The question “Who do you say that I am?” is not just for the disciples, but for every person. Jesus invites us to explore, to ask, and to seek, but ultimately, each of us must answer for ourselves. No one else can make this confession on our behalf, and the answer shapes our eternity. [21:53]
2. Curiosity about Jesus is not the same as faith. Herod was fascinated, even entertained, by the message of God, but he never repented or surrendered. Persistent indecision and a refusal to act on what we know can lead to spiritual deafness, where even when Jesus stands before us, he may remain silent. [35:34]
3. The urgency of responding to Jesus cannot be overstated. The window of opportunity to seek the Lord may close before we expect—sometimes even before our lives end. God is not obligated to keep offering us chances; his grace is a gift, not a guarantee. “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” [37:27]
4. Jesus is the Christ of God—the promised King, the suffering servant, and the Son of Man who brings justice and peace. The truth of who Jesus is does not depend on popular opinion or cultural consensus; it is rooted in the reality of his life, death, and resurrection, fulfilling the ancient prophecies and offering hope to all nations. [49:47]
5. The cross is not just a historical event, but a personal invitation. Jesus bore our sins, suffered in our place, and rose again so that we might have peace with God. The only fitting response is repentance, faith, and surrender—yielding every part of our lives to his lordship, not just in word but in action. [63:05]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[20:19] - Introduction to Luke and Investigating Jesus
[21:53] - The Central Question: Who Do You Say That I Am?
[23:30] - Invitation to Explore and the Urgency of Answering
[25:46] - Eternal Consequences of Our Answer
[27:43] - Herod’s Perplexity and the Opinions About Jesus
[31:40] - Herod’s Curiosity and Inaction
[33:39] - Herod Meets Jesus: Silence as Judgment
[35:34] - The Danger of Perpetual Curiosity
[37:27] - The Urgency of Obedience and the Closing Window
[47:29] - Mocking Jesus by Withholding Lordship
[49:47] - Peter’s Confession: The Christ of God
[52:27] - The Messiah in Prophecy: Isaiah and Daniel
[57:36] - The Suffering Servant: Isaiah 53
[63:05] - The Cross, Resurrection, and the Call to Surrender
[67:07] - Prayer and Response

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 9:7-22 (ESV)
7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, 8 by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen. 9 Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him.

10 On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. 11 When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. 12 Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.” 13 But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” 14 For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15 And they did so, and had them all sit down. 16 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17 And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.

18 Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”

21 And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”

Observation Questions

What were some of the different opinions people had about Jesus in this passage? ([27:43])
How did Herod respond when he heard about Jesus and his miracles? What was his attitude? ([27:43])
When Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?”, how did Peter answer? ([49:47])
According to Jesus, what would happen to the “Son of Man”? ([54:17])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” instead of just telling them directly who he was? What does this reveal about how Jesus invites people to faith? ([21:53])
Herod was curious about Jesus and liked listening to John the Baptist, but he never acted on what he heard. What does this teach about the difference between curiosity and real faith? ([35:34])
The sermon said that the window of opportunity to respond to Jesus can close before we expect. What are some reasons people might delay responding to Jesus, and what are the dangers of waiting? ([37:27])
Peter confessed that Jesus is “the Christ of God.” What does this title mean, and why is it important that Jesus is both the promised King and the suffering servant? ([49:47])

Application Questions

Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?” is personal and unavoidable. If Jesus asked you this today, how would you answer honestly? Is your answer based on what others say, or your own conviction? ([21:53])
Herod enjoyed hearing about God but never surrendered or repented. Are there areas in your life where you are keeping Jesus at arm’s length—interested, but not willing to obey or surrender? What would it look like to move from curiosity to commitment? ([35:34])
The sermon warned that delaying obedience or presuming on God’s grace is dangerous. Is there something you sense God is calling you to do or change, but you keep putting it off? What is holding you back? ([37:27])
Peter’s confession was not just words—it was a recognition of who Jesus truly is. In what ways does your life reflect (or not reflect) that Jesus is Lord over every part of your life, not just a small window? ([47:29])
The cross is described as a personal invitation, not just a historical event. How does knowing that Jesus suffered and died for you personally affect the way you approach him today? ([01:03:05])
The sermon said that every person will one day confess that Jesus is Lord—either now as a friend, or later as a foe. How does this truth impact the urgency or seriousness with which you follow Jesus? ([01:03:05])
Is there a specific step of faith, repentance, or surrender you feel prompted to take after hearing this message? How can the group support you in taking that step? ([01:07:07])

Close in prayer, asking God to give each person the courage to respond to Jesus’ invitation with faith, repentance, and surrender.

Sermon Clips

39s

#DoNotHardenYourHeart

“Herod had been perplexed for too long but he was never moved to believe so friends this is why the Bible screams at us in multiple places today if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts that there needs to be an urgency as to which we respond to the things that God tells us to do there needs to be an urgency that God told me to do something I'm not gonna sit on it I'm not gonna consider it I'm not gonna you know perplex you know be perplexed and think deep thoughts and you know that I need to act now today if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts”

50s

#SeekHimWhileYouCan

“God's call to salvation is so gracious but we must seek him while he may be found the window of opportunity for you and I to respond to the things that Jesus is telling us to do will one day close and I think one of the things that we see here in this passage that should set off some alarms within us is that many of us consider that when that window closes it's when I take my last breath here on earth but we're seeing something here from Jesus encounter with Herod that the opportunity the window of opportunity for me to respond to Jesus gracious call of salvation might close while I'm still breathing on this side of eternity”

63s

#ChristIsTheAnointedOne

“Now friends, this is the answer. The Christ of God. Now let me just help you a little bit here because I know in our culture, Jesus Christ is said in a very flippant and blasphemous way a lot of times, used as a curse word, that we sometimes just assume that if we're not aware of the Bible that Christ is like Jesus' last name, that Jesus Christ, and so that just goes together. And so you hear a sentence like this that he is the Christ of God. And you're like, that doesn't make sense because I thought it was his last name. Not his last name. Christ is a title. It's a title, meaning the anointed one, the king that God had promised that was going to fix the broken world. The king, the anointed one, the servant that the Old Testament had prophesied about, that God had told his people that someone is coming, someone is coming, someone is coming. And this is Peter saying, you are the one that is coming, that is from God. This is the truth of who Jesus is.”

51s

#JesusIsLordOfAll

“He is the Christ of God. He has died, lived perfectly without sin. He substituted Himself in for you and for me. This is not just a death that was like any other death. This was a death that, as we read, instead, it was the will of the Lord to crush Him. The iniquity of the Lord was, the iniquity of us all was laid upon Him. This was the kind of death that He died. It was for us. It was by us. Friends, you and I had a part to play in killing Jesus. It was His sacrifice that way. We could have peace. This is what the Christ's mission was.”

52s

#ConfessAndClingToJesus

“``Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This is either true or it's not. Every tongue will confess, not that Jesus was John the Baptist, raised from the dead, not that he was another prophet, not that he was a good man, not that he was just a moral man, not that he did some good things, but that Jesus Christ is Lord, and he is the name above every name, and every knee will bow, and every tongue confess. Not because there's a gun pointed to our head, but because we will see him in his majesty, and every knee by nature will just fall down before him and confess on their own volition, Jesus Christ is Lord. My question to you is you can do it on this side of eternity as his friend, or on the other side of eternity as his foe. The window of opportunity is closing.”

16s

“If you're a Christian here, you need to listen to what the Spirit is saying. If you have sin you need to confess of, you need to confess it. If you're an unbeliever here, I cannot urge you enough. We're not guaranteed tomorrow. Seek the Lord while he may be found.”

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Who Do You Say That I Am?

Devotional

Day 1: Who Do You Say That Jesus Is?

Day 2: Responding to Jesus with Urgency

Day 3: Jesus Is the Christ of God—The Anointed King and Suffering Servant

Day 4: The Sacrifice and Lordship of Jesus

Day 5: Don’t Set the Terms—Yield to Jesus Fully

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Who Do You Say That I Am?

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