Who Do People Say That I Am? Pastor Nathan Weller March 5, 2017 Series: Questions Jesus Asked

There are moments in our lives where we must confess our faith

are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” --Matthew 16.13-16 (ESV)

Don’t be surprised by the ignorance of the world

--Matthew 16.13-14 (ESV) 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” --Matthew 16.13-14 (ESV)

1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus, 2 and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” --Matthew 14.1-2 (ESV)

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” --Matthew 16.15 (ESV)

Resist the temptation to pigeonhole Jesus

On the opening day of my class on Jesus of Nazareth, I give a standardized psychological test divided into two parts. The results are nothing short of astounding. The first part is about Jesus. It asks students to imagine Jesus' personality, with questions such as, "Does he prefer to go his own way rather than act by the rules?" and "Is he a worrier?" (cont’d)

The second part asks the same questions of the students, but instead of "Is he a worrier?" it asks, "Are you a worrier?" The test is not about right or wrong answers, nor is it designed to help students understand Jesus. Instead, if given to enough people, the test will reveal that we all think Jesus is like us. Introverts think Jesus is introverted, for example, and... (cont’d)

...on the basis of the same questions, extroverts think Jesus is extroverted...Students are fashioning Jesus to be more like themselves. If the test were given to a random sample of adults, the results would be measurably similar. To one degree or another, we all conform Jesus to our own image.” (Scott McKnight)

Jesus is God

--Matthew 16.15-16 (ESV) 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” --Matthew 16.15-16 (ESV)

--Matthew 16.17-18 (The Message) Jesus came back, “God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn’t get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. --Matthew 16.17-18 (The Message)

--John 14.6 (ESV) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. --John 14.6 (ESV)

--John 8.58-59a (ESV) 59 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59 So they picked up stones to throw at him --John 8.58-59a (ESV)

13 Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” --Exodus 3.13-14 (ESV)

17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter... --Matthew 16.17-18a (ESV)

Who Do People Say That I Am? Pastor Nathan Weller March 5, 2017 Series: Questions Jesus Asked