2. – Finding a Life Worth Living – 9
– Finding a Life Worth Living – 9. “Living Redeemed” (or, Why Jesus Matters)
Matthew 16: 13-27
(p. 905)
Palm Sunday (Matt 21:1-11); branches v 8.
“crucify him” Matt 27:11-26; esp. v 22, 23

3. 1. Identity – Who Jesus is
Finding an adequate explanation for Jesus’ words and deeds
Mt 7:28 – crowds amazed he taught as one who had authority
Mt 8:27 – men amazed what kind of man is this? (calming the storm)
Mt 9:33 – crowds amazed nothing like this ever seen in Israel
Mt 13:54 – amazed Where did he get this wisdom and miraculous power
Who do people say I am?
John the Baptist; Elijah; Jeremiah; one of the prophets
Mt 9:34 – Pharisees it is by the prince of demons he drives out demons.
Mk 3:21 – Family he is out of his mind
Who do you say I am?
The Messiah, the Son of the living God.
Jesus spoke with his own authority “I say . . .” (e.g. Mt 5:22, 28; 7:24; 12:31)
Jesus healed in his own power “I am willing/able . . .” (e.g. Mt 8:3; 9:28)
Matt 7:28 – end of the sermon on the mount.
Matt 8:27 – Calming the storm
Matt 9:33 – Heals 2 blind men and a demon possessed man.

4. 2. Mission – Why Jesus Came
Jewish Messianic expectation – a great warrior king.
Jesus’ Mission – Redeem the world from sin.
v 21 – from that time on Jesus began to explain . . .
. . . he must SUFFER and DIE.
Peter’s reaction - “Never”; Jesus’ rebuke “Satan” -
Satan had already offered him the world without the cross (4:8-9)
Mt 1:21 – name Jesus He will SAVE his people from their SINS
v 21 – and on the third day be RAISED to life
The concerns of God -vs- the concerns of man (v 23)

5. 3. Call – Our Response Whoever wants to be my disciple, MUST –
Deny themselves
Take up their cross
Follow me
Two critical questions:
What good is it to gain the whole world but lose your soul ?
What can you give in exchange for your soul ?
The Ultimate reality:
Jesus will come and “reward” everyone for what they have done

6. Making it Real The conclusion of our series on Discipleship –
Living Downside Up (Why the Kingdom Matters)
Living Finally (Why the End Matters)
Living Empowered (Why the Holy Spirit Matters)
Living Involved (Why the Incarnation Matters)
Living Wounded (Why Suffering Matters)
Living Obediently (Why Holiness Matters)
Living Peacefully (Why Providence Matters)
Living Together (Why Community Matters)
Living Redeemed (Why Jesus Matters)
What “concerns of Man” are holding you back ?
To what do you need to say “Get behind me Satan!” ?