Who do you say I am?
Questions Jesus Asked, Pt. 3
Every time we gather as a group, these are some ways we ensure the best group discussion:
We make the circle safe by staying honest and transparent - leave the masks at the door.
We keep it inside the circle. Each person’s story is theirs alone to share.
We look to the Bible for wisdom and truth, and work together to let it shape how we see the world.
We don’t try to fix each other in front of each other or give unsolicited advice. We lovingly save hard conversations for private moments.
We respect each others’ time by starting and ending when we say we will.
We believe that in Jesus Christ, there is hope for everyone.
Matthew 16:13-15
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
We get stuck on what OTHERS think of Jesus.
Your parents said he was someone to pray to.
A teacher said he was just a historical figure.
I saw this movie that portrayed him as a guy who saw visions.
I had a friend who found Jesus and got really judgemental…
Jesus was just a cuss word for me.
Think about it… who has defined Jesus for you?
Matthew 16:16
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Knowing who he is… changes who you are.
Luke 22:32
“But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Acts 4:9-10
If we are being examined today about a kind service to a man who was lame, to determine how he was healed, then let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.
1 Peter 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Your past does not determine your identity.
Your history does not define your destiny.
Once you know who Jesus is… then you can know who you are.
Who is he?
Son of God. Crucified. Raised to life.
Who are you?
You are who he says you are.
Forgiven.
Free.
Victorious.
Not a sinner… but a Saint who sins.
A treasure.
His friend.
A child of God.
And the very gates of hell… even if that has been in you… will not prevail against what Jesus says about you.
Start with M.U.D.
Memorable + Understandable + Doable
What was the most memorable part of the message or service this weekend for you personally? Why?
Did anything you heard challenge or influence how you think about God or your life?
How can what you learned influence or change how you live in everyday life? What tangible steps would it take to make that change a reality?
Additional Questions
What kinds of things have defined you throughout your life? At different stages, what have you viewed as the most important or most significant thing about yourself?
We get stuck on what OTHERS think of Jesus.
Who else has “defined” Jesus for you? How has that affected your understanding of Jesus?
Your past does not determine your identity, and your history does not define your destiny.
What parts of your past threaten to become your identity?
What would look different about your “destiny” if your history no longer defined it?
Take a quiet moment to write down your answer to these questions, before hearing anyone else’s answer. Then share your answers and talk about them.
Who do you say Jesus is?
Who does Jesus say you are?
