When the Question Becomes the Call
Pastor Gregg Brenes
Part of Who Do You Say I Am?
June 2, 2025

Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him. —Mark 14:10-11

Jesus comes to us personally.

And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. 18 And as they were reclining at table and eating… —Mark 14:17-18

When you humbly open your heart to Jesus, He will keep you close.

Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” 19 They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?” 20 He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. —Mark 14:18-20

Three questions…

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. —Psalm 139:23-24

What are others trying to tell me?


What have I rationalized for some time?


Where am I most defensive?

When you take Jesus into your life, He provides the Spiritual nourishment you crave.

And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. —Mark 14:22-24

When you trust that God’s kingdom is real and coming, it changes how you live today.

Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” —Mark 14:25

Now the question isn’t just ‘Who do you say I am?’ It’s ‘What will you do with Me now?’

And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. —Mark 16:8

How will you respond?

Discipleship Guide

Let’s Talk About It

When we don’t see Jesus clearly, we’re not able to follow him fully. Jesus doesn’t just want to be recognized, He wants to be received. Jesus meets us personally, even in the middle of our mess and failures – just like He did with His disciples at the Last Supper. When we open our hearts to Him, He draws us close and invites us to reflect honestly, asking, “Is it me?” That kind of self-reflection—what are people trying to tell me, what have I been excusing, and why am I so defensive – can lead to real transformation. Jesus doesn’t just call us out; He fills us up, offering Himself as the spiritual nourishment our souls truly need. And when we believe His kingdom is real and, on its way, it changes how we live right now—with more courage, more purpose, and more hope.

Mark 14:10-11, 17-25; Psalm 139:23-24; Exodus 12:7, 12-13; Mark 15:39; Mark 16:6-8

Discussion questions:

  • Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?

  • Read Mark 14:17-25. “Is it I?” is a moment of honest self-reflection. Where in your life do you need to slow down and ask that question—not from fear or shame, but from humility and desire to stay close to Jesus?

  • Read Psalm 139:23-24. Which of the three reflection questions hit home for you: 1. What are others trying to tell me? 2. What have I been rationalizing? 3. Where am I most defensive? What’s one area where you sense God is inviting you to be more honest or surrendered?

  • Jesus offers His life—His body and blood—for us to receive. What does it mean to you personally to “receive” Jesus? What’s the difference between knowing about Him and taking Him into your life?

  • Jesus pointed forward to a future kingdom meal. How does trusting that God’s kingdom is real and coming change how you live today? Where do you need to live with more hope or mission?

  • How can we support one another in responding to Jesus’ call with humility and trust?

Take a Step

Set aside 10 minutes this week to quietly reflect with God using Psalm 139:23–24. Ask Him to search your heart and reveal anything you’ve been ignoring, excusing, or defending – and then take one step to respond in obedience, whether that means having a conversation, confessing something, or making a change.

Here’s My Prayer
Lord, thank You for being the Lamb who gave everything to draw me close. Help me open my heart with humility and self-awareness. Show me what I need to surrender, and give me the courage to receive the life You offer. Let Your kingdom shape how I live today—with hope, purpose, and trust in Your promises. Give me the faith to follow where You lead. In Jesus’ name, amen.