Sunday, March 2, 2025 AM
WHO AM I: Who Do You Say That I Am?
Mike Teel, Pastor
FOCAL PASSAGE:
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” —Matthew 16:13-16
BACKGROUND
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” —Matthew 16:13
1. THE
2. THE PAGAN CITY OF
PHILIPPI
—This city was once the center for Baal worship.
—The shrine to Pan was located in front of a large cave like opening revealing a very deep pit known as “The Gates of Hell” that was thought to be access to the underworld where fertility gods lived during the winter.
—The shrine in front of it was relegated to all types of sensual sinful behavior by the shrine prostitutes both men and women.
A
QUESTION
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” —Matthew 16:13
1.
’ RESPONSE
—“Who does the world say Jesus is?” This is important because many people cling to what the opinion poll says. What the culture tells them, they assume to be right, and they go along with the world’s opinion. Truth has very little bearing on what the world sees and does.
2. THE
RESPONSE
—First, they thought maybe it was John the Baptist who was beheaded by Herod Antipas the tetrarch.
—Some thought Jesus was Elijah who was gathered to heaven in a chariot of fire and was indicated that he would precede Messiah. (Malachi 4:5-6)
—Some thought He was the weeping prophet Jeremiah who called Israel back to God during one of the times they wondered away from God and His word.
3. TODAY’S
RESPONSES
—Buddhist believe that Jesus was a wise and enlightened man who taught similar things to Buddha
—Hindus believe that Jesus was an incarnation of God similar to Krishna, a wise man.
—Jehovah Witnesses believe He was God’s first creation, the archangel Michael, who became a man.
—Mormons believe that Jesus was a prophet and miracle worker, but he was not crucified nor raised from the dead.
—Muslims believer that Jesus was a prophet and miracle worker, but he was not crucified nor raised from the dead.
—Jesus changed the question and asked the disciples directly.
A
QUESTION
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” —Matthew 16:15-16
1. THE
OF THE QUESTION
—Jesus did not ask who they thought He was.
—It was a very personal question of those who had spent the past few years walking and watching Him.
—It was not a theological exam; it was not a pop quiz; it was a personal question that required a commitment on their part.
2. AN
ANSWER
—Simon Peter responds. It was not unusual for Peter to speak up first. He seemed to be the one always speaking.
—Note this was not the first confession made, but it was the first made without undo emotion. Remember when after Jesus calmed the storm, the terrified fishermen proclaimed:
33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” —Matthew 14:33
—But the question Jesus asked in Caesarea Philippi was different. Jesus asked who was He to them personally?
—“Christ” is the equivalent of the Hebrew word “Messiah,” meaning the Anointed One, the One who is God.
—Jesus was for everyone, not just the Jews.
—Calling Jesus, the Son of the Living God, also equated Jesus with God.
—In the Jewish culture and mindset, to say Jesus was the Son of God is to say Jesus was God.
3. MORE THAN
—I’m sure that day all the disciples agreed with Peter and were shaking their heads in agreement.
—Present that day was a disciple named Judas Iscariot and even though he agreed, we will see later he did not fully surrender to the Lordship of Christ.
—This helps me to understand how people can be raised in church, sit in worship services or attend Bible Study classes week after week and never fully understand who Jesus really is.
LIVE IT OUT
How would you answer Jesus today if He asked you, “Who Do You Say That I Am?”
How do you know that Jesus is the Messiah and how has it affected your life?
What do you need to do today to respond to God instruction for your life?