Who is He?

vs.13-14:

“Who do men say that I… am?” People have ascribed many different names and identities to Jesus.

Some say He’s just a wise man or a prophet, some call him a fraud. Many seek to take away his godhood.

The Jehovah’s witnesses say there is no Trinity; thus, Jesus is not God, but a created being.

The Catholics remove him from his role as mediator, and place a human priest between man and God, which makes Jesus lower than man.

The Mormons say that we will become Gods. If Jesus is just a manifestation of our future state, then He is no more special than we are.

In fact, there is much confusion and many opinions about who Jesus is, even in Christian circles.

One thing is certain, we cannot afford to base our knowledge of Jesus on public opinion or majority consensus. Sadly though, that is exactly how many people obtain their Biblical “knowledge”.

It is a sad commentary today, that so many of our beliefs are swayed by public opinion rather than truth.

Our news media, popular media, social media, schools and universities all work to manipulate our beliefs. They all have agendas that typically don’t include the truth, and are usually anti God.

We allow them this control over our lives, when we have the truth sitting right in front of us… The Bible, the Word of God.

Your view of Jesus is of eternal importance, and His identity is not determine by public opinion.

vv.15-16:

“Who do you say that I am?”

This was Jesus’ follow-up question. You see, it doesn’t matter what anyone else says, who do you say Jesus is?

Simon correctly Identified Jesus.

The Christ

“The Christ” means the anointed one… the Messiah whom the Jews were expecting.

John 1:41

John 1:41 NKJV

He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ).

John 4:25-26

John 4:25–26 NKJV

The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”

The Messiah was expected to be the Savior, and indeed He is, as we will soon see.

The Son of the Living God

This is a term used for the Lord in the Old Testament, and puts everything into a Jewish perspective.

Deuteronomy 5:26

Deuteronomy 5:26 NKJV

For who is there of all flesh who has heard the voice of the living God speaking from the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?

Psalm 42:2

Psalm 42:2 NKJV

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?

Daniel 6:26

Daniel 6:26 NKJV

I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, And steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, And His dominion shall endure to the end.

Jesus is more than just the Son, He is God and He is alive

John 10:30

John 10:30 NKJV

I and My Father are one.”

Revelation 1:18

Revelation 1:18 NKJV

I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

v.17:

Jesus pointed out that true knowledge of Him is not of human origin or man’s interpretation, but rather a revelation from God.

The revelation of Jesus comes to us through Scripture

John 5:39

John 5:39 NKJV

You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.

2 Timothy 3:16

2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

Accepting the truth of Jesus Christ leads to salvation

Jesus further affirms that those who accept this revelation are blessed. This is because acceptance of who Jesus truly is, is the only path to salvation

John 14:6

John 14:6 NKJV

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Romans 10:9

Romans 10:9 NKJV

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Not just any Jesus, The Lord Jesus

Acts 4:12

Acts 4:12 NKJV

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

To believe in a Jesus who is anything other than what the Bible specifically reveals, cannot lead to salvation.

It is sad that so many have become futile in their thoughts (vain in their imaginations).

Romans 1:21

Romans 1:21 NKJV

because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Even many professing Christians have fallen into this trap, and believe in a Jesus of their own making.

There is a very popular pop-culture jesus who has made his way into our churches.

He is a Jesus who is accepting of our sin, and would never judge anyone. (Meaning he will save everyone, regardless)

He is a Jesus who doesn’t actually save, all we need to do is to be good people.

This pop-culture Jesus is not the Jesus that Scripture reveals to us, and there is no salvation in him.

The truth is this:

He is the Righteous Judge who says go and sin no more

2 Timothy 4:8

2 Timothy 4:8 NKJV

Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Revelation 19:11

Revelation 19:11 NKJV

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.

John 8:10-11

John 8:10–11 NKJV

When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

Good works can’t save us, and He will deny those who deny Him

Ephesians 2:8-9

Ephesians 2:8–9 NKJV

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Matthew 10:33

Matthew 10:33 NKJV

But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

Closing:

There is only one Jesus, and He is specifically revealed in the Bible. Take care that you don’t believe in a counterfeit.