Who Do You Say I Am?

Verses 1-4

Theology: the study of religious faith, practice , and experience especially: the study of God and of God[‘s relation to the world

Mark 8:11-13, Luke 12:54-56

Thus far the Pharisees and Sadducees rejected all of what Jesus had done, even though it was right before their own eyes. They were asking Jesus to do even more spectacular miracles than healings in order for them to believe. WHY ARE WE LIKE THIS? When the Lord shows us that it’s Him in our situation or circumstance, why do we need more from Him in order to trust Him?

Jesus answered why. Because we are a wicked and adulterous generation that’s why. Wicked because we want to continue on in sin and if I believe what my eyes are showing me, I would have to change and align my life with His. Adulterous because we have different idols that we serve. Recognizing Jesus as Lord and Saviour would require destroying idols in your life.

Verse 4 Jesus tells them the only sign that they will receive is the sign of Jonah, which is His death, Matt 12:38-41.

We should be content with His Blood that was shed at Calvary. But we seek greater signs, we are so smart and acquisitive, that we forfeit our relationship with Christ seeking more spiritual value everywhere and anywhere. Anybody that may sound spiritually astute we want that. Instead of truly listening to the Holy Spirit that lives in you. Nothing is wrong with learning and growing but, I speak of a heart posture. You can’t buy this anointing, ask Simon Acts 8:18–20 “18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!”

16:5-12 Jesus warns His disciples against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They thought that He was talking about bread. Then He had to remind them that providing for them was not a problem He would ever have. Philippians 4:19 “19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Jesus warns them again about the religious leaders doctrine.

16:13-16

Caesarea Philippi was a place of political favoritism. King Herod built a temple honoring Caesar and when he passed King Philip added to it and called it ‘Caesarville’. It was a place that worshiped a man and the Greek god Pan. In a land and a time where a mere man gets worshiped. Jesus ask who do the people say that I am? The significance of this is the Messiah was there and the revolution had begun. They wanted Jesus to be King.

John the Baptist ( Because he preached repentance) o(Jewish people were expecting Elijah to return, Mal 4:5 Deut. 18:15-19 speaks of some other prophet. Jeremiah (because he was a prophet of judgement and repentance , he also spoke against the temple and was rejected by the nation’s leaders. But Jesus was non of these no matter how we felt about any of them, Jesus was different.

Jesus hears what outsiders say then He ask a more personal, powerful and profound question. Who do You say that I am? This is a theological question that has stood the test of time and its relevance is as fresh as it was 2000 years ago. Our worldview and belief system is compromised of this answer, its its foundation. Who do you say that I am?

Since we were children we have heard about Jesus and we have been taught to say who He is. But do you really know Him? Do you truly understand who Jesus is. Do you know Him personally for yourself? Has He shown Himself to be a friend and a provider? Is He more than just wishful thinking?

Peter says, “ You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

The Christ, or Messiah points out His divinity and shows His office; The Son designates His person; Living God distinguishes God from the pagan dead idols and points Him out as the source of life. Micah 5:2 “2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.””

Peter got it right Jesus is the Christ. The Anointed One sent to save us from us. But who do you say that Jesus is to you? Is He just an amazing prophet who is a really nice guy and you want to pick up on some of His ways to make you a better person? Or is He more than that to you? Is He a rabbit foot or a genie in the bottle when you need Him most? Do you even believe in Him? Who is He to you? When you truly answer that question for yourself and you answer with the full understanding that He is all you need to live and all you hope for in death. My life has not been the same since I understood the identity of Jesus Christ. He is more than just my saviour, He is my sustainer as well.

Mere words can not answer that question. It has to be your life responding .

16:17-20 Peter was blessed because he came to the correct conclusion of who Jesus really is. Furthermore, Jesus says it wasn’t you yourself that reveal that to you but my Father in heaven.

Jesus gives His disciples His program details; Peter (Petros) masculine, (petra) feminine, were a play on words and in this pericope Jesus is saying that He will build His church with like minded believers that confess Jesus as Christ .

1 Corinthians 3:11 “11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 2:20 “20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,”

Acts 2:32 “32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.”

Jesus identity

John 1:14 “14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Genesis 3:15 “15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.””

Genesis 22:18 “18 In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.””

Psalm 110:4 “4 The Lord has sworn And will not relent, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.””

Isaiah 11:1 “1 There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.”

Isaiah 7:14 “14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”

Isaiah 4:2 “2 In that day the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious; And the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing For those of Israel who have escaped.”

Malachi 3:1 “1 “Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” Says the Lord of hosts.”

1 John 5:1 “1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.”

John 14:6 “6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

John 10:7 “7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.”