Who Is Jesus to You

Mark 8:27-30

The Crucial Question: Who is Jesus?

https://www.heritagepres.com/sundays-sermon-whats-in-a-name-mark-827-30/

See notes in Life Application Bible

Bible Passage: Mark 8:27-30

Summary: In this critical encounter, Jesus challenges His disciples by asking about the public perception of His identity and then turns it personal by asking them directly who they believe He is. Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah marks a recognition of Jesus not merely as a prophet but as the fulfillment of the divine promise, spotlighting the transition from external beliefs to internal convictions about faith within the Christian community.

Application: This message equips Christians to confront the most critical question of their lives—who do they truly say Jesus is? It invites believers to deepen their relationship with Christ while recognizing that their faith could inspire others to seek and understand Him more completely, ultimately leading to transformation in communal and personal relationships.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that acknowledgment of Jesus’ true identity strengthens the foundation of our faith and propels spiritual growth. It emphasizes the importance of personal faith declarations in community and discipleship, urging believers to consider their responses to Jesus amidst challenges and societal pressures.

How this passage could point to Christ: The passage reveals Jesus as the fulfillment of the Messianic hope throughout Scripture. By Peter’s confession, we see a pivotal moment where the understanding of Jesus begins to shift from a nationalistic savior to the spiritual redeemer intended for all humanity, linking Jesus’ role as the embodiment of God’s covenantal promises.

Big Idea: Understanding who Jesus is must be central to our faith journey, and this understanding will transform not just our lives, but also the world around us as we confidently share the truth of who He is.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon, it might be beneficial to explore the significance of Peter's confession within its broader context about the nature of Christ as the Messiah using Logos. Investigate the implications of the various titles attributed to Jesus throughout the Gospels and how these titles resonate with contemporary perceptions. Additionally, consider studying how Jesus' identity impacts doctrinal teachings across the New Testament, particularly in the epistles.

A. Introduction

Jesus Was Not

Recognized Cary Grant once told how he was walking along a street and met a fellow whose eyes locked onto him with excitement. The man said, “Wait a minute, you’re … you’re—I know who you are; don’t tell me—uh, Rock Hud—No, you’re …” Grant thought he’d help him, so he finished the man’s sentence: “Cary Grant.” And the fellow said, “No, that’s not it! You’re …” There was Cary Grant indentifying himself with his own name, but the man had someone else in mind. John says of Jesus, “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him” (John 1:10 NIV). And even when Jesus identified who he was—the Son of God—the response was not a welcome recognition, but rather the Crucifixion.

People don’t really get who Jesus is.

Matthew 16, Jesus’ disciples had been with Him for a year and a half. Jesus asked His disciples what are the people were saying about who I am. The disciples reported that some thought He was John the Baptist, and others thought He was Elijah or Jeremiah or one of the prophets. Jesus was obviously setting them up for the next question: “Who do you say that I am?” (v. 15, emphasis added). Peter, speaking for the group, responded, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v. 16). This is an extremely important statement because it is the first time, after a year and a half, that the disciples were able to verbalize accurately that they recognized Jesus as the Messiah (“Christ” being the Greek for the Hebrew “Messiah”) for whom the Jews had been waiting for centuries.

Disciples who didn’t recognize Jesus

Jesus walking on water….His disciples didn’t recognize Him (Mark 6:45).

Jesus told them….take courage…It is I. Don’t be afraid.

The crowd recognized Him (Mark 6:53-56). They bought their sick to him

Mark 6:53-56, As sooon as they got out of the boat….the people, that were waiting for Jesus… recognized Him…

they bought their sick to him, demonstrating their faith in his healing powers.

There are people…who are waiting….for you….to tell them about Jesus. Many People don’t believe….because they haven’t heard about Him.

Unlike the disciples, the crowd acknowledges his divine abilities….believing that even a touch of his garment can bring healing. Jesus's strength to save is emphasized throughout the passage.

2. Demons recognize who Jesus is….how come the disciples don’t? If demons know who Jesus is….don’t we think we ought to know

Christ’s Deity Demons knew Jesus to be the “Son of God” (Matthew 8:29). They identified and acknowledged who he is, even if many of the people didn’t.

B. Sermon

Perceptions of Jesus

Mark 8:27

You could introduce how Jesus begins this crucial conversation by asking what others believe about Him. This sets the stage for understanding Jesus against varying societal views. It's a reflection on assessing cultural perceptions versus personal convictions. Emphasizing the importance of each believer to move from hearsay to personal belief might be impactful.

A friend of mine always pictured Jesus as this great, all-knowing figure who sat on a cloud, watching us with a judgmental eye. One day, he saw a movie depicting Jesus as humble and relatable, laughing and sharing meals with friends. It completely changed his perspective! Sometimes, we confine Jesus to our own expectations, but He came to engage with us at our level. Like that movie character, He desires closeness rather than distance!

During a visit to a wildlife park, I saw a sign that said, 'Always respect the animals; they perceive you differently.' It made me think about how we perceive Jesus differently based on our experiences and backgrounds. Some see Him as a strict ruler, while others know Him as a comforting friend. Much like the animals in the park, Jesus ultimately sees us with compassion and understanding, despite our varied perceptions.

2. Popular Opinions Analyzed

Mark 8:28

Perhaps, you will highlight how the disciples relay the variety of opinions people held about Jesus, showing He was seen as a prophet or historic figure reincarnated. This distinction invites believers to see beyond popular opinion and recognize the profoundness of Christ's identity. It underscores the necessity of personal exploration and answer rather than societal compliance.

Some people perceive Jesus as merely a historical figure or a myth, a character in stories rather than a living reality. Yet the testimonies of those who claim to have encountered Him change everything. The Apostle Paul considered himself the 'least of the apostles' yet boldly stated, 'I know whom I have believed.' Our personal encounters can solidify the truth that Jesus is not just an idea but a personal Savior.

In a world full of competing ideologies, Jesus is often seen as just one of many spiritual paths. But when we look at His claims — 'I am the way, the truth, and the life' — we are challenged to rethink His exclusivity. C.S. Lewis famously articulated this dilemma: Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. Our perspective on Him defines who we are and what we believe about our purpose in life.

What were some of the popular opinions about Jesus mentioned in Mark 8:28?

3. Personal Confession Matters

Mark 8:29

Your Opinion Matters to Jesus…

We always say that opinions about the Word of God don’t matter…yes they do.

We see it here in the text….Jesus is asking His disciples about his opinion….Who…do you say that I am.

Our Opinions Matter

Your personal experiences with Jesus impact your ability to share your faith with others?

You can steer someone in the wrong direction…if you do not have a clear picture of who Jesus is...

If you see Jesus as someone whose let you down, someone who has never been there for you, someone who has never done anything for you….do you think…..that they are gonna want to follow the same Jesus that you follow?

My opinion is this…if He never does another thing for me….He’s done enough….He’s never left me....nor Has He foresaken me….I can count on Him….when I need Him….I can cast alll of my burdens….on Him…because He cares for me.

That’s my opinion.

Maybe, you emphasize Peter's personal confession that Jesus is the Messiah, a pivotal moment defining personal faith versus collective thought. It is a call for introspection, advocating for a faith defined by personal conviction rather than communal definition, and is a transformative moment in a believer's journey.

4. Proclaim in Preparedness

Mark 8:30

You could conclude by exploring Jesus’ instruction to keep His identity secret at that time, opening a dialogue on timing and preparation in sharing faith. Consider highlighting the importance of maturity, readiness, and God’s timing. This can motivate believers to wisely share their personal revelations of Jesus with the world.

Conclustion:

Do you know…that Jesus is…the savior….of the whole world.