Matthew 16:13-23

Intro

This brings the story home—Jesus asks the core question: “Who do you say I am?” Right before heading to the cross, this question becomes deeply personal. This could be a powerful setup to get students thinking personally before entering Holy Week: Do I believe this Jesus is really worth following—even to the cross?

Opening Hook

"Imagine this: You’re walking down a hallway at school, and someone asks, ‘Who’s your favorite artist?’ or ‘What’s your go-to coffee order?’ You probably have a quick answer. But what if they asked, ‘Who is Jesus—to you?’ That one hits different."

Tell students that tonight, Jesus is going to ask that exact question—not to trick us, not to test us—but to lead us deeper.

Read the Passage (Matthew 16:13–23)

Encourage students to open their Bibles or Bible apps. Read it together, or have a couple students read different parts aloud.

Teaching

1. Jesus starts with the crowd (v.13–14):

“Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

He opens with a general question. “What’s the word on the street?”

The disciples list off popular answers: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah—basically, people think Jesus is just another prophet.

Point: People still do this today. Some say Jesus was just a good teacher, a wise man, a moral leader—but not Lord.

2. Then Jesus gets personal (v.15):

“But what about you? Who do you say I am?”

This is the question that matters most—not what your friends say, not what your parents say, not what your youth pastor says.

Ask: If Jesus asked you this tonight, what would you say? Not just with your words—but with your life?

3. Peter gets it right… at first (v.16):

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

This is a huge moment. Peter nails it. Jesus is the Messiah—the promised Savior—and the Son of God.

Jesus praises Peter. God revealed this to him.

4. But then Peter gets it wrong (v.21–23):

Jesus starts explaining that He must suffer, be killed, and rise again. But Peter rebukes Jesus.

Peter didn’t expect a suffering Messiah. He wanted a conquering King, not a crucified Savior.

Jesus calls him “Satan” because Peter was thinking on human terms, not God’s.

Point: Sometimes we want Jesus on our terms. We want Him to bless us, make life easy, fix things—but not go to the cross. But Jesus shows us that following Him means denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and trusting Him—even when it’s hard.

Conclusion

Reflection Time

Set a quiet tone. Invite students to close their eyes and think deeply.

"Jesus is asking each of us tonight: Who do you say I am?

Not: 'Who do your parents say I am?' Not: 'What did you learn in Sunday school?' But: Who am I—to you?

And if you really believe He’s the Son of God… what does that mean for your life?"

Let them reflect silently. Then you can ask:

Do I only follow Jesus when it’s easy?

Do I try to shape Jesus into who I want Him to be?

Am I willing to trust and follow Him—even to the cross?

Encourage them to journal or pray during this time if that fits your group.

Close in Prayer

Discussion Questions (for small groups or after service)

Why do you think Jesus asked the disciples what others thought before asking them personally?

How do you think people your age answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”

What parts of Jesus’ identity are easy to accept? Which are harder?

What’s one way you can trust Jesus more deeply this Holy Week?