Jesus, Do You Know Him?

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Jesus, Do You Know Him?

Bible Passage: Matthew 16:1–6, Matthew 16:7–20, Matthew 16:21–28, Col 2:1–23, Col 3:1–11, Ac 2:37–47

1. Sight Beyond Signs

Matthew 16:1–6 CSB

1 The Pharisees and Sadducees approached, and tested him, asking him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He replied, “When evening comes you say, ‘It will be good weather because the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘Today will be stormy because the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to read the appearance of the sky, but you can’t read the signs of the times. 4 An evil and adulterous generation demands a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” Then he left them and went away. 5 The disciples reached the other shore, and they had forgotten to take bread. 6 Then Jesus told them, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

 The sign of Jonah" is a phrase used by Jesus in the Gospels (Matthew 12:38-42, 16:4; Luke 11:29-32) to describe his own future death, burial, and resurrection, drawing a direct parallel to the Old Testament story of the prophet Jonah. When asked by the Pharisees for a miraculous sign to prove his authority, Jesus declared that no sign would be given except for this, where he would spend "three days and three nights in the heart of the earth," mirroring Jonah’s time in the belly of the fish. 

Key interpretations and aspects of the Sign of Jonah include:

The Resurrection and Rebirth: Just as Jonah was delivered from the "belly of Sheol" (the realm of the dead) after three days, Jesus indicated he would be raised from the grave.

A Sign of Warning: Jesus referred to his generation as "evil and adulterous" for seeking proof, arguing that the Ninevites repented at Jonah's preaching, but his own people would not repent even after his resurrection.

The "Greater than Jonah" Concept: Jesus declared that "something greater than Jonah is here," positioning himself not just as a prophet, but as the Savior whose resurrection would be the ultimate, final sign.

A Type of Christ: Traditionally, theologians have seen Jonah as a "type" or foreshadowing of Christ, where the prophet’s reluctant sacrifice to save his shipmates parallels Jesus’ voluntary sacrifice.

Repentance of Gentiles: The sign of Jonah also points to the broader, universal scope of salvation, as the Ninevites (Gentiles) repented, prefiguring the later, vast conversion of non-Jews to Christianity. 

The sign of Jonah is interpreted as a call for repentance rather than merely a prediction of a future event.     

You could begin by addressing the Pharisees and Sadducees' demands for a sign from Jesus. Perhaps suggest that merely seeking signs or intellectual proof without a heart aligned towards God limits one's true understanding of who Jesus is. This passage challenges us to reflect on whether our knowledge of Christ is superficial or deeply rooted in faith.

2. Proclaiming Christ’s Identity

Matthew 16:7–20 CSB

7 They were discussing among themselves, “We didn’t bring any bread.” 8 Aware of this, Jesus said, “You of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves that you do not have bread? 9 Don’t you understand yet? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand and how many baskets you collected? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand and how many large baskets you collected? 11 Why is it you don’t understand that when I told you, ‘Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees,’ it wasn’t about bread?” 12 Then they understood that he had not told them to beware of the leaven in bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

7 Modern interpretations of Jesus are highly diverse, often reflecting personal, political, and cultural lenses rather than just traditional theology. Key perspectives include Jesus as a personal Savior (evangelical), a champion of social justice and the poor (liberation theology), a moral teacher or guru (New Age/liberal), and a historical, non-divine figure (academic).

The Personal Savior (Evangelical/Traditional): Emphasizes the deity of Christ, his sacrificial death, and personal salvation. This view highlights Jesus as an active Redeemer currently reigning in glory.

The Social Justice Warrior/Revolutionary (Liberation Theology): Views Jesus as a radical figure standing against oppression, favoring the poor, and challenging political power structures.

The Moral Teacher/Guru (New Age/Liberal): Interprets Jesus as a wise teacher, similar to Buddha or Socrates, often bypassing his divinity or claims to exclusive salvation.

The "Historical" Jesus (Academic/Critical): Distinguishes between the "Jesus of history" and the "Christ of faith," often portraying him as a Jewish apocalyptic preacher rather than a divine figure.

The "American" Jesus (Cultural/Personalized): A malleable, personalized figure shaped by individual preferences and biases, sometimes adapting to fit political or cultural agendas.

Other Perspectives: Islamic (Ahmadiyya): Views Jesus as a prophet who survived the crucifixion and died in India.

Raëlism: Views Jesus as a prophet sent by an extraterrestrial race.

Marxist/Socialist: Interprets his teachings as promoting a communal, anti-rich social structure.

These varied interpretations highlight that for many, Jesus is a figure whose perceived image shifts with cultural, political, and personal values.

Matthew 16:7–20 CSB

14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am? Who do you say that He is? 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus responded, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he gave the disciples orders to tell no one that he was the Messiah.

Jesus in the Old Testament

Genesis: The Seed of the woman who crushes the serpent's head.

Exodus: The Passover Lamb.

Leviticus: Our High Priest.

Numbers: The water in the desert and the pillar of cloud/fire.

Deuteronomy: The Prophet like Moses. Joshua: The Captain of our Salvation.

Judges: Our Judge and Lawgiver.

Ruth: Our Kinsman-Redeemer.

1 & 2 Samuel: The trusted Prophet and the Seed of David.

1 & 2 Kings: Our reigning King.

1 & 2 Chronicles: The King who reigns eternally.

Ezra & Nehemiah: The Rebuilder of what is broken down.

Esther: Our Advocate and Protector.

Job: Our ever-living Redeemer.

Psalms: Our Good Shepherd.

Proverbs: Our Wisdom.

Ecclesiastes: Our meaning for life.

Song of Solomon: The loving Bridegroom.

Isaiah: The Prince of Peace and Suffering Servant.

Jeremiah: The Righteous Branch and weeping Prophet.

Lamentations: The one who assumes God's wrath for us.

Ezekiel: The Son of Man.

Daniel: The "fourth man" in the fiery furnace.

Minor Prophets: Faithful Husband (Hosea), Baptizer with the Holy Spirit (Joel), Burden Bearer (Amos), Mighty to Save (Obadiah), Great Missionary (Jonah), and King in Bethlehem (Micah). Jesus in the

New Testament Gospels: The Messiah (Matthew), the Servant (Mark), the Savior of all (Luke), and the Word made flesh (John).

Acts: The Risen Lord and Savior of the world.

Romans: Our Justifier.

1 & 2 Corinthians: Our Victory and the Spirit at work in the church.

Galatians: Our Liberty who sets us free.

Ephesians: The Head of the Church and our righteous armor.

Philippians: Our Joy and the God who meets every need.

Colossians: The Creator God and Fullness of the Godhead.

Thessalonians: The Soon Coming King.

1 & 2 Timothy: The Mediator between God and man.

Titus: Our Great God and Savior.

Philemon: The Friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Hebrews: The Author and Finisher of our faith.

James: The Power behind our faith. 1 & 2 Peter:

The Chief Shepherd and Living Stone.

1, 2, & 3 John: Our Advocate and the source of Love.

Jude: The one who keeps us from stumbling.

Revelation: The Alpha and Omega and the coming King.

Perhaps focus on Peter’s declaration that Jesus is the Messiah. This passage can inspire listeners to consider their own recognition of Jesus' true identity. You could emphasize that this acknowledgement should impact how we live, as knowing Jesus as Lord transforms our purpose and community roles.

3. Sacrificial Following

Matthew 16:21–28 CSB

21 From then on Jesus began to point out to his disciples that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and be raised the third day. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, “Oh no, Lord! This will never happen to you!” 23 Jesus turned and told Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me because you’re not thinking about God’s concerns but human concerns.” 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.

1. The Theological "Curse of the Tree"

To the Jewish mind, the cross was linked directly to Deuteronomy 21:23, which states that "anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse". 

Sign of Rejection: This was not merely about physical death. It was a visible sign of divine disfavor, suggesting the individual was an abomination to God and had fundamentally broken their covenant.

The Messianic Impossibility: Because of this curse, a "crucified Messiah" was a contradiction in terms for many. They believed a true Messiah would be empowered by God, whereas a crucified man was clearly cursed by Him. This created the famous "stumbling block" (Greek: skandalon) that later apostles like Paul had to address. 

2. A Symbol of Roman State Terrorism

For Jews living under occupation, the cross was the ultimate symbol of Roman dominance and a deterrent against rebellion. 

Targeting Rebels: Rome primarily used crucifixion for rebels, seditionists, and slaves. To see a fellow Jew on a cross was a reminder of their status as a conquered people with no political power.

Public Dehumanization: Execution occurred in high-traffic areas, such as the roads leading to Jerusalem, to ensure maximum visibility. Victims were often stripped naked to endure ultimate social shame alongside physical torture. 

3. Impact on Daily Life and Purity

The cross also posed a threat to the ritual purity of the land of Israel. 

Defiling the Land: Jewish law required that a body be buried on the same day it was hung to avoid "defiling the land".

Sabbath Constraints: The presence of a crucified body near holy festivals or the Sabbath was a major religious crisis, leading Jewish leaders to request that Roman authorities "speed up" deaths so burials could occur before sundown. 

4. Cultural Aversion

The symbol was so repulsive that Jewish and Roman elites alike avoided even mentioning it in polite conversation. 

Avoidance of Imagery: Even today, some segments of the Jewish community avoid the standard "plus sign" (+) in mathematics because of its resemblance to the cross. 

Matthew 16:21–28 CSB

25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it. 26 For what will it benefit someone if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will anyone give in exchange for his life? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will reward each according to what he has done. 28 Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Maybe explore Jesus’ foretelling of his suffering and His call to discipleship. This might suggest that truly knowing Christ includes understanding and embracing the cost of following Him. Encourage believers to live sacrificially, reflecting Christ’s self-denial and commitment.

4. Fullness in Christ

Colossians 2:1–23 CSB

1 For I want you to know how greatly I am struggling for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me in person. 2 I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of complete understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery—Christ. 3 In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with arguments that sound reasonable. 5 For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ. 6 So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, 7 being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude. 8 Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ. 9 For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, 10 and you have been filled by him, who is the head over every ruler and authority. 11 You were also circumcised in him with a circumcision not done with hands, by putting off the body of flesh, in the circumcision of Christ, 12 when you were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive with him and forgave us all our trespasses. 14 He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; he triumphed over them in him. 16 Therefore, don’t let anyone judge you in regard to food and drink or in the matter of a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of what was to come; the substance is Christ. 18 Let no one condemn you by delighting in ascetic practices and the worship of angels, claiming access to a visionary realm. Such people are inflated by empty notions of their unspiritual mind. 19 They don’t hold on to the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its ligaments and tendons, grows with growth from God. 20 If you died with Christ to the elements of this world, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations: 21 “Don’t handle, don’t taste, don’t touch”? 22 All these regulations refer to what is destined to perish by being used up; they are human commands and doctrines. 23 Although these have a reputation for wisdom by promoting self-made religion, false humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value in curbing self-indulgence.

You could delve into how being alive in Christ redefines believers' lives. Discuss Paul's teachings on the fullness in Christ and how this fullness should transform our everyday practices. Suggest that knowing Jesus invites us into a new reality, breaking free from worldly constraints.

5. Embracing the New Self

Colossians 3:1–11 CSB

1 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, God’s wrath is coming upon the disobedient, 7 and you once walked in these things when you were living in them. 8 But now, put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator. 11 In Christ there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all.

Perhaps draw attention to how knowing Christ transforms believers' identity and actions. Encourage application by challenging listeners to put on the new self, embodying Christ’s virtues. This shift in identity should reveal itself in practical ways, shaping how we interact with others.

6. Transformative Community

Acts 2:1–47 CSB

When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. 3 They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. 4 Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues,D as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were Jews staying in Jerusalem, devout people from every nation under heaven. 6 When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 They were astounded and amazed, saying, “Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 How is it that each of us can hear them in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts), 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues.” 12 They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But some sneered and said, “They’re drunk on new wine.” 14 Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them, “Fellow Jews and all you residents of Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and pay attention to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it’s only nine in the morning. 16 On the contrary, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: 17 And it will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all people; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 18 I will even pour out my Spirit on my servants in those days, both men and women and they will prophesy. 19 I will display wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below: blood and fire and a cloud of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes. 21 Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to these words: This Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through him, just as you yourselves know. 23 Though he was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used lawless people to nail him to a cross and kill him. 24 God raised him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by death. 25 For David says of him: I saw the Lord ever before me; because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices. Moreover, my flesh will rest in hope, 27 because you will not abandon me in Hades or allow your holy one to see decay. 28 You have revealed the paths of life to me; you will fill me with gladness in your presence. 29 “Brothers and sisters, I can confidently speak to you about the patriarch David: He is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn an oath to him to seat one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Messiah: He was not abandoned in Hades, and his flesh did not experience decay. 32 “God has raised this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this. 33 Therefore, since he has been exalted to the right hand of God and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit, he has poured out what you both see and hear. 34 For it was not David who ascended into the heavens, but he himself says: The Lord declared to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies your footstool.’ 36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 37 When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, “Be saved from this corrupt generation!” 41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. 44 Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. 45 They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Maybe concentrate on the response of the early church to Peter’s message. Explore how recognizing Jesus leads to community and transformation. Suggest forming a similar communal faith today, reflecting Jesus’ teachings through shared lives and worship, embodying the call to live with conviction and unity.

John 3:1–30 CSB

There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to him at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could perform these signs you do unless God were with him.” Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again,A, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” “How can anyone be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again. The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” “How can these things be?” asked Nicodemus. “Are you a teacher of Israel and don’t know these things?” Jesus replied. “Truly I tell you, we speak what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you do not accept our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven—the Son of Man. “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”