Who is Jesus?

Matthew 16:13-17

I. Introduction

Over time, Jesus has been viewed many different ways. Some people view him as a savior, others as a nuisance, and some view him as something in between.

II. Who is Jesus to the World?

A. A good teacher.

1. Many people reject Jesus as the savior and claim that he is only a good teacher.

a) If Jesus isn’t who he says he is, he is a fraud and is certainly not a good teacher.

b) Matt. 7:21, John 10:24-30

c) Jesus claimed to be the Son of God all throughout his ministry.

2. Can a “good teacher” raise people from the dead? Heal the sick? Calm the seas?

a) As Jesus states in vs. 25, the works/miracles he did were evidence of his statement that he is God.

b) Matthew 16:1-4 “They wanted a sign, but Jesus knew that even a miracle could not convince them.”

B. A liar.

1. If Jesus is a liar, then how did he get 44 authors over the course of 1500 years, without seeing each other to all write the 66 books of the Bible in perfect accordance?

2. Now that’s some kind of scam artist!

3. How did he perform all the miracles he did?

C. The Jews believe Jesus was a scam.

1. Even after all he did for them, they rejected him and nailed him to a cross.

2. But before we condemn the Jews, how do we as “Christians” view Jesus?

III. A ticket to heaven.

A. We stress the importance of going to heaven so much, that many times the new believer sees salvation as merely a free one way ticket to heaven.

1. We do people a disservice when we explain only the “ticket” aspect of salvation.

a) They go into salvation with the mindset of “Now I get to do whatever I want!”

b) They miss out on the truly fulfilling life that Jesus has in store for those who follow him.

2. Many times people will become discouraged when hard times come their way.

a) If we did our job witnessing to them correctly, they would expect difficult times.

b) “There is no victory at bargain basement prices.”--Dwight D. Eisenhower

c) Jesus said we are lead as “sheep to the slaughter all day long”.

(1) The Christian life isn’t easy, but it is fulfilling.

(2) God gives you a peace when you are serving him. (“It is well with my soul…”)

IV. Jesus is a year-long Santa Clause.

A. So many times we approach God with an attitude of “God can you…Please?”

1. Jesus gave us the perfect example of a true heartfelt prayer.

a) Matthew 6:9-13 Notice, Jesus doesn’t ask for things he doesn’t need, and the first thing out of his mouth is “hallowed be thy name”, not Lord hallow my name!

b) Matthew 7:7-11 Oftentimes we stop at vs. 8 and expect God to give us the lottery!

2. You will experience much more joy in the Christian life if you approach God with a pure heart.

“Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country!”--JFK 1963

V. Conclusion

What can you do for God today? He’s given everyone a different ability, a different gift. Are you serving him like you should be? Give him your all today, and experience the true Christian life.