Confessing Christ

Introduction:

· The “blue marble Jesus”: One who had so totally changed (and yet, the question won’t go away!)

Transition:

I) Answering the Most Important Question: “Who is Jesus?”

A. “Who is Jesus?”

i. The masses have varied responses (vv.18-19)

1. Jesus speaks after feeding the crowds – “Who is this guy?”

2. Every religion answers this question – but most say “prophet/teacher”

ii. Yet a personal response is required (vs. 20)

1. But the disciples have witnessed much more of Jesus: Who do YOU…?

2. A personal question that separates Christians from Christ-admirers

B. THE Messiah…(Who must suffer)

i. Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah (vs. 20b)

1. Peter’s response: He has put the pieces together

2. The long-promised, expected, Messiah – a massive theological claim

ii. But the secret was that the Messiah had come to suffer & die (vv. 21-22)

1. A secret? Because crowds will follow a “sign-doer” for wrong reasons

2. As Messiah Jesus comes not to be a celebrated hero but a suffering servant

WHAT IS STRIKING TO ME IS THAT NOW JESUS STARTS TALKING ABOUT US.

II) Answering the Second Most Important Question: “Who Are We?”

A. Who are WE? (vv. 23ff)

i. A related question: “Who are we?” (we form our identity in relation to Jesus)

1. Instead of a lengthy explanation…Jesus starts talking about US

2. Why? This isn’t just about who JESUS is, but who WE are

ii. Two options for defining our identity

1. EXAMPLE: Some of us feel immense pressure: Mom; Athlete; Student…

2. EXAMPLE: Some of us “Choose your own identity” fractures

B. If Jesus is the Messiah, We must Define ourselves in relation to him

i. Deny yourself (vs. 23)

1. Not just to say no to cake – but to let go of your right to define yourself

2. EXAMPLES: We aren’t defined by group status, success/failure, and we don’t indulge sinful desires

ii. Take up your cross daily, follow him (See Gal. 2:20)

1. The cross was a mark of a death sentence: We die to our old self

2. EXAMPLE: Rejection from the “in-group” at school

NOW, I SAID THAT THE LAST PART OF THIS STORY TIES THIS ALL TOGETHER.

III) The Motivating Power for Following Jesus

A. Jesus reveals His Glory to His Followers

i. A Parallel Story: What is the Messiah really like?

1. Luke connects these two stories: (Peter’s response; prayer; Elijah; silence)

2. Why? Jesus reveals his identity as glorious Messiah (vs. 29)

ii. Jesus’ Glory is the dawning of a new age (vv. 30-31)

1. Moses climbed a mountain to experience God’s glory, to mediate a relationship w. God’s people

2. Elijah was a prophet who marked the “last days”

3. Jesus is the true and greater prophet who goes up on a mountain to mediate a new relationship with God’s people, the “last days” of God’s work of salvation

B. Jesus Illuminates the Way of the Cross For His Followers

i. Holding on to Jesus: (vv. 32-34)

1. Peter wants to keep Jesus, along with the other prophets

2. The voice affirms that Jesus is different – God’s son

ii. Jesus leads a greater Exodus that we must follow (vs. 31)

1. But more: Jesus’ “departure” was an Exodus – not from economic and political oppression but from sin, death itself.

2. The brilliance of Jesus glory illuminates the way of the cross which Jesus would walk…

Transition:

Conclusion

What will make you follow Jesus when it will hurt your reputation? Cost you financially? Help you deal with disappointment & Setbacks? Knowing the Messiah who loved you enough to walk the road of eternal suffering for you.