Who do you say I am? Matt. 16: 13-18

Hook

-Read the text.

-Movie with Robert Denaro playing a Union Truck driver leader and confrontation with guy at phone booth.

-People have power in their titles and authority once others realize it.

In this passage this is the first time in Matthews gospel Jesus is revealing who he really is.

Book

-Context

Region of Caesarea Phillippi

Baal, Pan, Ceasar

Not a coincidence Jesus choose this place to ask this question.

First time that the disciples, specifically Peter actually tell Jesus who they think He is.

-Tension

We might not all have statues or monuments to ancient god in our society, but all have at some point given dedication and worship to some person, idea, policy, or movement.

If only we elect this president instead of this one. Or, if we vote this policy in, things will change. Maybe if I get the next updated gadget I it will help solve areas in my life. Or better yet, just listen to these influencers to know what to do.

It might not be as clear as day as the first century, but I would say we run a similar spirit as to what people did back then.

This question that Jesus ask, is one that all people will have to answer. When he gets his response from them it is all very positive and uplifting.

Who doesn’t want to be like some hero of the past? The question thou a right one is answered in correctly by the crowds.

Elijah represented the Messeniac forerunner

Jeremiah represented justice on evil ways.

Others say he speaks on behalf of God.

All together these answers hit around the mark on exactly who Jesus is. Even to this day the world has an opinion on who is Jesus. To some today he is a good moral teacher. Others still think of him as a prophet.

As Jesus receives these answers from his disciples, he digs deeper and turns the question inward. Who do you say I am?