Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up

Matthew 16:13–16 NIV

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Vs. 13 & 14 - Who do ppl say I am? What are others saying? What does modern culture say?

But what do Americans believe about Jesus? Who do they say he is? Barna Group research.

1. The Vast Majority of Americans Believe Jesus Was a Real Person 92%

2. Younger Generations Are Increasingly Less Likely to Believe Jesus Was God The historical Jesus may not be in question for most Americans, but people are much less confident in the divinity of Jesus. Most adults—not quite six in 10—believe Jesus was God (56%), while about one-quarter say he was only a religious or spiritual leader like Mohammed or the Buddha (26%). The remaining one in six say they aren’t sure whether Jesus was divine (18%).

News week article: 52 Percent of Americans Say Jesus Isn't God but Was a Great Teacher, 2020 survey conducted by Ligonier Ministries says.

Vs. 15 - What about you? Who do you say that I am?

Vs. 16 - The Messiah. Breakdown the word Messiah.

Def: the promised deliverer of the Jewish nation prophesied in the Hebrew Bible.

The term Messiah is Hebrew and means 'anointed one'. This is a title given to the person believed to be the saviour, who has been chosen to bring salvation to humankind. The term 'anointed one' is used in both Christianity and Judaism. Christians believe that the Messiah was sent by God to save humanity.

Matthew 24:5 NIV

5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.

John 14:6 NIV

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Does not say “I am (A) way” “(A) truth” “(A) life”

One way sign: if you ignore it… good luck.

Acts 5:39 NIV

39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

Acts 5:34–42 NIV

34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” 40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Acts 4:12 NIV

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

One way? Is that a little arrogant?

All religions lead to God?

All religions can be wrong but all religions can’t be right.

Many people today believe that all religions are true. According to a recent Barna study, 58% of teens and 62% of adults agree with the statement, “Many religions can lead to eternal life; there is no ‘one true religion.’”

It would be nice if everybody could be right about their religious convictions. After all, these are beliefs we often hold dear to our hearts. Nobody likes telling others that they are wrong about their deepest convictions. Yet simple reason and commonsense tell us all religions cannot possibly true.

By its very nature, truth is exclusive. It is not logically possible for all religions to be right when their core claims differ so radically. Either they are all wrong, or one is right.

Illustration: Close your eyes and point south. Open eyes.

Religion / About God / About Salvation / Other Religions

Buddhism: No God / Enlightenment / False

Hinduism: Many Gods / Reincarnation / All True

Islam: Allah / Five Pillars / False

Judaism: Yahweh / Law - Judgement / False

Christianity: Trinity / Grace / False

Inclusive vs. Exclusive

What if Christianity is wrong?

Isn’t it unloving to tell people their religion is “wrong?” I think it is unloving for us not to share our hope and truth.

Romans 1:16 NIV

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.