Sermon - 21 August 2011 - Who do you say I am?

Mt 16:13-20 

Who do you say I am?

Jesus and his disciples ventured into the District of Caesarea Philippi, an area about 25 miles northeast of the Sea of Galilee. The region had tremendous religious implications. The place was littered with the temples of the Syrian gods. Here also was the elaborate marble temple that had been erected by Herod the Great, father of the then ruling Herod Antipas. Here also was the influence of the Greek gods. Here also the worship of Caesar as a God himself. You might say that the world religions were on display in this town. It was with this scene in the background that Jesus chose to ask the most crucial questions of his ministry.

He looked at his disciples and in a moment of reflection said: "Who do men say that I am?" The disciples begin sharing with Jesus what they have heard from the people who have been following Jesus: Some say that you are Elijah; others say John the Baptist, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets. It's always been this way Jesus as seen by the masses is seen in so many different ways.

You can speak of Jesus as prophet, holy man, teacher, or spiritual leader, and few will object. But speak of Him as Son of God, divine, of the same nature as the Father, and people will line up to express their disapproval.

Who do people say he is? Who do you say he is? And what are we called to do? Let's take a look at the answers to these three questions:

Who Do People Say He Is?

Is he just an ‘everyday’ person that one sees on the road and does not bother about? Or is he a person who really matters?  Jesus referred to himself as the Son of God in John 5:25 and twice the voice of God declared of Jesus in his presence and others around – “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased – Mathew 3:17

Who Do You Say He Is?

Is he your living God? Can he enter your hearts without knocking? Will you accept him whole-heartedly?  Is he your Messiah? Jesus clearly said that he was the Messiah. When the Samaritan woman said that she knew the Messiah was coming, Jesus said to her ‘I who speak to you am he” – John 4:26

What Are We Called to Do?

We are to go out and proclaim the news that Christ is Lord and Saviour. He is risen.

There are people that can go to Church almost their whole life and have not heard the gospel nor heard who Jesus really is. They can carry a bible and be convinced they are doing is what Jesus asked them to do. In John 6:28 the Pharisees asked, “What shall we do that we may work the work of God?”  Jesus replied, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

Who do you say that I am?

Is he your personal savior – the one in whom you trust? Let us make him ours.

Lord Jesus, help us to understand you more. Help us to renew the promises made and we dedicate ourselves eternally to your love and service. Amen