Who is the real Jesus?
by Philip Nation, Co-pastor, Lakeridge Church, Cumming, GA
Matthew 16:13-20
I. The Question about Jesus (v.13)
A. The Question by Christ: Jesus asks the same question everyone else is asking, "Who do people think I am?"
B. Echo from Eden: This question rings in our ears and has since man was expelled from Eden "Who will be the Redeemer?"
C. Everyone asks this question (from the Pope to Oprah Winfrey)
D. Humanity's Answers:
1. We know Jesus existed. It is a historical fact.
2. We know that Jesus did many good things.
3. We know Jesus taught about the kingdom of God.
4. But is He the Savior?
II. The Answers of Men (v.14)
A. Ascetic like John the Baptist
B. Fiery like Elijah
C. Weeping like Jeremiah
D. Prophetic like one who tells the truth of judgment and mercy
E. Today's answers are no different: prophet, holy man, teacher, etc.
1. Prophet -- Proclaimed the truth with forcefulness
2. Holy Man -- Lived out an example of the truth
3. Teacher -- Taught the truth in love
F. But are these answers complete?
III. The Truth from God (v.15-20)
A. Jesus asks His followers (v.15)
B. Peter answers correctly (v.16)
1. "The Christ" means He is the one sent to fulfill the special task of redemption.
2. "The Son of the living God" means He is able to complete the task of redemption.
C. He is unique for the work at hand.
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Sermon starter
Who is the real Jesus? Video
This video illustration makes a great companion piece to the sermon outline. Right click HERE and select "Save Target As" to save (11+ mb file).
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Conclusion:
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Knowing Jesus is not something we can discover on our own.
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Peter is able to answer because of God's revelation to him (v.17).
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We can know Christ only because of the gracious revelation by the Father.
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It is upon the revelation from God that the church will be built; not on Peter, not on our confessions.
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Only by virtue of the fact that God reveals Himself to us can we know Him.
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