But Who Do You Say That I Am?
Matthew 16:13-20
1. Background
• preceded by feeding of 4000 (15:32-39), sign of Jonah (12:38-42, 16:1-4), leaven of Pharisees/Sadducees (16:5-12) and followed by the transfiguration (17:1-13)
• location: Caesarea Philippi with His disciples (16:13a)
• location: Caesarea Philippi with His disciples (16:13a)
2. Popular Opinion about the Identity of Jesus (13b-14)
• Jesus asks the disciples a question
• identification of the “Son of Man”
• what “some” and “others” say: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, prophet
• identification of the “Son of Man”
• what “some” and “others” say: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, prophet
3. Perspective of the Disciples about the Identity of Jesus (15-16)
• Jesus asks a question
• Peter’s reply: The Christ…
• Peter’s reply: The Christ…
4. Pronouncement of Jesus (17-20)
• blessing, designation, determination and delegation
• connection and correction (16:21-28)
• connection and correction (16:21-28)
5. So What?
• Because Jesus is the source of the church’s existence and empowerment, exalt Him and expend your life for Him.
• The church: intimate knowledge, confident proclamation, sacrificial obedience
• Who you say Jesus is will determine everything about how you follow Him.
• “Though with a scornful wonder we see her sore oppressed, by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed, yet saints their watch are keeping; their cry goes up ‘How Long?’ And soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song.” (“The Church’s One Foundation,” S. Stone)
• The church: intimate knowledge, confident proclamation, sacrificial obedience
• Who you say Jesus is will determine everything about how you follow Him.
• “Though with a scornful wonder we see her sore oppressed, by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed, yet saints their watch are keeping; their cry goes up ‘How Long?’ And soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song.” (“The Church’s One Foundation,” S. Stone)