8-23-26 “Who do you say that I am?” taken from Matthew 16:13-20 – Rev. Dr. Keith A. Troy
Summary
In this sermon, the pastor explores Matthew 16:13-20, centering on the question Jesus asked His disciples: ‘Who do you say that I am?’ Using four key ideas found in the passage, the pastor emphasizes that this is not a question anyone can afford to get wrong. While the crowds had many opinions about Jesus, ranging from a prophet to a historical figure, Jesus made the question personal. Peter’s bold confession that Jesus is ‘the Messiah, the Son of the living God’ serves as the model for every believer’s own personal declaration of faith. The pastor stresses that Christianity is not merely information about Christ but a living relationship with Him, and that what we believe about Jesus directly determines how we respond to Him.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, thankful for the opportunity to gather together in Your name. Lord, as we open Your Word and reflect on the question Jesus asked His disciples, we ask that You make it personal for each of us today. Help us not to hide behind what others believe or what we have heard from others, but to encounter You for ourselves in this time together. Holy Spirit, open our hearts and minds to receive whatever You want us to take from this discussion. May our time together draw us closer to You and to one another. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one word you would use to describe Jesus to someone who had never heard of Him before, and why did that word come to mind?
Key Verses
- Matthew 16:13
- Matthew 16:15
- Matthew 16:16
- Matthew 16:18
- Matthew 16:19
Questions
- The pastor said there is one question in life you cannot afford to get wrong. Why do you think the question ‘Who is Jesus?’ carries so much weight compared to other questions we face?
- Jesus shifted from asking what the crowds believed to asking His disciples personally. Have you ever had a moment when your faith stopped being about what others believed and became truly your own? What did that look like?
- Peter confessed that Jesus is ‘the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ The pastor pointed out that what we believe about Jesus determines how we respond to Him. How has your personal understanding of who Jesus is shaped the way you live day to day?
- The pastor drew a distinction between calling Jesus ‘Savior’ and calling Him ‘Lord,’ saying we love the rescue but resist the rules. In what areas of your life is it hardest to fully surrender to Jesus as Lord?
- Jesus said, ‘I will build my church,’ making it clear the church belongs to Him. How does knowing that Jesus is the builder, and we are simply the workers, change the way you think about your role in the church?
- The pastor described the church not as a castle where saved people hide from the world, but as a kingdom outpost sent into the world. What does it look like practically for your group or church to advance the kingdom rather than retreat from the world?
- The keys of the kingdom represent access, permission, and responsibility. The pastor challenged us by asking when was the last time we opened a door for someone. What doors do you feel God may be calling you to open in your community or relationships?
- The pastor said that Peter’s confession eventually became Peter’s calling and commission, and that revelation brings responsibility. Is there something God has revealed to you about Himself or about your purpose that you have not yet acted on? What is holding you back?
Life Application
This week, take time each day to personally answer the question Jesus asked: ‘Who do you say that I am?’ Write down your answer in a journal or on your phone, and let that answer guide one specific action. Identify one door you can open for someone around you, whether that is offering encouragement to a struggling friend, serving a neighbor in need, sharing your faith with someone, or volunteering in your community. Let your confession about who Jesus is become a commission that moves you forward into the world He has called you to serve.
Key Takeaways
- The question ‘Who do you say that I am?’ is deeply personal. No one else, not your family, your pastor, or your church, can answer it for you. Your faith must become your own.
- What you believe about Jesus determines how you respond to Him. If He is merely a teacher, you may listen. If He is Lord, you must surrender every area of your life to His authority.
- The church belongs to Jesus. He is the builder, and we are the workers. Our responsibility is faithfulness, and His responsibility is the results.
- The church is not meant to hide from the world but to advance the kingdom of God into places of darkness, moving forward against poverty, addiction, broken families, and hopelessness.
- The keys of the kingdom represent access, permission, and responsibility. Revelation always brings responsibility. What we know about Jesus should change how we live for Jesus, moving us from confession to calling to commission.
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank You for this time together and for the powerful reminder that You are not just a historical figure or a moral teacher. You are the Christ, the Son of the living God, and You are Lord over every area of our lives. We confess that we have not always lived as though we truly believe that. Forgive us for the times we have held the keys You have given us without ever opening a door for someone in need. As we leave this discussion, we ask that You take our confessions and turn them into callings. Give us the courage to advance Your kingdom in our homes, our workplaces, and our communities. Remind us that the gates of hell will not prevail against Your church, and that because You are the Christ, we still have a future. May everything we do this week reflect who You are and who You have called us to be. In Your mighty and matchless name we pray, Amen.
