What Do You Say I Am?
Do you know Jesus? Will you go where He goes? Will you go as low as He goes?
KEY VERSES
Mark 8:27-38 (NASB)
Jesus went out, along with His disciples, to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way He questioned His disciples, saying to them, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 They told Him, saying, “John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.” 29 And He continued by questioning them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.” 30 And He warned them to tell no one about Him. 31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 33 But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” 34 And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. 35 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? 37 For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”
UNDERSTANDING
When Jesus asked the question, “Who do people say that I am?”, He already knew the answer. Why do you think He asked this question of His disciples anyway?
If Jesus asked you the same question, “Who do people say that I am?”, how would you respond? Why does He always ask the additional question, “Who do you say that I am?”
Do you think Peter understood what he was saying when he declared, “You are the Messiah” (v. 29)? Explain.
It is valuable to note that Peter didn’t make this declaration about Jesus until he’d been with Him for about 18 months. How does this fact inform and encourage you about evangelism and your role in it? What problems does the church face when we allow for easy beliefs, where people confess Jesus as Savior and Lord easily before they consider what that really means?
Like Peter, we often isolate parts of Scripture while not taking into account other parts. Which parts of Scripture do people most often choose to ignore, and why?
On the other hand, which parts of Scripture do people most often claim? What is the danger in separating these from the rest?
How was Jesus’ rebuke actually a demonstration of His love for Peter?
Can you really love people like Jesus does if you allow them to continue in false beliefs without “plainly” confronting those false beliefs and telling them the truth of Scripture (v. 32)? Explain. What is hard about that?
What is involved in following Jesus according to this passage?
How has your relationship with Jesus affected your lifestyle? Relationships? Priorities? Politics?
What does it mean that you must lose your life to save it (v. 35)? What does this say to a person who believes that you seek self-fulfillment by “taking care of number one”?
Why does Jesus want wholehearted commitment? Why isn’t it enough to be somewhat willing to follow Jesus?
APPLICATION
What is one situation you anticipate this week when you will have the opportunity to confess that Jesus is the Christ of God?
What situation or calling of God comes to mind for you personally when you hear the questions, “Will you go where Jesus goes?” and “Will you go as low as He goes?”
How can this group help you know Jesus better? Go where He goes? Go as low as He goes?
WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?
Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you.
GIVING
Everything that happens at LCC is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through LCC, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and are making a difference for the Lowcountry and around the world.