Peter’s bold declaration of Jesus’ identity in Luke 9:18-27 leads us into the revelation of Jesus’ purpose and His intent to die for the cosmos. He is not just a great teacher or a prophet. He is the Messiah of God.
SERMON OUTLINE
“‘But what about you?’ Jesus asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’” (Luke 9:20)
Seeing Jesus through the Eyes of the Crowds (Luke 9:18-19)
- Jesus the Prophet:
- like John the Baptist
- like Elijah
- like a prophet of long ago
- The distance between Jesus and the view of the crowds
Seeing Jesus through the Eyes of the Disciples (Luke 9:20)
- Jesus the Messiah of God
- like Moses
- like David
- like other revolutionaries
- The distance between Jesus and the view of the disciples
Seeing Jesus through Our Own Eyes
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What do people in society at large or in your relational sphere say about Jesus?
- We continue the series “Jesus on the Move” this week by looking at three brief but incredibly important verses. Before you begin this study, ask God to speak to you from His Word, and then read Luke 9:18-20 aloud.
- Background: This brief passage is one of the most significant moments in Jesus’ self-revelation and the disciples’ grasp of His identity. It comes after much teaching (6:17-49), many miracles (8:22-56; 9:10-17) and the sending out of the Twelve apostles (9:1-6), but before the transfiguration (9:28-36).
- This episode happens in the context of prayer. Why do you think that is important? Where else do you see prayer as important in Jesus’ ministry and life in Luke?
- Jesus asks His disciples who the crowds say that He is (9:18)? What sort of answers do they give (9:19)? Look at Luke 8:25 and 9:7-9 for background on the thinking of the crowd.
- Next, Jesus asks the disciples about their own view of Him (9:20). What do you think Jesus’ intention was in turning this question from the crowds to the disciples?
- Peter responds that Jesus is “God’s Messiah” (NIV) or “the Christ of God” (ESV) [the word christos is the Greek equivalent for the Hebrew word messiah]. What is significant about this response from Peter?
- If Jesus asked you the question, “who do you say that I am?” how would you respond?
- What is one thing that God is speaking to you personally through this study? If you’re on your own, take some time to write it down and share it with someone later. If you are with a small group, share it with one another.