Who Do You Say I Am?

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Simon Peter answered, you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Matthew sixteen sixteen. Dear Lord Jesus, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude, proclaiming that you are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. We thank you for being our hero, our Lord, and savior of our souls. In your name we find hope, redemption, and eternal life. We acknowledge our deep need for you in every aspect of our lives. Without you, we are lost, but with you we have direction, purpose and peace. Help us to constantly seek a deeper understanding of who you are, allowing this knowledge to transform us from the inside out. Change our hearts, Lord, to align with your will, and to reflect your love and grace. Grant us the strength to live out our faith boldly, always remembering your sacrifice and the power of your resurrection. Empower us to be a force for good in this world, spreading truth and love to all those we encounter. May our lives be a testament to your glory and goodness. In your holy name, we pray, Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for a tender and heartwarming story inspired by the Gospels. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to follow, leave a review, and share it with a friend. 00:02:07 Speaker 2: If you are indeed from God, then show us a sign. 00:02:13 Speaker 1: The pharisees voice hissed through clinched teeth. His frustration was clearly boiling just below the surface of his calm demeanor. He and several other Pharisees had joined forces with some of the Sadducees. Their overarching cause of stopping Jesus was worth overlooking their long standing differences. The request for a sign was nothing more than a test, not actually expecting Jesus to perform any great works. They had grown increasingly angry with his growing popularity and willingness to break centuries of tradition they and their forefathers had created, and they had had every intention of trapping him in his ways. 00:03:04 Speaker 2: Ah, surely you must understand why this is necessary for the protection of Israel. You claim that your powers of heaven and show it to us. Plainly, perform a sign from heaven. 00:03:20 Speaker 1: The Pharisees goaded Jesus. Jesus had performed many signs, wonders, and miracles, but the Pharisees ignored them, considering them to be earthly signs. They wanted more an undeniable display of God's power, but Jesus refused to play their games. Jesus kept his eyes locked on the religious leader and tilted his head back toward the disciples, who stood a few paces behind him. 00:03:52 Speaker 3: Simon, tell me, how did you anticipate the weather when you were out fishing. 00:03:57 Speaker 4: The most common method was to look to the sky. The colors were good indicators of the weather that would follow. 00:04:04 Speaker 1: Very good. Jesus tilted his head back, ensuring the Pharisees and Sadducees knew his next words were directed at them. 00:04:14 Speaker 3: You people have enough faith in the sky to predict the weather. When evening comes, you will say it will be fair weather, for the sky is red. And again morning will come and you will look up and say, today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast. I'm sure even you were once taught how to judge the appearance of the sky. But you, who have devoted your entire lives to reading the scriptures, cannot interpret the signs of the times. 00:04:45 Speaker 1: Jesus leaned in and dropped his voice to a whisper, forcing his adversaries to listen intently to his words. A wicked and. 00:04:54 Speaker 3: A dotorous generation looks for a sign. I've said it before, and I will say again, no sign will be given to you except the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and nights in the belly of a fish, so too with the Son of Man be three days and nights in the belly of the earth. And yet you will still not believe, even though one greater than Jonah is here. 00:05:22 Speaker 1: The Pharisees and Sadducee stood stunned in disbelief. 00:05:27 Speaker 2: Ah, you'd dare call us wicked and adulteress simply because we ask for a sign. Ah, if you cannot perform such a sign, just say so. 00:05:40 Speaker 3: You refuse to see the signs already given to you by my father, And for that reason, no sign will be given to you today. 00:05:48 Speaker 1: Jesus' words fan the anger of the religious men, but he remained steady, never allowing himself to lose control. 00:05:57 Speaker 3: It appears we're at an impass, though I can't say it's my fault as you think if you have no more questions or a more reasonable request. Now seems as good time as any To bid you farewell. 00:06:09 Speaker 1: In one swift motion, Jesus beckon for the disciples, turned and left for the sea. 00:06:18 Speaker 5: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing. It's not your feet, it's your shoes. This summer, switch to Gediphi shoes with patentive Verso shock technology, which aligns your body, provides superior shock absorption and trampoline like energy return. Gdiphi offers souls and styles for any activity, plus two free orthotics. Whether you're an athlete, a busy parent, or always on the go, Gediphi shoes deliver the comfort and versatility your fee grave. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to unparalleled support this summer. Enjoy a special summer offer. Visit gediphi dot com in to get twenty dollars off your order of one hundred dollars or more with code Pray. Experience the miracle of ultimate comfort with g to Phi shoes. Visit g D E f y dot com today. 00:07:18 Speaker 6: This question is the most important question you'll ever answer in your life. That question is who is Jesus? This is the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with pray dot Com. Today we continue through our mini series on Jesus, disrupting the status quo and showing us a new way to live. This series showcases Jesus's teachings and passion, and we will learn about God's heart for people and for his kingdom. Today, we're diving into a pivotal moment in Jesus's ministry, a moment where he asks his disciples a question that echoes throughout the ages. Who do you say that I am? This question, found in our story inspired by Matthew Chapter sixteen, Verses thirteen through twenty, isn't just a question for his disciples, It's a question for each of us. 00:08:11 Speaker 1: The boat rocked unhurriedly through the vibrant blue waters. At certain angles, the sun's rays revealed schools of fish swimming just below the surface. Wisps of white clouds laced the skies, forming shapes that reflected on the crystalline waters below. James and Andrew leaned over the edge with longing stairs. 00:08:37 Speaker 7: I can't say often I miss fishing, but there are days when I would love to. 00:08:41 Speaker 6: Be back at on the sea again. 00:08:43 Speaker 4: After the last catch, you haad, I can't blame you. I've never seen anything like that. My arms felt like they'd fall off from pulling the nets. Oh, I suppose the only reason that happened was so that you could be here now. 00:08:58 Speaker 1: John and Simon sat next to their brothers. Their fishing days were long behind them, but Jesus had made good on his promise to make them fishers of men. 00:09:10 Speaker 3: Plus, following Jesus surely has to be more interesting than anything else we could be doing. 00:09:15 Speaker 1: For Matthew, life outside of the tax collecting booth brought a world he never knew existent or even cared to experience before meeting Jesus. 00:09:26 Speaker 3: I've never seen anyone talk to a pharisee that way. I've seen some heated arguments in my day, But whatever Jesus is doing sure seems to make them angry. 00:09:36 Speaker 7: It sure does, and my guess is it won't be long before we have to deal with more of them. Look, we're getting close to the shore. Hopefully we'll stop to eat before another day of walking. 00:09:48 Speaker 1: Jesus was listening intently to their conversations from the back of the boat and decided now was a good time to share a word of warning with the disciples. 00:09:59 Speaker 3: Before we get to land. I want all of you to listen to me closely. Be careful. We have much to do, and I need each one of you to be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. 00:10:15 Speaker 1: The disciples glanced around at one. 00:10:17 Speaker 7: Another, speaking of yeast. Did any of you pack bread? 00:10:21 Speaker 4: You're the one who was just complaining about being hungry, and Jesus must know we didn't bring any bread with us. You better hope we could find some when we get to the next town. And apparently it can't have yeast from the Pharisees or Sadducees, whatever that means. 00:10:38 Speaker 7: Why is it up to me? And how am I possibly supposed to know where the bakers get their lease from? 00:10:44 Speaker 1: Jesus raised his voice, or the steady blow of the wind and crashing waves of the waters. 00:10:50 Speaker 3: You have little faith, always caught on earthly worries. Why are you talking amongst yourselves about having no bread? We've spent so much time I'm together, and yet you still don't understand. 00:11:03 Speaker 1: The disciples were embarrassed and averted their eyes from one another, like little children being reprimanded. They waited for some form of rebuke. 00:11:14 Speaker 3: Have you already forgotten about the five loaves that fed five thousand. How many baskets did you gather? After all, I'd eat in their fill? And as though that weren't enough, remember the seven loaves for the four thousand and how many baskets you gathered? 00:11:28 Speaker 2: Then? 00:11:29 Speaker 3: How is it you don't understand that I was not talking to you about bread. I am talking to you about something much more important. Just as a little yeast causes the whole loaf to rise, you must be on your guard against the yeast. After Pharisees and the Satucees. 00:11:51 Speaker 1: The disciples thought for a moment before having a collective epiphany. 00:11:56 Speaker 2: I believe he's talking about their teachings. If we're not careful, the lies will spread faster than we can prepare for. 00:12:03 Speaker 1: Jesus nodded at Philip in affirmation. He shifted his weight in the boat and looked past the bow. 00:12:09 Speaker 3: It looks like we're almost across the sea. Pack your things, oh, and John, make sure you plot a course for the best bakery in town. 00:12:19 Speaker 1: The disciples blushed as the boat bobbed to the edge of the sea. Instinctively, Andrew, Simon, James and John were out first. James and John were first out. They wrapped their calloused hands around the ropes tied to the bow, and pulled the boat into the shoreline. The underbelly scraped along the rocks until it was securely one land. The remaining disciples clambered out. They strapped their bags around their shoulders and began the trip to Cesarea, Philippi. The evening air drove out the heat of the day. As the day drew to a close, the sound of wild life had been replaced by the rustling of leaves in the cool breeze. The disciples feet kicked up small billows of dust that created a hazy glow of orange and red in the setting sun. Not many words were spoken amongst them, as jesus warnings still rattled through their brains. They circled a small fire made in the middle of their camp. Many stared blankly into it, watching the embers crack and pop under the intense heat. Jesus looked at each of them, Each of their brows furrowed with confusion, exhaustion, or contemplation. For Thomas, it was a combination of the three. 00:13:54 Speaker 3: Either you're all very tired, or you've all fallen ill. I've never been able to hear my thoughts so clearly that when and were together. 00:14:01 Speaker 2: Sorry, Rabbi, it's just we've been thinking about what you said on the boat earlier, the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 00:14:10 Speaker 3: Ah, yes, and what conclusions have you come to? 00:14:14 Speaker 4: Uh? 00:14:15 Speaker 2: They seemed to determine to undermine your work and contradict your every word. They've seen the miracles, they've heard your teachings, yet they deny that you come from God. 00:14:26 Speaker 3: They do, indeed, and they won't be the last. But let me ask you a question. Beyond the Pharisees and the Sadducees, who do people say that I am? 00:14:37 Speaker 1: The disciples looked at each other first. They had discussed the question at length, all coming to mixed conclusions. They knew he was the Messiah, the anointed one of God, but what did that mean exactly? They knew he was from God, but how divine was he? They knew he spoke like a prophet, but he was more than a prophet. Jesus's identity was clear, yet shrouded in mystery. All at once, people talk. 00:15:16 Speaker 2: Some say you're John the Baptist. Yes, we've heard others say that you are Elijah. Returned to proclaim the truth of God. 00:15:22 Speaker 7: And if not Elijah, than Jeremiah or one of the prophets. 00:15:26 Speaker 3: Ah, it seems I've made quite the name for myself for many names. 00:15:31 Speaker 6: As it were. 00:15:32 Speaker 1: Jesus paused and scanned the disciples. But what about you, who do you say that I am Jesus. Inquiry came off as more of a command than an inquiry. The men thought quietly to themselves. They knew Jesus as their rabbi and believed he came empowered by the spirit of God. But Jesus seemed to be asking a deeper question. Finally, Simon spoke up us. 00:16:05 Speaker 4: We may not be religious, dear cherish, have devoted ourselves away to studying the scriptures, but we have followed you. We have seen your works with our own eyes and heard your word with our own ears. 00:16:20 Speaker 3: And what have you come to know? 00:16:21 Speaker 6: Simon? There is no denying who you are. You are Messiah, the son of the Living God. 00:16:29 Speaker 1: Jesus leaned forward. He stared at Simon through the rising flames. His eyes were intense and knowing, blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah. But this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, for not even the Pharisees can see it. This was revealed to you by my Father in Heaven. Peter was silent, filled with a sense of honor and humility. Jesus puffed out his chest, his voice captivating all of the disciples. Jesus pointed to Simon, and. 00:17:04 Speaker 3: No longer shall you be called Simon, but you are Peter Rock. You are a rock Peter. 00:17:12 Speaker 1: Jesus placed his closed fist on his chest. The thump resonated among the disciples. 00:17:18 Speaker 3: And it is on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. And whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven. But whatever you loosen on earth will be loosened in heaven. 00:17:38 Speaker 1: Stunned by what had happened, the disciples said nothing. They looked to Peter, assuming he would be the first to respond. 00:17:48 Speaker 4: Lord, I don't know what to say. 00:17:52 Speaker 3: Ah, a day of many firsts, I see. 00:17:55 Speaker 1: Jesus could sense the swirling emotions of the disciples. They had spent their whole lives praying for the Messiah, and here he stood before them. Joy and all welled up within them at the news. 00:18:11 Speaker 3: But I must tell you something important. Though my father has revealed to all of you today that I am the Messiah, I must ask you to do one. 00:18:21 Speaker 2: Thing, Yes, of course, Lord anything. 00:18:26 Speaker 1: Peter found his voice once again and quickly embraced his new title as the Rock. 00:18:33 Speaker 3: What you have so gladly received this day will not be quickly received by everyone else. You must be careful for now to not tell anyone. 00:18:42 Speaker 6: Who I am. 00:18:44 Speaker 3: When the time is right, all will be revealed to the world. 00:18:57 Speaker 6: Let's set the scene. Jesus and his disciples are in Caesarea Philippi, a region known for its religious diversity. Temples of ancient gods dotted the landscape, and there was even a shrine to the god Pan. It was in this context, surrounded by symbols of false gods and idols, that Jesus chose to ask his disciples, who do men say that I the Son of Man Am. The disciples responded with a list of names, Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets. These were big names, revered figures in Jewish history. People saw Jesus as a revolutionary like John the Baptist, a miracle worker like Elijah, or a prophet like Jeremiah. But these comparisons, while complimentary, fell short. They underestimated who Jesus truly was. And then Jesus makes it personal. But who do you say that I am? This question cuts through the noise the opinions of others and demands a personal response. Peter, in a moment of divine inspiration, steps forward and declares, you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Now let's pause here and unpack what Peter just said. By calling Jesus the Christ, Peter was recognizing him as the long awaited Messiah, the anointed one, the one who would save Israel. But Peter doesn't stop there. He goes further, declaring Jesus as the son of the living God. This wasn't just a recognition of Jesus as a great leader or prophet. It was a declaration of his divinity. Peter was saying, You're not just from God, you are God. In a world filled with different opinions about Jesus, Peter's confession stands out as a moment of clarity and truth, and Jesus responds with a blessing. Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my father, who is in heaven. Peter didn't come to this realization on his own. It was revealed to him by God. This brings us to a crucial point. Understanding who Jesus truly is isn't something we can arrive at through our own wisdom or intellect. It's something that God reveals to us, often in those moments when we are most open to hearing his voice. So why does this matter? Because if Jesus is who he says he is, if he is indeed the Christ, the son of the Living God, then everything he says and does must be a paramount priority in our lives. We can't just see him as a good teacher or a moral leader. We must see him as Lord. And if he's Lord, then his words, his teachings, his commands take precedence over everything else in our lives. But let's be honest. In the busyness of life, it's easy to let our view of Jesus become too familiar, too comfortable. We know the stories, we've heard the sermons, and sometimes Jesus can become just another part of our routine. When this happens, we risk losing the wonder and the awe that should accompany our relationship with them. Just as the people of Caesarea Philippi underestimated Jesus, we too can underestimate him by confining him to the safe, comfortable boxes we've built. But Jesus isn't just another religious figure. He's God, and because he's God, his presence in our lives should challenge us, stretch us, and push us beyond and outside of our comfort zones. Let's take a moment to reflect who do we say that Jesus is. Do we see him as the son of the Living God, the lord of our lives, the one whose words and commands we must follow with all of our hearts, or have we allowed our familiarity with him to dull our sense of his greatness. Peter's confession was bold, and it was true. Jesus is the Christ, the son of the Living God. And because he is, we are to live in response to that truth, to prioritize his words, to follow his commands, to let his presence shape every aspect of our lives. As we close, let's ask God to reveal himself to us, anew to rekindle in our hearts a fresh sense of awe and wonder at who Jesus is. Let's pray for the courage to live out the truth of Peter's confession, not just with our words, with our lives, but with our lives.