Matthew 16:13–20; Matthew 16:21–28; Matthew 17:1–8

Introduction

• God is a good, good Father—we gather to celebrate His goodness and mercy.
• The focus today: understanding Jesus as the Messiah through Peter’s journey.
• Key question Jesus asks: “Who do you say I am?”

I. The Question that Defines Our Faith (Matthew 16:13–20)

A. The Setting and the Question

• Jesus withdraws with His disciples for a heart-to-heart in Caesarea Philippi.
• He asks: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”—followed by “Who do you say I am?”

B. The Power of Analytical Faith

• Jesus challenges His disciples (and us) to think, not just repeat answers.
• True faith requires reflection—seeing beyond hearsay and culture.
• Today, with misinformation, AI, and deception, discernment is vital.

C. Peter’s Confession

• “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
• This revelation came not from human insight, but from the Father.
• When we seek and think deeply, God brings clarity.

Application:

We must personally answer Jesus’ question—not by tradition or emotion, but by conviction.

II. The Transformation that Follows True Confession

A. Confession Leads to Change

• Jesus blesses Peter—his revelation becomes a foundation for the Church.
• Recognizing Jesus as Messiah transforms how we live, think, and speak.
• True belief manifests in obedience, service, and character.

B. Evidence of Transformation

• Peter’s confession was not only verbal—it reshaped his identity and mission.
• Likewise, when we truly believe, no preacher needs to push us to change; transformation starts within.
• Our lives should reflect Christ:

• Love deeply.
• Serve faithfully.
• Walk by faith.
• Persevere despite trials.

C. Living Out Love

• Love others as Jesus loved—notice who is missing, care for the marginalized.
• Our daily choices, parenting, and priorities reveal our true confession.
• Faith must not send mixed signals to our children or community.

Application:

• If Jesus is truly the Messiah in your life, let your choices show it.
• III. The Cross that Refines Us (Matthew 16:21–28)

A. Peter’s Misstep

• Right after his great confession, Peter rebukes Jesus for speaking of suffering.
• Jesus responds, “Get behind me, Satan!”—showing that human comfort often opposes divine purpose.

B. The Cost of Discipleship

• To follow Jesus means embracing the cross—denying self, enduring suffering.
• Peter wanted glory without the pain, but there’s no Messiah without a cross.

C. The Role of Suffering

• Suffering refines our faith—it’s not punishment but purification.
• God uses trials to prove love and deepen trust.
• We may not shed blood for our faith, but we must die to self, pride, and comfort.

Illustration:

Application:

• Embrace the cross—trust that God’s timing and purpose in suffering are redemptive.

IV. The Confirmation of the Messiah (Matthew 17:1–8)

A. The Transfiguration

• Jesus reveals His glory before Peter, James, and John.
• God confirms: “This is my Son, whom I love; listen to Him.”

B. The Lesson

• Peter wanted to act (build shelters), but God said: “Listen to Him.”
• Our call is not to overcomplicate faith but to obey simply and sincerely.

C. Listening and Obeying

• Listen to Jesus in all areas: family, work, finances, relationships.
• To recognize Jesus as Messiah is to embrace His mission.

Conclusion: Who Do You Say Jesus Is?

• Peter’s confession must become our conviction and lifestyle.
• Let your life, not just your lips, declare that Jesus is the Messiah.

Live as He lived:

• Love deeply
• Serve humbly
• Persevere faithfully
• Embrace the cross joyfully

Communion Reflection (John 3:16)

• As we take the bread and cup, remember:
• Christ’s love redeems us, transforms us, and calls us to live as He lived.