There are times in our lives when we need to go back to the basics. It may need to happen at work; it may need to happen at school. And there are times when it needs to happen even in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
In Mark 8, Jesus brought His disciples back to the basics. After teaching His disciples for nearly three years, Jesus paused to ask them a very basic question, “Who do you say that I am?” Then He waited for them to respond.
There are times when we may be eager to do some great things or some profound things in our spiritual lives, but it’s possible that we may need to pause for just a moment and go back to the basics. And you cannot get any more basic than Jesus’ question… “Who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:27)
When Jesus asked these questions, He asked not because He didn’t know what the people thought and spoke of Him; He asked them to open the door for a declaration of their comprehension, to confirm and strengthen them in it.
I. THE PERSONAL DESIGNATION:
A. What Jesus Said: “Son Of Man.” (Mark 8:27)
Consider first what that does not mean: It does not mean that He had a biological human father. It does not mean that He was merely human and not Divine.
Now, consider what it does mean: (John 1:1-2, 14). It has reference to His humanity.
B. So what does that mean to me? Identification, Understanding, Compassion. (Hebrews 4:15-16). Everybody ought to know Who Jesus is!
C. Jesus, the Son of Man and Son of God, made many claims about Himself;
He is Son of Man and Son of God. As man He understands us and as God He can rescue us.
II. THE POPULAR DECLARATION:
A. What People Said (Mark 8:28)
It seems that Jesus is easier to deal with, or to set aside if we keep Him limited to being just a good, moral, loving man – but not God as a man
B. The opinions of humanity have often been wrong:
It was once believed that the world is flat like a pancake! WRONG!
It was once believed (and still is by some) that we live in an earth centered or Geocentric system where everything revolves around the earth rather than the sun as in a Heliocentric system. WRONG!
Tomatoes were considered to be poisonous. WRONG!
It was considered that heavier than-air crafts would never fly. WRONG!
The atom was once considered to be the smallest indivisible particle. WRONG!
C. People had, and have, erroneous ideas about Jesus, too.
And as a result they rejected, and do reject, Who He really is!
III. THE PROPER DECISION:
A. What Peter Said: (Mark 8:29)
So, why did Peter answer boldly? Peter had experienced Jesus’ divine power. His confession—“You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” Was not merely from information; it was from revelation and relationship.
B. Who Is Jesus To You Today and Why Does It matter?
There’s something else important here. Peter said to Jesus, “You are the Christ.” Not “I think you’re the Christ” or “People say that you’re the Christ” or even, “We got together and took a vote and we decided that you are the Christ.” Rather, it is a declarative statement — “You are the Christ!” (John 8:23-24)
C. The importance of recognizing a person for who that person is.
Each one of us has the opportunity to have a personal relationship with the Master of the universe, Jesus Christ. Let's not keep Him from “playing His music” and being Master of our lives!
D. Here Is The Decision You Must Make.
In the end the decision about Jesus Christ must become very personal. Who do you think He is? Is He the Son of God? Is He the Messiah from heaven? Is He a misunderstood Palestinian rabbi? Is He who He claimed to be? Or is He something else altogether?
May I submit to you that when all the alternatives are fairly considered, we are left with only three options concerning Jesus: He might be a liar, He might be a lunatic, or He might be the Lord!
Summary:
If you are still unsure about Jesus, let me encourage you to pick up the New Testament and read it for yourself. You don’t have to take my word for it. If what I am saying is true, then the facts ought to be self-evident to any intelligent man or woman.
Please don’t make a final decision about Jesus without checking things out for yourself.
