Title: Who Do YOU Say Jesus Is? – Part 2

Text: Matthew 16:13–20 (NASB)

Key Scriptures:

Matthew 16:15 – “But who do YOU say I am?”

Psalm 2:7 – “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.”

John 6:65, Acts 1:8, Ephesians 2:6, Romans 8:16, Galatians 3:29

Jeremiah 3:15, Hebrews 13:17, Matthew 10:40, Psalm 1:1–3, Joshua 1:8

Big Idea:

Your understanding of who Jesus is will determine how you live, serve, and receive the gifts God sends into your life.

4 Ways Your Understanding of Jesus Impacts You:

1. **How You Respond to Him**

  * Is He Lord of all in your life—or just a good man?

  * *“Jesus must be Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all.”*

2. **How You View Yourself**

  You are a person of:

  * **Power** – Acts 1:8

  * **Privilege** – Romans 8:16

  * **Position** – Ephesians 2:6

3. **How You Receive Those God Sends**

  * Jesus established the **church**, **pastors**, and **five-fold ministry gifts** (Eph. 4:11).

  * A pastor is your spiritual **shepherd**, given to **guide and guard** you (Jer. 3:15).

  * **Matthew 10:40** – “Whoever receives you receives me...”

4. **How You Receive the Word of God**

  * God’s GPS: **God’s Plan for Success** is found in His Word (Psalm 1:1–3, Joshua 1:8).

  * You can’t partially obey and expect full blessing.

Bonus Teaching: What About Christmas Trees?

* **Jeremiah 10:2–5** is often misused to argue against Christmas trees.

* This passage is about **idols**, not holiday decorations.

* The **Christmas tree**, though not a biblical command, is rich in **symbolism**:

 * **Evergreen:** Eternal life through Christ (John 3:16)

 * **Tree itself:** Points to the Cross (1 Peter 2:24)

 * **Lights:** Jesus is the Light of the world (John 8:12)

 * **Star/Angel:** God's guidance and message (Matt. 2:9–10, Luke 2:8–14)

 * **Gifts:** Remind us of God's greatest gift (Rom. 6:23)

Closing Story: “Because I Know Who Jesus Is”

A missionary, imprisoned and starving, refused to deny Christ. A guard who witnessed his faith asked, “Why didn’t you break?” The missionary answered, “Because I know who Jesus is.” The guard replied, “I want to know Him too.”

**Your confession of who Jesus is may change someone else’s eternity.**

Reflection Question:

When Jesus asks **you**, “Who do YOU say I am?” — what will your life, not just your lips, say?