In this message from Matthew 16, the central question Jesus asked His disciples—“But whom say ye that I am?”—becomes the driving force behind a deep and personal reflection on the foundation of our faith. As Jesus posed this question after asking what others believed about Him, we’re challenged to consider not just what the world says about Christ, but who we personally declare Him to be.

Before this pivotal exchange, Jesus warns His disciples to “beware the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” This leaven isn’t physical bread, but a metaphor for the corrupt doctrine and traditions of religious leaders who focus more on rituals and signs than on the truth of God’s Word. Jesus corrects His disciples when they misunderstand His statement, reminding them that He is the provider who has already met their physical needs—now He seeks their spiritual discernment.

Then, turning to His followers, Jesus asks what people believe about Him. The answers vary—John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. But the key question remains: “Whom say ye that I am?” Simon Peter responds powerfully: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This response is affirmed by Jesus as divinely inspired, not revealed by man but by God.

The sermon then explores three common but incomplete views people hold about Jesus:

1. Jesus as the Miracle Maker
   Some see Christ merely as a provider—a divine helper in times of need. He becomes someone they turn to only for answers to prayer, healing, or provision. Like the crowds in John 6, who followed Jesus for the bread rather than the Bread of Life, many today place their faith in what Jesus can do for them, rather than in who He is. But faith rooted solely in miracles will not endure when the miracles cease.
2. Jesus as a Ticket to Heaven
   Others focus on Jesus as an escape from Hell or a passport to Heaven. Their motivation for following Him is fear of eternal punishment or desire for eternal reward, rather than love for the Savior. While this fear can lead some to salvation, faith rooted only in avoiding Hell or gaining Heaven often lacks the depth to withstand trials and doubts.
3. Jesus as Lord and Savior
   The true, lasting faith is the one that Peter professed: Jesus is the Christ—the Messiah, the anointed one, the Son of the living God. When Jesus is truly Lord of your life, He holds authority, influence, and control. Your decisions, values, and purpose are aligned with Him, even when you face hardship or unanswered prayers. A believer who has genuinely made Christ Lord does not fall away when life gets hard, because their faith is grounded in who He is, not just in what He does.

The message ends with a heart-searching call to evaluate our personal faith. Do we only follow Jesus when it's convenient, when He performs miracles, or when we need help? Or have we declared with conviction and with our lives that He is Lord—our master, ruler, and Savior?

Jesus' question to His disciples remains just as urgent today: “But whom say ye that I am?” The answer we give, not just with our words, but with our heart and life, determines the depth and authenticity of our relationship with Him.

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