Who Do You Say I Am?
Scripture Reference: Matthew 16:13-16
Preached at Mount Zion Baptist Church on August 11, 2019
Delivered by Rev. John Daniel Johnson
This past week, I was standing in the bathroom, admiring myself in the mirror. I took my shirt off and started flexing to myself. I stood there looking at myself as I brushed my teeth and shaved my face. I then fixed my hair and made sure every string was in place. Before leaving I had to flex one more time. This time Jessica walked in. I asked her, “Jessica when I get old and fat will you still love me and stay with me?” She walked over to me and put her arm around me. Together we looked into the mirror. She then spoke lovely to me, “Honey you’re already there, and yes I still love you.”
This morning, we’ll be looking at the most important question that had ever been asked of mankind. This question causes us to look into the mirror of our understanding. Like me, we might not see the truth looking right back at us, however, my prayer this morning is we’ll examine our life and discover every flaw or defect and fix those problems, if any exist, before it’s too late. Let’s examine this question this morning.
Read Text:
There are many questions that are important in one’s life. One of the questions that have impacted my physical life almost more than any other was, “Will you marry me?” Another is, “What do we want to name her?” However, when it comes to our eternal life, Jesus posed the most crucial question ever asked to humanity. The answer to this question will affect at least three areas of your life.
First, the answer to Jesus’ question will affect how you believe. There are countless people who see Jesus as a miracle worker, or a great prophet, or as a good moral teacher. Based on a partial understanding of Jesus, countless false religious have been created, people have been led astray, and sadly many have met their doom because they did not truly know the real Jesus. That is why Jesus said…
Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’
(Matthew 7:22-23)
Many people have a positive regard for Jesus, but they miss the mark altogether. You can speak of Jesus as a prophet, a holy man, teacher or spiritual leader, and few will object. But speak of Him as the Son of God, Savior from sin, the only way to Heaven, and multitudes of people will line up to voice their disapproval.
Secondly, the answer to the question will affect your life. Because depending on who Jesus truly is to you will determine how you love Him and how you will love those He created.
Thirdly, the answer to the question will affect your behavior. Your confidence, your potential, your morals, and your place in this world will all be affected. Your reactions to situations around you and your actions are directly affected by the way your answer this question.
All four of the Gospels either ask or seek to answer this question. Matthew, Mark and Luke all ask this question, and the entire Book of John is to answer the question.
In today’s text, Jesus is nearing the end of His earthly ministry. He turns to His disciples and asks two questions. The first question is “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” (Matthew 16:13)
Then the disciples answer Jesus’ question and let Him know what the crowds think of Jesus. They reply…
1) Some thought Jesus was John the Baptist. John had many followers before Jesus was baptized by him. John’s message was one of repentance and preparing for the coming of the Messiah. The people knew that Herod had recently had John murdered by beheading him. Since Jesus’ preaching was similar to that of John, some that that Jesus was nothing more than a good moral preacher.
2) Some thought Jesus was Elijah. It is no secret that Jews believed that Elijah would return before the Messiah. In the Book of Malachi, Chapters 3 and 4, speak of a forerunner that will come preaching before the Messiah comes. We in the New Testament know that John the Baptist was that prophet who came and warned the people of the coming Messiah. Also we know from Revelation 11, that in the end days, that Elijah and another prophet will stand in Jerusalem and testify 3 ½ years. They will preach before the Second Coming of Jesus.
3) Some thought that Jesus was Jeremiah or one of the other prophets. They thought of Him just as another teacher of God. Another miracle worker. Another one they would kill just like they had done all the other prophets before.
What about you and me today? Jesus didn’t just ask this question to the disciples of his day, He asks it to the disciples of this day. The question rings down through the ages and echoes in our ears this morning…”Who do you say I am?” This morning I pose this question to you, “Who do you say Jesus is?” I pray your answer is like that of Peter. I pray that you will say, “Jesus, you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Even though Peter may have answered the LORD’s question, he was given the answer many months earlier. Scripture says…
One of the two who heard John [the Baptist] speak and followed [Jesus], was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He found first his own brother Simon [Peter] and said to him, “We have found the Messiah”
(John 1:40-41)
We might can answer the LORD’s question like them, but do we really know what it means to know that Jesus is the Messiah? Not being Jewish, do we as Western Christian know truly what that terminology means? We may honestly say that we know that Jesus is the Messiah, but do we actually understand what it means to be the Messiah? Just answering that Jesus is our Messiah, might be just the textbook answer.
We all know what the textbook answer is right? It the answer that is written in stone or ink; straight from the book. Being a parent, like many of you, I know children learn from asking questions. Some of those questions that we are repeatedly ask are, “Are we there yet?” or “Where do babies come from?”or “Can I play on your phone or watch my shows?” or the #1 question children ask is “Why?”
The textbook answer to the “Why” question is often, “Because I said so.” But honestly, do we truly know what the term Messiah means? Our text contains what may be the most important question Jesus ever asked His disciples. It is a question each of us must answer before we can make a decision to give our lives to Jesus; “Who is Jesus?”
The word “Messiah” literally means “to smear or spread on.” It is used throughout the Old Testament as a symbol of smearing oil or anointing the person that was chosen by God to lead, govern, to be dedicated, or minister to the people. The Hebrew word is “messiah,” but the Greek word is “Christ.” So when we say, “Jesus is the Christ,” it literally means that Jesus is the Messiah.
In the Old Testament, three types of people were “messiah” or “anointed.”
KINGS WERE ANOINTED
“Then Samuel took the flask of oil, poured it on [Saul’s] head, kissed him and said, “Has not the Lord anointed you a ruler over His inheritance?”
(1 Samuel 10:1)
Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward.
(1 Samuel 16:13)
Zadok the priest then took the horn of oil from the tent and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the trumpet, and all the people said, “Long live King Solomon!”
(1 Kings 1:39)
Almost every king of the people of Israel or Judah was anointed for service. By anointing them, it signified that they were chosen by God to be the ruler and head of the people. They were the absolute authority on Earth.
The Lord Jesus was also anointed. In the house of Simon the Leper, Jesus was having a meal with His disciples. All the gospels record that Lazarus was there, along with Mary and Martha. While Martha prepared and served the food, Mary was worshipping. She poured out an expensive bottle of oil on the head of Jesus and wiped His feet with her tears.
On the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, He stands before Pilate and was questioned by him. Scripture states…
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. (John 18:36-37)
To say that Jesus is Messiah or Christ, is to acknowledge that He is King. In this western world, we don’t like kings. Many of our forefathers left England to escape the king to come to America. However, to believe that Jesus is the Messiah literally means that He has supreme authority. He’s in charge.
PROPHETS WERE ANOINTED
Prophets were tasked with speaking God’s Word to people. In the Old Testament, this included both proclaiming God’s truth to others and revealing God’s plans for the future. Some of the prophets also performed miracles and healings.
Not only did prophets heal, perform miracles, and foretell the future, but their primary purpose was to warn the people and to tell the people of God. That was Jesus’ ministry also. John 1 tells us that Jesus was the Word of God. He revealed to us God in the flesh.
By saying that Jesus is our Prophet, we must accept His words. We must believe His words and His message. Not only believe it, but live it. His teachings of forgiveness, and love, and compassion should be exercised. His warnings of harboring sin, of the unrepentant heart, and the things we are to flee from should be practiced. We can’t say that Jesus is our prophet and ignore His words.
PRIESTS WERE ANOINTED
Old Testament priests were anointed for service to God. Many in this room, deacons and pastors, were anointed in a likewise fashion. It signifies that you were appointed to service to God.
However, priests have a greater service than just worship leaders in the Old Testament. They were the mediator between God and mankind. It was the priest who’d offer the sacrifices for the forgiveness of sin on behalf of the people. The priest was the middleman or bridge between this world and the eternal one.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. (John 14:6)
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
