The Question That Defines Eternity - Matthew 16:13-28

2025.07.06. Sermon Notes. THE QUESTION THAT DEFINES ETERNITY - MATTHEW 16:13-28

PART 2

William Akehurst, HSWC

THE CHRIST, THE CROSS, AND THE CALL - MATTHEW 16:13-28

SCRIPTURES: Matthew 16:13-28, Mark 16:19-20, Ephesians 1:20-23

THE QUESTION THAT DEFINES ETERNITY:

"Who Do You Say Jesus Is? Confessing, Following, and Carrying the Cross"

BIG IDEA: True discipleship begins with a right confession of who Jesus is, embraces the necessity of the cross, and responds with wholehearted surrender to follow Him; regardless of the cost.

INTRODUCTION:

One of the most defining passages in all the Gospels, Jesus brings His disciples to a place called Caesarea Philippi—a region known for its pagan temples, idol worship, and political power. It was here, in the shadow of false gods and worldly kingdoms, that Jesus asked the most important question in the universe:

It’s here, against the backdrop of spiritual darkness, false gods and worldly kingdoms, that JESUS asks the most important question in human history:

“Who do you say that I am?”

That question wasn’t just for Peter or the disciples.

It’s a question every soul: man, woman, and child must answer.

Who do you say Jesus is?

• Is HE your Sunday Savior, or is HE the LORD of your life?

• Is HE a good teacher in your mind, or the CHRIST in your heart?

Three (3) MAIN POINTS of Matthew 16:13-28

1. The Confession of Christ (vv. 13–20)

• Who Jesus is (The Christ, Son of the Living God)

2. The Mission of the Messiah (vv. 21–23)

• What Jesus came to do (suffer, die, and rise again)

3. The Call to the Cross (vv. 24–28)

• What He calls us to do (deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him)

POINT: Knowing Christ leads to following Christ. Following Christ means carrying the cross.

I. THE CONFESSION OF CHRIST (13–20)

Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ (Mark 8:27–30; Luke 9:18–20)

13-17 THE QUESTION THAT DEFINES ETERNITY

"Who Do You Say Jesus Is? Confessing, Following, and Carrying the Cross"

Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ (Mark 8:27–30; Luke 9:18–20)

13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”

14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

THE QUESTION:

Jesus begins with a question:

“Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” v.13

THEIR ANSWER

The disciples respond with a list of public opinion:

“Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” v.14

In other words, “Jesus, people think You’re a good man… a powerful preacher… even a prophet.”

THE DIRECT QUESTION

But Jesus isn’t interested in what the crowd says. He turns the question:

“But who do you say that I am?” v15

THAT’S the question that matters.

16:15 “WHO do you say that I AM?” - THE QUESTION THAT DEFINES ETERNITY

IMPORTANT: This is THE QUESTION that Defines Eternity!

Who is JESUS to you?

KEY POINT: Jesus leads His disciples to a moment of personal revelation and confession.

PETER ANSWERS

And Peter, bold and inspired, speaks up:

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Peter declares what God the Father revealed to him—Jesus is not just a teacher, healer, or prophet. He is Messiah, the Anointed One. He is the Son of God, co-equal with the Father.

This is the first clear confession of Jesus as Messiah in the Gospel of Matthew.

JESUS RESPONDS

“Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” V. 17

Peter didn’t figure this out on his own. This was a divine revelation.

16:16-17 Holy Spirit Revelation

APPLICATION:

• Every believer must answer this question personally.

• Knowing about Jesus is not enough — we must know Him intimately.

18-20 THE FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH

18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

20 Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.