In Pursuit of the King
Who Do You Say I Am?
Speaker: Greg Holder
Who Do You Say I Am?
Scripture Reading: Mark 8:1-13, 27-33
"But what about you? Who do you say that I am?" Mark 8:29
Theologian Walter Wink suggested we often see only what we are familiar or comfortable with. What do you notice when you first walk into an unfamiliar situation/social gathering? (the people, food, decor, music, lighting?)
We tend to notice not just what's familiar but what we deem important.
Read the first section of Scripture out loud.
- Summarize what is happening here.
- What is different from the last, similar miracle?
-How are those differences significant to the disciples, and to us?
-Re-read verses 11-13. What are the Pharisees doing here?
-Someone once asked a searching friend - "Are you looking for reasons to believe, or reasons not to believe?" Two completely different intellectual postures - requiring different responses. What does Jesus' response teach us about how to respond to those who are looking for reasons not to believe?
-From those who took notes on the message: Describe the area around Caesarea Philippi where Jesus took his disciples.
-In the midst of this dark, highly pagan culture, Jesus asks the question, "Who do people say that I am?" And he asks the ultimate question. He asks all of us: "Who do YOU say that I am?"
-Why do you think Jesus took His disciples there to ask that question?
-Peter went to the head of the class with his answer. Then, just a few verses later he absolutely crashed. How can we relate to Peter - seeing one thing so clearly but totally missing the mark the very next breath?
-What are the names, the characteristics, the "versions" of Jesus that you lean into? that you prefer or are most comfortable with? Take a minutes to list them.
-What are the truths of Christ that might sometimes make us squirm? List them.
-What would a "whole picture" of Jesus look like? How does that affect how you relate to Him?
Reflect
Spend time this week looking at the "whole"of Jesus - the parts easy to embrace, and the more challenging parts. If we truly need Jesus - we need all of Him. And He gave ALL of Himself as a sacrifice for us. He held nothing back. Pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal more of Jesus in your life this week.