The Essential Jesus Challenge

PRAY: Heavenly Father, I thank you for everything you've taught me during my journey through the Bible. Please show me anything else you want me to know before it comes to an end.

READ: Luke 9:18-27

REFLECT: When I was in high school my pastor invited me to share my testimony in front of the entire church. I agreed because I had grown up in a Christian home and I felt confident I knew what to say. But when the day finally arrived and I stepped to the front, I suddenly realized the challenge wasn't just to say what my pastor or my parents or anyone else wanted to hear. With the eyes of everyone staring at me, I had to say what I really believed about Jesus.

It's that kind of fish-or-cut-bait moment that the disciples have reached in Luke 9. As a result of Jesus' preaching, parables and miracles, everyone is talking about him. So Jesus asks a general question, "Who do the crowds say I am?" (v. 18). Most people today would be comfortable with that one; they could simply repeat what they've heard from others, which is exactly what the disciples did (v.19).

But Jesus didn't come to earth to help people memorize a textbook answer about himself. He came so that everyone could have a personal relationship with him. So he presses the point; perhaps this is what he had been praying about earlier (v. 18). "Who do you say I am?" (v. 20); that's the essential Jesus challenge. And it is Peter, the impulsive fisherman, who rises to the challenge: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16; see Luke 9:20). The disciples still had a lot to learn about Jesus, and a lot to go through with him (Luke 9:21-27). But they had crossed a threshold in their relationship with Jesus.

As we've discovered in our journey through the Bible, what you believe about Jesus is the most important issue you'll ever face. My prayer is that you'll join Peter and countless millions throughout the ages who have affirmed with all their hearts, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," because when you do, you will have crossed the threshold into eternal life.

APPLY: What do you really believe about Jesus?

PRAY: Spend a few minutes talking to Jesus, imagining that he has personally addressed his challenge to you: "Who do you say that I am?"

Discussion Questions for "Who is Jesus... to You?"

1. Why do so many people believe that salvation can be earned by doing enough good deeds? Why do so many people struggle with the idea that salvation is a free gift from God?
2. Jesus said you cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). How is that possible in our modern world? How can we know when we've crossed the line, that we love money and possessions too much?
3. For Nicodemus, coming to faith in Jesus was a process. What have been the steps in your process for discovering who Jesus is? How long has it taken, and what do you think the next step might be?
4. The woman at the well was struggling with her sense of shame. Have you ever felt like negative experiences in your past were holding you back from drawing closer to God? What happened?
5. Early in his life, Saul was an angry person. Have you ever had a phase in your life when you've been angry at God? Why? Were you able to resolve the source of your anger? How?
6. Peter boldly declared his belief in Jesus. Have you ever been in a situation where you had to publicly explain what you believe about Jesus? What happened? Do you remember the first time you spoke up for Jesus?
7. Who is Jesus to you?

Journey to Bethlehem

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