09-13-2026 Sermon Title WHO IS JESUS?
Introduction
WHO IS JESUS?
Main Text: Matthew 16:13–17 (KJV)
“13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Introduction — The Most Important Question
There are many questions we will answer during our lifetime.
What will I do with my life? Who will I marry?
Where will I live? What career will I choose?
What will I do with what God has given me?
All of Those questions matter.
But none of them is as important as the question Jesus asked His disciples:
“Who do people say the Son of Man is?” (NIV)
But who do you say that I am?”(NKJV)
Noticed Jesus did not ask, “What does your family say about Me?”
He did not ask, “What does your church say about Me?”
He did not ask, “What does your pastor say about Me?”
He made it personal. “Who do you say I am?
And that question still comes to every one of us today:
Who is Jesus to you?
Recently I had a conversation with a group of people about religion. Some believe There are more Gods than our Father in Heaven, Some believe there are different pathways to Heaven. That Jesus isn’t the ONLY way to GOD Heaven. If that is true (Jesus was a liar) and everything Christian believe about Him is a lie) JESUS ID THE ONLY WAY AMEN!
JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, JESUS
You can know His name and still not know Him.
You can celebrate Christmas and EASTER still not know Him.
You can attend church and still not know Him.
You can sing songs about Him, quote Scriptures about Him, and wear a cross around your neck—and still never surrender your life to Him.
So today, I want us to answer one question:
WHO IS JESUS?
1. Jesus Is the Son of God
Peter answered: Matthew 16:16
“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus is not merely another religious teacher. NOTE!!! ALL OTHER RELIGION WORSHIP SOMEONE WHO IS DEAD Buddia, Kanphish , Alia all dead
JESUS is not simply a historical figure. He is not just a prophet. He is not merely a good man who taught people how to love one another.
Jesus is the Son of the living God.
John 3:16 declares:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…”
God did not send an angel to save us. God did not send another prophet. God sent His Son.
At Jesus' baptism, the Father declared: — Matthew 3:17
“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
When we understand who Jesus is, we understand that Christianity is not simply about following the teachings of a good man.
We are following the Son of God.
2. Jesus Is God Who Came to Us
John begins his Gospel with these powerful words: John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:14
Then John tells us: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…”
Think about that. The eternal Word became flesh.
God stepped into human history. The Creator entered His creation. Jesus experienced hunger. Jesus experienced thirst. Jesus became tired. Jesus wept.
Jesus knew rejection. Jesus knew betrayal.
Jesus knew pain.
Yet He was without sin.
Hebrews 4:15 says that He:
“…was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
This means when you pray, you are not praying to a God who is disconnected from what you are going through.
Jesus understands.
When your heart is broken—Jesus understands.
When people betray you—Jesus understands.
When you feel rejected—Jesus understands.
When you are tempted—Jesus understands.
When you are grieving—Jesus understands.
The God we serve did not remain distant from human suffering.
He came near.
3. Jesus Is the Savior
Matthew 1:21 says:
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
Why did Jesus come? To save.
Our greatest problems are not financial, political, social.
Our greatest problem is sin.
Romans 3:23 tells us:
“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”
Every one of us has fallen short.
YOUR preacher has fallen short.
The person sitting on the front row, the back row and ALL in between has fallen short.
We all need Jesus.
And here is the good news:
Jesus did not come looking for perfect people.
(Pastor Ray Said this many years ago, If you came here looking for Perfect People you came to the wrong place. And if you consider yourself perfect, please leave, you will miss up the rest of us)
Jesus came looking for people who needed saving.
He said in Luke 19:10:
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
That means your past does not frighten Jesus.
Your failures do not surprise Jesus.
Your mistakes do not disqualify you from coming to Jesus.
He came for sinners.
4. Jesus Is the Friend of the Broken
Look at the people Jesus spent time with.
He touched lepers when others avoided them.
He spoke to the Samaritan woman when others would have rejected her.
He ate with tax collectors and sinners.
He defended the condemned. He welcomed children.
He restored Peter after Peter denied Him.
Jesus repeatedly moved toward people others pushed away.
Matthew 11:28 records His invitation:
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Notice what Jesus says:
“Come unto me.” Not, “Get yourself together first.”
Not, “Fix everything first.” Not, “Clean up your life and then come.” Just: Come.
Someone in here may have walked in carrying something nobody else knows about.
You smiled when you came through the door.
You shook hands. You said, “I'm doing fine.”
But inside, your heart is heavy.
REMEMBER Jesus says: Come to Me.
When everybody else walks away, Jesus is still there.
5. Jesus Is the Way
Jesus makes one of the clearest statements in all of Scripture in John 14:6:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Notice Jesus did not say: “I know the way.”
He said: “I AM the way.”
He did not say: “I teach some truth.”
He said: “I AM the truth.”
He did not say: “I can improve your life.”
He said: “I AM the life.”
Jesus is not merely pointing us toward God.
Jesus brings us to the Father. Religion cannot save us.
Good deeds cannot save us. Church membership cannot save us. Money cannot save us.
Education cannot save us. Our family name cannot save us.
Jesus saves.
Acts 4:12 says:
“Neither is there salvation in any other…”
There is something about that name. Jesus.
(THERE’s Song Annette) It’s the sweatess Name I Know
There is Hope for the hopeless. Peace for the troubled.
Forgiveness for the guilty. Strength for the weak.
Life for the spiritually dead. Salvation for the sinner.
6. Jesus Is King
Philippians 2:10–11 says:
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…”
There is coming a day when every question about Jesus will be settled.
Every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess.
Kings will bow. Presidents will bow.
Preachers will bow. Rich people will bow.
Poor people will bow. Believers will bow.
Those who rejected Him will bow.
Jesus Christ is Lord.
Revelation 19:16 calls Him:
“KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
But the final question IS. Whom Say YE That I Am?
Now we return to the question.
Jesus asked:
“But who do you say that I am?”
This is where the sermon becomes personal.
It is not enough to know who Jesus was to Peter.
Who is Jesus to you?
Is He simply someone you call when you're in trouble?
Is He just part of your Sunday routine?
Is He someone you know about?
Or is He your Savior?
Is He your Lord?
Is He your King?
Is He the One directing your life?
Peter said:
“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
There comes a moment when every person must answer that question for themselves.
Your mother cannot answer it for you.
Your father cannot answer it for you.
Your husband cannot answer it for you.
Your wife cannot answer it for you.
Your pastor cannot answer it for you.
You must answer it.
Conclusion — Who Is Jesus?
Who is Jesus?
He is the Son of God.
Who is Jesus?
He is God who came near.
Who is Jesus?
He is the Savior of sinners.
Who is Jesus?
He is a friend to the broken.
Who is Jesus?
He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Who is Jesus?
He is the Good Shepherd.
Who is Jesus?
He is the Lamb of God.
Who is Jesus?
He is the risen Lord.
Who is Jesus?
He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
But perhaps the most important thing you can say today is:
He is MY Savior.
He is MY Lord.
He is MY Shepherd.
He is MY Redeemer.
He is MY King.
Because there is a difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus.
Closing Prayer
Father, we thank You for Jesus.
Thank You for sending Your Son into this world to save us. Thank You that Jesus came for the lost, touched the broken, forgave sinners, carried our sins to Calvary, died in our place, and rose again with all power.
Lord Jesus, help us not merely to know about You, but to truly know You.
For the person who is hurting, be their comfort.
For the person who has wandered, be their Shepherd.
For the person carrying guilt, remind them that forgiveness is available.
For the person who feels hopeless, remind them that the tomb is empty.
For the person who does not know You, draw them to Yourself today.
And for those of us who already call You Lord, help our lives that demonstrate that confession.
May our words honor You. May our decisions honor You.
May our relationships honor You. May our homes honor You.
May our churches honor You.
And may everything we do point somebody toward Jesus.
For You alone are worthy.
You are Savior.
You are Lord.
You are King.
In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus we pray.
Amen.
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I realize that everyone is comfortable with a public profession of faith in Jesus. If you want the opportunity for salvation is a small intimate environment
Reach out to us by calling of texting 336-338-8037 or southplainfieldfriends.org/ click on contact us and we will guide you through the next steps.
If you’re ready to surrender your life to Christ and to be a part of a loving community of people (THAT AREN’T PERFECT) But will Love you
Say this prayer with me
Jesus,
I know that I need You.
I believe You died for my sins
and rose again to give me new life.
Today, I turn from my old ways
and give my life fully to You.
Please forgive me of my sins,
change me,………and lead me ……from this day forward.
I trust You as my Savior,
Thank You for loving me and saving me.
Amen.
If you said this prayer and truly believe it in your heart, we believe that you are a Christian.
Luke 15:10
10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Reach out to us 336-338-8037 southplainfieldfriends.org/ click on contact us and we will guide you through the next steps.