In Matthew 16:13-28, Jesus asks a question of his disciples that still confronts each of us today: “Who do you say I am?” There have always been plenty of opinions about Jesus. Even to this day, some say Jesus was merely a prophet, teacher, or a well meaning individual. However, Jesus presses past secondhand answers and makes it personal. How we answer this question matters because it shapes how we live and what we believe about God, ourselves, and the world. Who is Jesus to you? 

Peter boldly answers, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” and Jesus affirms that this confession is the foundation of the church. Belief in Jesus is the doorway into the Kingdom of Heaven—but that kingdom doesn’t look the way we expect. When Jesus explains that the Messiah must suffer and die, Peter resists, revealing how easy it is to trust Jesus while still wanting control over how his plan unfolds. 

Jesus then makes it clear: following him means surrender. “Take up your cross and follow me” is a call to sacrificial love. He goes on to say that this means losing our lives so we can truly find them. The kingdom of God is upside down, where real power looks like humility and real life is found in giving ourselves away. 

We invite you to join us this Sunday at 10:00AM as we study Matthew 16:13-28 together.