Who Do You Say I Am?

By Jon Pasiuk, May 03, 2026

Who Do You Say I Am?

The Purpose of Our Confession

A Confession of Faith is a “base-level summary” of what we believe. We hold to it for three reasons:

  1. To : Learning the “language” and "customs" of the Kingdom of God.

  2. To : Distinguishing the truth from “counterfeits” that can enslave or hurt.

  3. To : Responding with love and entrustment to the God who first loved us.

I. Jesus is the (The Anointed King)

  • The Context: At Caesarea Philippi, surrounded by temples to Caesar, Zeus, and Baal, Peter declares Jesus is the true King.

  • The Modern Parallel: We often look to political progress, career success, or social “hamster wheels” to save us.

  • The Truth: To call Jesus “the Christ” is to reject these narratives and find our hope solely in the one who triumphs over sin and death.

II. Jesus is the of the Living God (The Divine Authority)

  • What it isn't: It doesn't mean Jesus was “created” or that we serve multiple gods.

  • What it is: Jesus is the “Image of the invisible God,” existing eternally with the Father.

  • The Authority: Because He is the Son, He has the authority of God to forgive sins, command creation, and call us back from death.

III. Jesus is (Our Master and Hope)

  • Submission: Following Jesus means choosing His Word over our own perspective.

“Take my yoke upon you… for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29–30)

  • Cost: Confessing Him as Lord may cost us our old world, our pride, or even the approval of our families.

  • Courage: Knowing Jesus is Lord gives us courage in crisis because we know He is “making all things new” (Revelation 21:5).

Personal Reflection & Small Group Questions

1. The Starting Point: When you hear words like “Confession”, “Doctrine” or “Theology”, what perceptions come to mind? How did this sermon change that perspective?

2. The Clarity of Truth: Jesus states that “the truth will set you free.” Have you ever seen a "counterfeit" version of faith cause harm to someone? Why is theological clarity an act of love?

3. The Location: Consider the setting of Caesarea Philippi (a place of many idols). If Jesus asked you the question, “Who do you say I am?” while you were standing in your workplace or scrolling social media, how might the setting change your answer?

4. Modern Messiahs: What are the “Caesars” or "gods" of our modern culture (politics, career, comfort) that people most often look to for salvation?

5. The Meaning of “Son”: How does knowing that Jesus is the "Word" who existed before time (John 1:1) change the way you read His teachings in the Gospels?

6. The Authority of Jesus: Looking at the stories of Jesus calming the storm or healing the paralyzed man, which aspect of His authority do you need to rely on most right now?

7. The Concept of the Yoke: Jesus invites us to take His “yoke.” In what areas of your life does "submitting" to Jesus feel like a burden, and in what areas does it feel like rest?

8. The Cost of Confession: Think of the story of the man laying in the casket. What is one thing you’ve had to “die to” in order to truly follow Jesus as Lord?

9. Courage in Crisis: Read Revelation 21:1–5. How does the promise that God is “making all things new” provide a "turning point" for your current anxieties? What other passages in scripture have lifted you from fear to courage?

10. The Table: As we approach Communion, how does the phrase “Jesus is Lord” change the way you view the bread and the cup?