Week 5 – Is Jesus Really God? | Feb 10 – Feb 16, 2019
Message Big Idea
With intention or by default, every person answers the question, “Is Jesus really God?” The overwhelming evidence points to the truth of his divinity.
Scripture
Video
Opening Discussion
- According to the Barna Research Group, 67% of US adults say they have a personal relationship with Jesus. Does that surprise you? Why or why not?
- What do you think it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus?
Video Discussion
- Watch the Curiosity Collective video. In what ways can you identify with any of the stories in The Curiosity Collective? What did you find intriguing or compelling?
- What do you think Leonce meant when he said, “Religion says, ‘I do, therefore I’m loved.’ Jesus says, ‘You’re loved; therefore you do?’”
Bible Discussion
- Read Matthew 16:13-20. What do you notice about the text for the first time?
- Caesarea Philippi was far north near a grotto devoted to the worship of the Greek deity Pan; Herod also dedicated a temple for the worship of Caesar there. Against this backdrop, Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” Jesus chose this location to ask this question, and the writer points it out. Why might this have been important for his disciples? What might it mean for us today?
- We all have to answer the question, “Who do you say I am?” How would you answer that for yourself?
Challenge
The question, “Who do you say I am?” is the same, but we all are on different points of the journey, and we may hear that challenge differently. Some of us may need to try following some of Jesus’ teaching to find out if his way is compelling and life-giving. Some of you may ready to agree with Peter’s declaration and are ready to take the next step of baptism. Still, some of us have already decided to follow Jesus. In what way can we all follow him more closely this week?
