Immanuel Reveals | Discussion Guide
Summary
This sermon focuses on the pivotal question Jesus asks his disciples in Luke 9:18-20: ‘Who do you say that I am?’ The pastor emphasizes that while life is full of questions, this is the most important question anyone will ever face. The sermon explores how Jesus was praying privately with his disciples before asking first what the crowds thought of him, then personally asking the disciples who they believed him to be. Peter’s response – ‘God’s Messiah’ – represents not just intellectual knowledge but a heart confession that leads to complete surrender and commitment. The pastor warns against redefining Jesus to fit our comfort zones and emphasizes that anything less than recognizing Jesus as the true Messiah makes him unfit to be our Savior.
Intro Prayer
Father, as we gather together today, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us through Your Word. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit’s leading and to honestly examine our own hearts as we discuss who Jesus truly is. We pray that You would reveal Yourself to us in fresh ways and that we would not just gain head knowledge, but that our hearts would be transformed by encountering You. Prepare us now for this time of discussion and fellowship. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What’s one question you remember asking as a child that your parents had a hard time answering?
Key Verses
Luke 9:18-20
Matthew 16:16-17
James 4:10
Genesis 3
John 6
Questions
Why do you think Jesus asked the disciples what the crowds were saying about him before asking them personally who they thought he was?
The sermon mentions that Jesus was praying privately but the disciples were with him. What does this teach us about Jesus’ prayer life and its impact on others?
Peter’s answer ‘God’s Messiah’ was more than intellectual knowledge – it was a heart confession. What’s the difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Jesus?
The pastor mentioned that 91% of Americans celebrate Christmas but only 48% celebrate it as a religious holiday. Why do you think there’s such a disconnect between celebrating Christmas and understanding who Jesus really is?
How might we sometimes try to ‘redefine’ Jesus to make following him more comfortable? What are some examples of this?
The sermon states that ‘anything short of who Jesus really is becomes idolatrous.’ What does this mean and why is it so important?
Jesus said in Matthew’s account that Peter’s answer was revealed by the Father, not by ‘flesh and blood.’ What role does God play in our understanding of who Jesus is?
How should recognizing Jesus as the true Messiah change the way we live our daily lives?
Life Application
This week, spend time in prayer asking God to reveal any areas where you might be trying to make Jesus fit your comfort zone rather than surrendering completely to who He truly is. Consider one specific area of your life where you’ve been hesitant to fully trust Jesus as Lord, and take a step of faith to surrender that area to Him.
Key Takeaways
The question ‘Who do you say that I am?’ is the most important question anyone will ever face, as it determines our eternal destiny
Jesus modeled a life of prayer and dependence on the Father, showing us the importance of communion with God
Peter’s confession of Jesus as ‘God’s Messiah’ was not just intellectual knowledge but a heart revelation that led to complete surrender
We cannot redefine Jesus to fit our comfort zones – we must accept Him as He truly is: the Anointed One, Savior, and Lord
True understanding of who Jesus is comes through God’s revelation, not human wisdom, and naturally leads to commitment and surrender
Ending Prayer
Father, thank You for revealing Yourself to us through Your Word today. We pray that the truth of who Jesus really is would sink deep into our hearts. Help us to not just know about Jesus intellectually, but to truly know Him personally as our Messiah, Savior, and Lord. Give us the courage to surrender every area of our lives to Him, even when it’s uncomfortable. May our confession of faith lead to genuine commitment and transformation. We ask that You would continue to reveal Yourself to us throughout this week and help us to live as people who truly understand that Jesus is Emmanuel – God with us. In the precious name of Jesus, our Messiah, we pray. Amen.