Who Do You Say I Am? | Matthew 16:13-20
- Phillip Bates
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
From the Sermon Series: Questions Jesus Asked
Sermon Guide for July 5, 2026
How to Use This Guide:
These guides are designed to help you engage more deeply with my weekly sermon or serve as stand-alone, self-guided Bible studies. Use them to prepare your heart before worship or to reflect on God’s Word throughout the week.
Parents, use the “Family Practice” section to lead meaningful conversations that nurture your kids' faith and help them grow in God’s love.
Who Do You Say That I Am? (Matt. 16:13-20)
Big Idea
The most important question you will ever answer is who Jesus is. When we confess Jesus as the Christ and submit our lives to him, everything changes.
Setting the Scene
Jesus asked this question in the region of Caesarea Philippi, a place filled with pagan worship and competing claims about who deserved devotion. Shrines to false gods and symbols of Roman power surrounded his disciples. In the middle of that confusion, Jesus asked this important question:
"But who do you say that I am?"
Our world is not much different. We are surrounded by competing voices, competing values, and competing ideas about Jesus. Despite this confusion, it's important to understand Jesus' identity correctly.
1. A Right Confession Gives Us a New Identity (v. 18a)
Peter confessed that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus immediately responded by reaffirming Peter’s new name (Petros—a rock) and his place in the mission.
When we confess Jesus as Lord and submit our lives to him, we stop looking to the world to tell us who we are. Our identity is no longer rooted in our achievements, failures, relationships, possessions, or the opinions of others. Our identity is found in Christ.
Reflect
What currently has the greatest influence on how you see yourself?
Are you finding your identity in Christ or in something that can be taken away?
How would your daily life change if your primary identity were simply "I belong to Jesus"?
Practice
Spend time this week thanking God for who you are in Christ. Whenever you feel tempted to define yourself by success, failure, or approval, remind yourself that your identity is rooted in Jesus.
2. A Right Confession Gives Us New Confidence (v. 18b)
The church does not survive because of its resources, popularity, or influence. The church endures because it belongs to Jesus.
Because Jesus is the Christ, we can live with confidence. Darkness does not have the final word. Sin does not have the final word. Death does not have the final word.
Reflect
Where are you tempted to live in fear rather than faith?
Jesus describes the church as being on the offensive against the gates of hell, not just playing defense. Where is our congregation—or you as an individual—called to boldly march into the darkness of our community with Christ’s confidence?
How does Christ's victory give you confidence today?
Practice
Identify one specific situation where anxiety or fear has been controlling your decisions. Pray daily for the courage to trust Jesus’ victory and take one step of active obedience in that area this week.
3. A Right Confession Gives Us a New Mission (v. 19)
Jesus entrusted his apostles with proclaiming the gospel that opens the door to the kingdom.
Today, we continue proclaiming that same gospel. Every time we tell someone about Jesus, we are inviting them to enter God's kingdom through faith in Christ. The good confession is not meant to stay private. It is meant to be proclaimed.
Reflect
Who in your life needs to hear the good news about Jesus?
What keeps you from speaking about Christ more often?
Practice
Pray for one person by name this week. Look for an opportunity to encourage them spiritually, invite them to worship, or share how Jesus has changed your life.
The Good Confession
Peter declared:
"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
In the New Testament, this is known as the "Good Confession" (1 Timothy 6:12). The Good Confession is the public declaration of allegiance every believer makes before stepping into the waters of baptism. It is far more than repeating some words; it is a public pledge of absolute submission to Jesus as King.
Jesus still stands before every one of us today, asking the definitive question of human history:
“But who do you say that I am?”
Your answer to that question determines your identity, your priorities, your relationships, your purpose, and ultimately, your eternal future.
Family Practice
Read Together
Matthew 16:13-20
Talk Together
Ask each family member:
Why do you think Jesus asked his disciples this question?
Who did Peter say Jesus is?
Why is it important that we know who Jesus really is?
What does it mean to live like Jesus is our King?
Practice Together
Take turns completing this sentence:
"Because Jesus is the Son of God, this week I will..."
Encourage each family member to choose one practical way to live under Jesus' authority this week, whether by obeying him, serving someone, sharing their faith, or spending time with him in prayer and Scripture.
Close by thanking God for sending Jesus, the Christ, the Son of the living God, and ask him to help your family follow him faithfully every day.
