Who Do You Say Jesus Is?

July 29th, 2025
by The Tree Church

In Matthew 16, Jesus poses a simple but life-altering question to His disciples: “Who do you say I am?” In this sermon, Pastor Stacey Crawford explores the personal and spiritual impact of that question. Drawing from both Scripture and her own life experiences, she invites us to consider not just what we know about Jesus, but how we live in response to that knowledge. This message is a call to deep reflection and full surrender.

The Contrast Between Public Opinion and Personal Revelation

Jesus asks the disciples: “Who do people say I am?”

Jesus begins with a general question, what are people saying about Me? The disciples give varied answers: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or another prophet. These responses show a surface-level understanding of Jesus, formed by observation but not relationship.

Peter’s confession: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God”

Then Jesus asks a more pointed question: “Who do you say I am?” Peter replies with bold clarity: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus affirms this answer, revealing it was a divine revelation from God the Father.

Understanding the difference between knowledge and relationship

This moment highlights the gap between public perception and personal relationship. Knowing about Jesus is not the same as knowing Him. The crowd had opinions, but Peter had revelation, because he had walked closely with Jesus.

What It Means to Call Jesus Lord and Savior

Lordship: Surrendering control and following God’s authority

Declaring Jesus as Lord means giving Him complete control of our lives. It’s not partial, and it’s not convenient, it’s a full surrender of our plans, priorities, and preferences.

Savior: Trusting Jesus’ sacrifice and receiving salvation

As Savior, Jesus rescues us from sin and death. His sacrifice on the cross offers us forgiveness and eternal life. But salvation isn’t just a gift; it’s a starting point for transformation.

You can’t separate Lord from Savior, it’s both

Jesus must be both Lord and Savior. Accepting Him as Savior without submitting to Him as Lord is incomplete. Full discipleship means embracing both titles, and living accordingly.

The Cost of Following Jesus

Jesus’ call to deny ourselves and take up our cross

Jesus taught that anyone who wants to follow Him must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow. This isn’t a metaphor for discomfort, it’s a call to lay down our rights and follow Him no matter the cost.

Daily surrender in everyday decisions

Pastor Stacey shared how daily choices, from parenting to finances, are opportunities to surrender to God. True discipleship touches every area of life.

Obedience through difficulty for a greater purpose

God may lead us into hard places, not to harm us, but to refine us and work through us. Difficulty often precedes growth, and trust in God's plan brings peace in the process.

Trusting God in the Midst of Uncertainty

Stacey’s testimony of parenting decisions and God’s leading

Through a powerful personal story, Pastor Stacey described God’s leading to send her daughter to public school, a decision she initially resisted. Yet God confirmed the call as part of a bigger purpose.

God’s sovereignty, timing, and vision for our future

Even in seasons of confusion, God’s plan is perfect. He sees what we don’t, orchestrating timing and relationships for His purposes.

How God uses confusion for clarity and impact

God uses our uncertainty to teach us trust. What may seem like chaos now can later be seen as preparation for something greater.

Living a Life of Full Surrender

Self-reflection questions for believers

Ask yourself:

Who is Jesus to me?
Does my life reflect that declaration?

Practical next steps for new and seasoned believers

Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or have walked with Jesus for years:

Keep attending church
Join a connect group this fall
Volunteer and serve like Jesus
Spend time in the Bible and prayer

An invitation to follow Jesus more deeply

This sermon isn’t just a teaching, it’s an invitation. Jesus asks us to follow Him fully, to surrender everything, and to trust that He is worth it.

It’s Worth It?

Choosing to follow Jesus, really follow Him. will cost us something. But it leads to everything: peace, purpose, and the promise of eternity. As Pastor Stacey reminded us, living fully surrendered today prepares us for the joy of seeing Jesus face to face. May we all one day hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Posted in Sermons