How should believers respond to misconceptions about Jesus' identity? Misconceptions Then and Now Matthew 16:14 sets the stage: “They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’” • Even while witnessing His miracles, crowds reduced Jesus to a mere prophet. • Today people still label Him as only a teacher, moral reformer, or political revolutionary. • Misidentifying Jesus always distorts the gospel and endangers souls (2 Corinthians 11:3-4). Starting with What Jesus Asked Immediately after hearing the misconceptions, Jesus asked, “But who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15). • Every response to error must begin with that same, personal confession. • Peter’s answer is our model: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (16:16). • God Himself affirms it: “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily” (Colossians 2:9). Recognizing the Sources of Confusion • Cultural admiration that stops short of worship (Luke 4:22). • Religious traditions that add or subtract from Scripture (Mark 7:8-9). • Spiritual forces that blind minds to Christ’s glory (2 Corinthians 4:4). • Personal preferences that reshape Jesus into our own image (Romans 1:25). Respond with Confident Truth • Speak Scripture, not speculation: “The Word became flesh” (John 1:14). • Keep the focus on His deity and messiahship (John 20:31). • Affirm His exclusivity: “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). • Answer gently yet firmly: “Always be prepared to give a defense…with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Grounding Our Answer in Scripture 1. Jesus is eternally God (John 1:1; Hebrews 1:1-3). 2. Jesus is the promised Messiah (Isaiah 9:6-7; Acts 2:36). 3. Jesus is the only Savior (Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5-6). 4. Jesus will visibly return as Judge and King (Revelation 19:11-16). Living Out the Confession • Worship Him daily—our lips and lives must agree (Colossians 3:17). • Guard sound doctrine—“contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 3). • Proclaim His name—the gospel corrects misconceptions (Romans 10:14-17). • Reflect His character—truth coupled with love makes the witness credible (Ephesians 4:15). |
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