What steps can we take to share the true identity of Jesus with others? The Context of Luke 9:8 “others said that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of old had arisen.” Even in Jesus’ own day, well-meaning people misidentified Him. That confusion still lingers, so clear, Scripture-anchored steps are vital. Confusion Then, Confusion Now People today call Jesus a good teacher, a revolutionary, a myth, or one among many religious options—echoes of Luke 9:8. Our task is to present Him as the promised Messiah, Son of God, crucified and risen Lord. Step 1: Start With the Real Jesus Revealed in Scripture • Use passages that state His identity plainly: John 1:1, 14; Colossians 1:15-20. • Read them aloud together; let God’s Word speak for itself. • Trust that “the word of God is living and active” (Hebrews 4:12). Step 2: Clarify Misconceptions With Gentle Truth • Acknowledge what someone already believes without ridicule. • Show from the text where ideas deviate from Scripture. • Follow the pattern of Acts 18:26—Aquila and Priscilla “explained the way of God to him more accurately.” Step 3: Highlight His Divine Authority Through His Words and Works • Miracles: Calm of the storm (Luke 8:24-25); raising the dead (Luke 7:14-16). • Claims: “Before Abraham was born, I am” (John 8:58). • Fulfilled prophecy: Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 matched to the crucifixion accounts. Step 4: Point to the Cross and the Empty Tomb • 1 Corinthians 15:3-4—core gospel facts. • Luke 24:39—physical resurrection proof. • Emphasize that His identity and mission are inseparable. Step 5: Share Your Own Encounter With Him • Relay how Scripture convinced you, how sin was forgiven, how life changed. • Keep Jesus central; testimony confirms but never replaces the Bible. Step 6: Depend on the Holy Spirit and Prayer • John 16:8—the Spirit convicts of sin and truth. • Acts 4:31—believers prayed and “spoke the word of God with boldness.” • Pray for open hearts before, during, and after conversations. Step 7: Live a Life That Matches the Message • Matthew 5:16—good works point others to the Father. • 1 Peter 2:12—consistent conduct silences accusations. • Integrity lends credibility to every word about Jesus. Putting It All Together When Scripture saturates our minds, misconceptions are addressed with gentleness, Jesus’ works and words are showcased, the gospel events are declared, personal testimony is offered, reliance on the Spirit is constant, and everyday life backs it all up, we present the true identity of Jesus clearly and compellingly—moving listeners from the confusion of Luke 9:8 to the confession of Luke 9:20, “You are the Christ of God.” |
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