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Who Do You Say Jesus Is? Pt1

Dec 7, 2025 • Bishop Calvin M. Hooper

Title: Who Do You Say That Jesus Is?

Text: Matthew 16:13–20

INTRODUCTION

Many believers drift into spiritual apathy and forget the significance of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. A right perspective of Jesus is essential to faithful Christian living. In Caesarea Philippi—an area filled with temples to pagan gods—Jesus asked two defining questions:

1) Who do people say that I am?

2) Who do YOU say that I am?

“Son of Man” was Jesus’ chosen title, emphasizing both His humanity and the divine authority foretold in Daniel’s prophecy.

SYNCHRETISM WARNING

Syncretism is the blending of opposing beliefs. Christianity resists this because Jesus is uniquely the Son of God. Compromise denies His lordship.

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POINT I – WHO DO PEOPLE SAY JESUS IS?

Then:

• Some said John the Baptist – Confusion, stirred by Herod’s fear.

• Some said Elijah – Misunderstanding Malachi 4:5 fulfilled in John the Baptist (Luke 1:17; Matthew 17:10–13).

• Some said Jeremiah or another prophet – A legend of immortality.

Now:

Modern opinions continue to deny Christ’s deity or reduce Him to a moral teacher. What people believe about Jesus determines:

• Their destiny

• How we witness to them

• Their response to the gospel

• The moral health of society

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CURRENT BELIEFS ABOUT JESUS (Barna Studies)

• 92% believe Jesus was a real person.

• Only 56% believe He was God.

• Many think Jesus sinned (52%).

• 66–72% of Americans claim personal commitment to Christ.

• Growing confusion about salvation—works vs faith.

• Younger generations show increasing spiritual openness yet weaker biblical literacy.

SCRIPTURAL WARNING

2 Timothy 4:2–5 – People reject sound doctrine for comforting myths. Believers must stand firm in truth.

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ATTACKS ON THE DEITY OF CHRIST

ATTACK #1 – EXALTED VIEW OF MAN

Teaching claims all humans are divine equals to Christ.

Scripture proves otherwise:

• John 1:15 – Jesus existed before John.

• John 1:1; 1 John 1:2 – Jesus = eternal God.

• Philippians 2:6–8 – Christ emptied Himself, became fully human.

• 1 Peter 1:20 – Foreknown before creation.

• John 6:38; John 8:58 – Jesus claimed heavenly origin and eternal existence.

ATTACK #2 – DIMINISHED VIEW OF JESUS

Humanism rejects miracles and supernatural truth, attempting to reduce Jesus to a moral teacher. Scripture stands undiminished after centuries of scrutiny.

ATTACK #3 – EXTENDED BUT WEAKENED DEITY

Jesus viewed as divine only because He was morally good. This empties deity of true power and meaning.

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WHY JESUS MUST BE GOD

• If Jesus isn’t God – Scripture becomes mere literature.

• If Jesus isn’t God – There is no Savior for sin (John 14:6).

• If Jesus isn’t God – Salvation is impossible.

• If Jesus isn’t God – Heaven is a lie and resurrection false.

Jesus could not be deceived or deceitful:

• He lived what He taught.

• His words transformed lives and nations.

• His influence endures beyond every empire.