14/09/2024
WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?
READING PASSAGES:
1. Isaiah 50:4-9
2. James 3:1-12
3. Mark 8:27-38
SERMON HYMN:
MHB 115
INTRODUCTION
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, I humbly welcome all of us once again to this worship service. Permit me to bring to remembrance the various challenging issues be face our Christian life which includes spiritual identity crises, postmodernism, and biblical illiteracy which reiterates Jesus’ question, "Who do you say that I am?" As we go through the various perspectives, secularization, and our individual personalized faith, we must be able to reexamine and affirm our understanding of Jesus' identity and its relevance to our various lives.
Today, we embark on a journey exploring these three critical passages in the Bible that challenge us as Christians to reflect on our relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son and our role in His kingdom. In this sermon, we will delve into these three issues;
a) the calling and mission of Isaiah,
b) the power and danger of the tongue, and
c) the critical moment in Jesus' ministry.
BACKGROUND TO THE TEXT
Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “who do people say I am?” They replied, “some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” But what about you?” he asked. Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” NIV (Mark 8:27-29).
This is a pivotal text in the Gospel of Mark, showing a turning point in Jesus' ministry. In Caesarea Philippi, approximately 120 miles (193 kilometers) north of Jerusalem, Jesus asks his disciples about his identity, and Peter declares him the Messiah. However, Jesus' subsequent teaching on his impending death and resurrection is met with resistance from Peter, leading to a rebuke from Jesus. Today, the ancient city of Caesarea Philippi is known as Banias, a small town in the Golan Heights region of northern Israel.
This passage in Mark’s gospel has parallels in Matthew 16:13-28 and Luke 9:18-27, which also record Peter's confession and Jesus' teaching on his death and resurrection. While John's Gospel does not record this specific event, it does emphasize Jesus' identity as the Messiah and his journey to the cross (John 11:27, 12:23-33).
MAIN ISSUES:
(A) THE CALLING AND MISSION OF ISAIAH (ISAIAH 50:4-9)
In Isaiah 50:4-9, the prophet Isaiah reflects on his calling and mission from God, providing valuable insights into the nature of prophetic ministry and the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty. This passage offers a powerful example of humility, obedience, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Isaiah begins by acknowledging God's gift of speech, which enables him to speak words that will sustain the weary (v. 4). This recognition of God's empowerment highlights the prophet's dependence on divine guidance and wisdom. Isaiah's listening to God's instructions and obeying His will (v. 5) demonstrates his humility and surrender to God's purposes.
However, Isaiah's mission is not without challenges. He faces persecution and physical harm, yet trusts in God's help and vindication (v. 6-7). This unwavering trust in the face of adversity serves as a testament to Isaiah's faith in God's righteousness and sovereignty, echoing Psalm 37:4-5, which encourages us to trust in God and commit our way to Him. Furthermore, Isaiah's perseverance in the face of adversity is echoed in 2 Timothy 3:12, which reminds us that those who desire to live a godly life will face persecution.
Through this passage, we learn valuable lessons about the importance of listening to and obeying God's instructions, trusting in His sovereignty and vindication, and persevering through persecution and hardship. Isaiah's example encourages us to surrender to God's will, rely on His empowerment, and trust in His deliverance. It also offers a powerful portrayal of prophetic ministry, emphasizing the importance of humility, obedience, and trust in God's sovereignty. As we reflect on Isaiah's calling and mission, we are reminded of our own need to surrender to God's purposes and trust in His deliverance.
(B) THE POWER AND DANGER OF THE TONGUE (JAMES 3:1-12)
In James 3:1-12, the apostle James delivers a stern warning about the power and danger of the tongue. Through a series of vivid metaphors and stark contrasts, James highlights the immense influence of our words, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and humility in our speech.
He begins by addressing teachers, cautioning them of the increased accountability they will face on judgment day (v. 1). This sets the tone for the passage, emphasizing the importance of responsible speech. The tongue, James argues, is a small but mighty force, capable of controlling the entire body (v. 2-4). Like a bit in a horse's mouth or a rudder on a ship, the tongue directs the course of our lives.
Moreover, like a spark that ignites a fire, the tongue has the potential to unleash devastating consequences (v. 5). James' warning about the power of the tongue is reinforced in Proverbs 18:21, which states that the tongue has the power of life and death. Furthermore, the importance of responsible speech is also emphasized in Ephesians 4:29, which encourages us to speak words that build up and give grace to others.
This inconsistency is an unambiguous reminder of the tongue's capacity for harm. James' message is clear: our words have power, and with that power comes great responsibility. We must speak carefully, thoughtfully considering the impact of our words on others. The tongue can be a force for good or evil; it is our choice which path we take.
The passage presents a sobering reminder of the power and danger of the tongue. Through its vivid imagery and stark warnings, this passage encourages us to cultivate humility and accountability in our speech. By recognizing the immense influence of our words, we can strive to use our tongues to build up and encourage, rather than tear down and destroy.
(C) THE CRITICAL MOMENT IN JESUS' MINISTRY (MARK 8:27-38)
Mark 8:27-38 is a critical text in the New Testament that begins a significant turning point in Jesus' ministry. This passage contains Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus' warning about his upcoming death and resurrection, and the cost of discipleship. The passage begins with Jesus asking his disciples who people say he is, and they report various opinions like John the Baptist, Elijah or one of the prophets (v. 27-38).
However, when Jesus asks them directly “who do you say that I am”, Peter confesses that Jesus is the Messiah. But Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him (v. 29-30). In Mark 8:25-26, Jesus makes similar statement to the blind man he healed at Bethsaida. This statement is what theologians has termed “the Messianic secrete”. Jesus stops them in both accounts from broadcasting his true identity which could precipitate crisis before completing his ministry. This moment is critical, as it reveals Jesus' true identity and sets the stage for the events that will unfold. Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah is echoed in John 6:68-69, where Peter declares that Jesus has the words of eternal life.
Immediately following Peter's confession, Jesus begins to teach his disciples about his upcoming death and resurrection (v. 31-33). However, Peter rebukes Jesus, refusing to accept this reality. Jesus, in turn, rebukes Peter, calling him Satan and telling him to get behind him. This exchange brings out the tension between Jesus' divine mission and human understanding. The passage concludes with Jesus’ teaching about the cost of discipleship (v. 34-38). He emphasizes that anyone who wants to follow him must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him, echoing Luke 14:27, which states that anyone who wants to follow Jesus must take up their cross daily.
The sermon hymn "My heart and voice I raise" masterfully aligns with the sermon theme "Who do you say that I am?" emphasizing Jesus' identity, mission, and lordship. With poetic precision and devotion, it reinforces the message, exploring Jesus' divine nature, redemptive work, and loving governance. The hymn's themes and language harmonize with the sermon's inquiry, creating a powerful expression of faith and worship. Through its verses, the hymn affirms Jesus as Messiah, Saviour, and Prince of peace, ringing the sermon's call to acknowledge and surrender to His lordship, making it a fitting complement to the message.
Through this passage, we learn valuable lessons about recognizing Jesus' true identity, sacrificing for the sake of discipleship, and prioritizing our spiritual lives. Peter's confession serves as a model for acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah, while Jesus' warning and teaching emphasize the importance of embracing the cross and denying ourselves. As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded of the importance of embracing the cross and following Jesus, no matter the cost.
In conclusion, dear brothers and sisters, today's sermon have reminded us of the significance of surrendering to God's purposes, connecting the power of our words (the tongue), and following Jesus with unwavering commitment. May we, like Isaiah, listen to God's instructions and obey His will, even in the face of adversity. May we, like James, cultivate humility and accountability in our speech, recognizing the immense influence of our words. And may we, like Peter, acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah and embrace the cross, denying ourselves and prioritizing our spiritual lives.
As we reflect on these passages, may we be transformed by the power of God's Word and empowered to fulfill our calling and ministry in His kingdom with the statement that, “I want the whole Christ for my salvation, and I want Him for my sanctification. I want Him as my Prophet, Priest, and King. I want Him as my righteousness, my holiness, and my redemption.”
Amen.
Let us Pray!
Oh Lord, we pray with all sincerity, seeking revelation of Jesus' true identity. We ask for daily courage to follow Him, gratitude for spiritual understanding, and guidance for all who walk in faith, that we may align ourselves with God's divine plan and embrace the journey of discipleship through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
