Knowing Jesus
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class began by announcing upcoming events before moving into a new series on truly knowing Jesus. The teacher pointed out that Jesus frequently used simple yet profound titles, focusing on the two‑word declaration “I am,” which historically put Him at odds with religious leaders. He illustrated how modern culture reshapes Jesus to fit personal preferences—whether introvert, extrovert, or political ideology—and warned that such imagined pictures become an imaginary Jesus, incapable of transforming lives. Using Scripture, the teacher examined Matthew 16:13‑16, where the crowd’s confusion about Jesus’ identity contrasted with Peter’s confession of Him as the Christ, Son of the living God. He then highlighted Jesus’ confrontations in Matthew 23 and John 8, especially the “I am” claim that led to accusations of blasphemy. The lesson emphasized that the true Jesus often makes us uncomfortable by challenging our rights, urging us to love enemies and turn the other cheek, thereby inviting believers into a deeper, more authentic discipleship.
Key Scriptures
And Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi. And he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they answered him, "Some say that you are John the Baptist; others say, Elijah; and others, that one of the prophets." Jesus said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."