Sunday School Lesson March 17, 2024
Subject: The Identity of Jesus
The Point: Jesus invites us to identify with Him.
Scriptures: Luke 9:18-26
Study The Bible: Luke 9:18-19
1). Many people had misperceptions of Jesus’s identity.
- While he was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”
- They answered, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, that one of the ancient prophets has come back.”
Lasting truths from: Luke 9:18-19
* Many misleading or misinformed views about the identity of Jesus are part of popular culture.
* Ultimately, each of us must secede who we know Jesus to be.
2). Jesus’s identity is manifested through His death and resurrection.
Luke 9:20-22
- “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”
- But he strictly warned and instructed them to tell this to no one,
- saying, “It is necessary that the Son of Man suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and be raised the third day.”
Lasting truths from: Luke 9:20-22
* Jesus is God’s Son, the Christ. No other answer is sufficient.
* We are to obey the commands of the Lord even when we do not fully understand them.
* Christ suffered and died on our behalf to deliver us from sin. Lord Christ to give us victory and assure us of eternal life.
3). Who is Jesus to you?
Luke 9:23-26
- Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.
- For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it.
- For what does it benefit someone if he gains the whole world, and yet loses or forfeits himself?
- For whoever is ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and that of the Father and the holy angels.
Lasting truths from: Luke 9:23-26
* Jesus did not call His disciples to live a life of ease but to face a life of challenge; not to celebrate personal gain but to practice self-denial; not to bear a title of personal honor but to carry a cross of suffering for His sake.
* Our attitude toward Jesus as Messiah now will determine His attitude toward us when He comes again.
* When Christ comes in His glory, those who may appear to have sacrificed and lost will be declared winners in the victory He has won.
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- What are some contemporary cultural explanations of who Jesus is?
- If you were asked, who would you declare Jesus to be to you?
- How would you explain the importance of the cross and the resurrection in affirming Jesus’s identity as the Christ of God and the Savior of humankind?
- What is your testimony of what Jesus did on your behalf?
- What evidence in your life indicates you are living for Jesus rather than for yourself?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”
“If this lesson has been a blessing to you, leave us a comment.”