I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT JESUS
DAY 5 OF 7
DAY 5
Did Jesus Really Die on the Cross?
Meet the real Jesus and examine what the Bible says about His identity.
7 MIN READ
The Question
Who is Jesus—and why does what we believe about Him matter?
MAIN SCRIPTURE
“When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?’ They said, ‘Some say John the Baptizer, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.’”
MATTHEW 16:13–17
THE TEACHING
Most people have an opinion about Jesus. Some call Him a great teacher, a moral example, a prophet, or a religious leader. Those descriptions may sound respectful, but none of them is enough. The Bible presents Jesus as the promised Christ, the Son of the living God, and God who came to us in human flesh.
Jesus did not begin in Bethlehem. John wrote, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). He later said, “The Word became flesh, and lived among us” (John 1:14). Jesus is fully God and fully human. He entered the world He created, lived among ordinary people, and revealed the Father to us.
The title Christ is not Jesus’ last name. It means Messiah—the promised King and Savior. For centuries, God had promised to send One who would defeat sin, rescue His people, and reign forever. Peter confessed that Jesus is that promised One. Jesus did not correct him; He said the Father had revealed this truth.
Jesus also did what only God has the authority to do. He forgave sins, received worship, commanded creation, exercised authority over sickness and demons, and claimed that a person’s eternal destiny depends on his response to Him. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me” (John 14:6).
Christianity therefore does not begin with advice about becoming a better man. It begins with a Person. Before deciding what you believe about Jesus, begin by meeting the Jesus revealed in Scripture. You cannot reduce Him to a teacher you may admire while rejecting His authority. If He is who He said He is, then He deserves more than respect. He deserves your trust, worship, obedience, and life.
Jesus’ question to His disciples is still the question every man must answer: “Who do you say that I am?” Other people cannot answer it for you. Your family background, church attendance, doubts, achievements, or failures do not change who Jesus is. The question is whether you will recognize Him as He truly is.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
Jesus is not merely someone to add to your life. He is Lord. Knowing facts about Him is not the same as knowing Him. Begin this week with an honest willingness to examine His identity and to follow the truth wherever it leads.
DON’T MISS THIS
Jesus cannot be reduced to a good teacher. He is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
THINK ABOUT IT
- How have you understood Jesus up to this point?
- If Jesus truly is Lord, what would that mean for the way you live?
PRAYER
God, help me see Jesus as He truly is—not merely as I have imagined Him or heard others describe Him. Give me an honest heart, open my understanding through Your Word, and lead me into the truth. Amen.
GO DEEPER
- John 1:1–18
- Colossians 1:15–20
- Hebrews 1:1–4