Jesus: The Central Puzzle Piece in Life

Scripture:

“Once, when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, ‘Who do the crowds say that I am?’ They answered, ‘John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered, ‘The Messiah of God.’” – Luke 9:18–20

This morning we begin a new sermon series called Jesus Is… Over the next several weeks, we will look at different aspects of who Jesus is and why it matters for our daily lives. If you think about it, understanding Jesus is a lot like putting a puzzle together. There are so many pieces—His teachings, His miracles, His compassion, His sacrifice—and sometimes we focus on the pieces we like best. But before we can put the puzzle together, we have to begin with the most important piece: Jesus’ question, “Who do you say I am?”

Imagine the scene. Jesus could have asked this question in Jerusalem, in front of the religious leaders, sparking controversy earlier than necessary. He could have asked it after feeding the five thousand, while the crowds were amazed by His power. But He didn’t. Instead, He waited until they were in Caesarea Philippi—a place surrounded by pagan temples, statues of false gods, and shrines to Caesar himself. The air was filled with the smell of incense and the echo of prayers to rulers and idols who claimed ultimate allegiance. It was there, with competing voices of “lords” all around, that Jesus asked His disciples: “Who do the crowds say I am? … Who do you say I am?”

Peter’s answer—“You are the Messiah of God”—was not just a title. It was a declaration that Jesus, and no one else, was Lord. Those words, Messiah of God, remain the most important confession of faith we can ever make.

The truth is, however we answer that question will shape everything about our lives. If Jesus is just a great teacher, then we may become people who admire His wisdom but stop short of transformation. But if Jesus is the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world, then our lives must reflect that truth. We will be people who step out in faith, who show compassion to others, and who seek to bring healing, wholeness, and hope wherever we go.

This is why the question is so important. Who do you say Jesus is when you’re making big life decisions—choosing a career, considering retirement, or moving to a new place? Who do you say Jesus is when you’re stuck in traffic or standing behind the person who frustrates you most? Who do you say Jesus is when tragedy strikes or when division fills our communities? How we answer will determine who we become and how we respond to life’s challenges.

We live in a world filled with competing claims for our attention and allegiance. Political leaders demand loyalty. Companies want us to spend our money. Technology promises to make our lives easier, and in many ways it does, but it can also distract us from what really matters. Every day, something or someone asks for the place that only Jesus deserves. That is why His question still matters: Who do you say I am?

This past week has reminded us how deeply divided our world can be. Yet, even in the midst of division, people have also come together, calling for peace and an end to violence and hatred. As followers of Jesus, we must decide whether we will allow the world to divide us by politics, nationality, ideology—or whether we will be united by the confession that Jesus alone is Lord.

Some may say, “But didn’t Jesus come to bring division?” Scripture does tell us that His presence can divide even families. Yet, His ultimate mission is to bring peace and unity among His people, so that together we might show the world what it looks like to live under His Lordship. We cannot expect non-Christians to act like Christians, just as we cannot expect children to act like parents. Instead, we are called to meet people where they are, to show them the love of God through our lives, and to invite them into the truth of the gospel.

At the heart of this truth is John 3:16—not that God loved one nation or one group, but that God so loved the world. When we unite around this truth, everything else falls into place. Our different perspectives, experiences, and worldviews do not disappear, but they are reshaped under the Lordship of Christ.

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, wrestled with this very question. On his journey to America, he met Moravians whose deep faith challenged him. When asked what he believed about Jesus, Wesley could only say, “I believe He is the Savior of the world.” But when pressed, “Do you believe He came for you?” he struggled to answer. It was not until later, when his heart was “strangely warmed,” that he fully realized Jesus came for him personally. That realization changed everything—and through Wesley, God sparked a movement that has impacted millions.

How we answer the question of who Jesus is has eternal consequences. It shapes our lives, our witness, and even the world around us. If Jesus is Lord, then we live with confidence, compassion, and hope, no matter the circumstances.

So, church, let me ask again: Who do you say Jesus is? This is the most important question you will ever answer. And how you answer it will shape not only your own life but also the life of the church and the world we are called to serve.

Prayer:

Gracious and holy God, we confess today that Jesus is Lord. Guide us and direct us to keep the most important piece of life’s puzzle in the right place—our confession of who You are. Everything else depends on this truth. Help us to see Your presence at work in our daily lives and to live boldly as Your people. Bind us together as one church, united by Your Spirit, and send us into the world to proclaim that Jesus is Lord. Amen.