Gospel of Mark Bible Part 45: Who Do You Say Jesus Is? [Bible Study]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
Bible Study Title: Who Do You Say Jesus Is?
Introduction: On the road from Bethsaida to Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asks His disciples two pivotal questions:
Who do men say that I am?
But who do you say that I am?
Throughout the gospel of Mark, we observe varied responses to Jesus’ identity, both in His time and today. Opinions may range from historical teacher to divine Messiah. Understanding who Jesus is determines not only how we live in this life but also our eternal destiny.
Bible Reading: Mark 8:27-30 – “And Jesus went out, along with His disciples, to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way He was asking His disciples, saying to them, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ 28 And they told Him, saying, ‘John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.’ 29 And He continued asking them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered and said to Him, ‘You are the Christ [Messiah].’ 30 And He warned them to tell no one about Him.”
I. Who People Said Jesus Was Then
a. John the Baptist
King Herod thought Jesus was John resurrected (Mark 6:14-16).
Many believed John had risen to seek revenge.
b. Elijah
Some expected the return of Elijah before the Messiah (Malachi 4:5).
Jesus clarifies John the Baptist fulfills this prophecy (Matthew 17:10-13).
c. Jeremiah or One of the Prophets
Some Jews thought a prophet had been resurrected (Matthew 16:14; Luke 9:19).
d. Beelzebul (Satan)
Scribes and Pharisees claimed Jesus cast out demons by Satan’s power (Mark 3:22).
This is an example of the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, the unforgivable sin (Matthew 12:24).
e. Mentally Deranged
Some of His own family believed He was out of His mind (Mark 3:21; John 7:3-5).
f. Christ, the Son of the Living God
Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Christ (Mark 8:27-30).
Later confessions include Nathanael (John 1:49), Martha (John 11:27), and John (John 20:31).
Key Point: Even in His earthly ministry, opinions about Jesus’ identity were divided.
II. What People Say About Jesus Today
a. Fabrication or Myth
Some deny His existence, but historical evidence refutes this:
Josephus (Antiquities 18.3.3; 20.9.1)
Tacitus (Annals 15.44)
Pliny the Younger, Suetonius, Babylonian Talmud, Mara bar Serapion
b. A Good Man
Many reduce Jesus to a moral teacher or philosopher.
C. S. Lewis emphasizes this is not an option: “You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God.”
c. A Prophet
Islam acknowledges Him as a prophet but denies His divinity.
d. Christ, Son of the Living God
True believers confess Jesus as the Son of the Living God, the only source of salvation (Hebrews 5:9).
Reflection: Knowing about Jesus is not enough. The essential question is, “Who do YOU say Jesus is?” Your answer determines eternity (Matthew 10:32-33; Acts 17:30-31) and shapes your daily life (Matthew 28:18-20).
Discussion Questions:
How do the opinions about Jesus in Mark 8:27-30 compare to the views of Jesus today?
Why do you think some people in His day identified Jesus as John the Baptist, Elijah, or even Beelzebul?
How does Peter’s confession challenge you personally in your faith?
How should our understanding of Jesus influence the way we live and witness today?
Application:
Take time to personally confess Jesus as Lord and Christ.
Examine whether your life reflects a belief in Him as the Son of the Living God.
Share the gospel with someone, emphasizing who Jesus truly is, not just what people say about Him.
Memory Verse: Mark 8:29 – “Peter answered and said to Him, ‘You are the Christ [Messiah].’”
Prayer Focus:
Thank God for revealing Jesus to us as the Christ.
Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen your conviction and boldness to confess Jesus openly.
Pray for those who do not yet know Him as Savior to encounter the truth.
