The Question That Changes Everything – Who Do You Say Jesus Is?

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe that your answer to one question determines the trajectory of your entire life. It’s not about public opinion polls, social media trends, or cultural consensus. The question that matters most is deeply personal: Who do you say Jesus is?

In Matthew 16:13-16 (NIV), we find Jesus conducting what might seem like an ancient survey. He first asks His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They report various opinions—John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, one of the prophets. Interesting answers, respectful even, but Jesus isn’t interested in crowd-sourced theology. He pivots to the question that pierces straight to the heart: “But what about you? Who do you say I am?”

Picture the scene. Jesus locks eyes with each of His twelve disciples. These aren’t casual followers or curious onlookers—these are men who left everything to follow Him. They’ve witnessed miracles, heard His teaching, shared meals with Him. Now He demands their personal verdict. The silence must have been deafening until Peter, often impetuous but this time profoundly right, declares: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16 NIV).

This confession changes everything. Peter isn’t offering a nice compliment or theological opinion. He’s acknowledging Jesus as the Christ—the Anointed One, God’s chosen King, the long-awaited Savior. In a world of many options and spiritual philosophies, Peter makes an exclusive claim: Jesus isn’t just a good teacher or moral example—He is THE way, THE truth, and THE life (John 14:6 NIV).

At Lakeview Christian Church, our mission to “Be the Change as Jesus has Changed Us” flows from how we answer this crucial question. Our “Just 3” practices take on profound meaning when we truly know who Jesus is:

Study to Love and Know God: When we recognize Jesus as the Messiah, our Bible study transforms from academic exercise to personal encounter. Colossians 2:3 (NIV) tells us that in Christ “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Every scripture we read, every truth we discover, reveals more of who He is. As we study, we’re not just gaining information—we’re deepening our relationship with the Son of the living God.

Share to Know and Love Others: Your answer to “Who is Jesus?” determines what you share with others. If He’s merely a good teacher, you might share His moral insights. But if He’s the Christ, the only way to salvation, then sharing becomes urgent. Acts 4:12 (NIV) declares, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” When we truly grasp who Jesus is, we can’t help but share this life-changing truth with those around us.

Serve – Love in Action: Recognizing Jesus as Lord radically alters how we serve. We’re not just doing good deeds—we’re representing the King of Kings. Matthew 25:40 (NIV) records Jesus saying, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” When we serve others, we serve Christ Himself. This transforms mundane acts of service into holy encounters.

The beauty of Peter’s confession is that it came from personal conviction, not public consensus. Today, many are content to say Jesus was a great teacher, a social reformer, or a spiritual guru. These sound respectful, even complimentary. But Jesus doesn’t want our polite acknowledgment—He demands our personal allegiance. As C.S. Lewis famously argued, Jesus didn’t leave us the option of accepting Him as merely a good moral teacher. He claimed to be God incarnate. He’s either Lord, liar, or lunatic—but not simply a nice guy with good ideas.

This question—”Who do you say I am?”—cuts through religious performance and cultural Christianity. It’s not about what your parents believed, what your church teaches, or what society accepts. It’s about your personal response to the person of Jesus Christ. As Romans 10:9 (NIV) makes clear, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we understand that correctly answering this question is just the beginning. When Jesus affirmed Peter’s confession, He immediately began teaching about His coming suffering and death (Matthew 16:21). Recognizing Jesus as Messiah means following Him through both triumph and trial. It means allowing His identity to shape our identity.

The world offers countless opinions about Jesus. Social media influencers may dismiss Him. Skeptics may doubt Him. Other religions may honor Him while denying His divinity. But none of these voices matter when you stand before the question: “Who do YOU say I am?”

Your answer determines whether you see the Bible as God’s Word or human wisdom. Your answer shapes whether prayer is talking to the ceiling or communing with the Creator. Your answer decides whether the church is a social club or the body of Christ. Your answer affects whether death is the end or the beginning of eternal life.

So we ask you today, as we ask ourselves daily at Lakeview Christian Church: Who do you say Jesus is? Is He your Savior? Your Lord? Your friend? Your hope? The honest answer to this question will shape how you study, share, and serve. It will determine whether you’re simply religious or truly transformed.

Be the change as Jesus has changed us. It starts with knowing—really knowing—who Jesus is.