Listen to the Question.
Hello, friend, and welcome to Jesus365. This is Day 2 of our guided journey through the words, actions, and identity of Jesus. Today belongs to Episode 1: The Question You Cannot Avoid. Today’s Journey Step is Listen—read the exact words Jesus said. Wherever you are in your understanding of Jesus, we invite you to listen carefully and consider His words for yourself. Let’s begin.
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Criar minha conta gratuita Já tem uma conta? EntrarCurrent Episode Episode 01 · The Question You Cannot Avoid. View all Episodes
Jornada Jesus 365
12 episódios. Uma jornada.
Follow the story from Jesus’ identity and kingdom to the cross, resurrection, and your response.
- 01 The Question You Cannot Avoid. Days 1–25 Day 2 of 25 in this Episode
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02 The Word Entered Our World. Days 26–55 Em breve
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03 The Kingdom Has Come Near. Days 56–85 Em breve
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04 Authority Unlike Any Other. Days 86–115 Em breve
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05 People Who Encountered Jesus. Days 116–145 Em breve
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06 Stories That Reveal the Kingdom. Days 146–175 Em breve
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07 Who Jesus Says He Is. Days 176–205 Em breve
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08 What Jesus Came to Do. Days 206–235 Em breve
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09 The Cost and Joy of Following Him. Days 236–265 Em breve
- 10 The Road Toward Jerusalem. Days 266–295
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11 The Cross at the Center. Days 296–330 Em breve
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12 The Risen King and Your Response. Days 331–365 Em breve
Current Movement
Matthew 16:13–17
Step 2 of 5
Read the exact words Jesus said.
Jesus first asked, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” The disciples could answer without exposing themselves. They only had to report what they had heard.
Watch: Listen to the Question.
Watch the companion video, then continue reading to examine the biblical testimony in its full context.
Some said John the Baptist. Others said Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. Every answer placed Jesus in an honored category. Yet every answer remained insufficient.
Respectful Answers Can Still Be Wrong.
It is possible to speak highly of Jesus and still misunderstand Him. The crowds were not insulting Him when they compared Him with Israel’s prophets. They were recognizing spiritual authority, courage, and divine calling.
But Jesus did not accept admiration as the end of the conversation.
He asked, “But who do you say that I am?”
That contrast matters. There is what the public says, and there is what you say. There is borrowed language, and there is conviction. There is cultural familiarity with Jesus, and there is recognition of who stands before you.
Hear the Question Before Answering.
Many people answer a softened version of Jesus’ question. They answer, “What do you appreciate about Me?” or “Which of My teachings do you find useful?” But Jesus did not ask the disciples to identify their favorite part of His message.
He asked who He is.
Identity determines authority. If Jesus is merely one insightful teacher among many, His words may be selected, edited, or declined. If He is the Christ and the Son of the living God, selective admiration becomes an impossible response. His identity places a claim upon the listener.
Do Not Let the Crowd Answer for You.
Your environment may have handed you a ready-made Jesus: harmless teacher, political symbol, distant religious figure, personal life coach, or angry judge. None of those portraits should be accepted merely because they are familiar.
This journey asks you to return to the Gospels and listen. What does Jesus say about sin, forgiveness, the Father, eternal life, judgment, His death, His resurrection, and Himself?
Today, do not rush beyond the question. Notice that Jesus separates the answer of the crowd from the answer of the disciple.
“Who do you say that I am?”
Pense nisto.
Whose description of Jesus has most influenced you—and have you tested that description against Jesus’ own words?
Responda.
Read Matthew 16:13–17 slowly and notice the movement from “people” to “you.” Let Jesus address you personally.
What This Means for Your Life.
It is easy to keep Jesus at a safe distance by admiring Him in general terms. Many people are comfortable calling Him wise, sincere, or spiritually important. But in Matthew 16:13–17, Jesus does not leave the question at public opinion. He presses for a personal answer: who is He to you?
That matters because if Jesus is only one voice among many, you can filter Him like any other teacher. But if He is truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, then His words about sin, forgiveness, eternal life, judgment, His death, and His resurrection deserve a response, not just appreciation.
One way to respond today is to read Matthew 16:13–17 slowly and write down the main ideas you have inherited about Jesus from family, culture, or past religious experience. Then compare those ideas with what Jesus actually says in the Gospels. You do not have to force a quick conclusion—but you can be honest about whether you are hearing the crowd or hearing Him.
Reflection question: If Jesus asked you, “Who do you say that I am?” what would you answer right now, and what would that answer require of you?
