Series: Man, Myth, or Messiah- Jesus is God’s Son / True or False
ICEBREAKER
Ask: Which one do people debate about the most?
A) Politics
B) Sports teams
C) Movies or TV shows
D) Religion
E) Where to eat dinner
THEN ASK:
• Have you ever had a conversation about Jesus that got a little uncomfortable or intense?
• Why do you think Jesus sparks so much debate even today?
SAY:
“Few people in history create as much conversation, controversy, and curiosity as Jesus. The question isn’t if people have opinions about Him — it’s who do YOU say He is?”
SECTION 1: JESUS HAS ALWAYS BEEN CONTROVERSIAL
READ Matthew 26:57–62: “Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward and declared, ‘This fellow said, “I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.”’ Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, ‘Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?’”
Why do you think Jesus faced so much skepticism and accusation during His life?
Why do you think people still debate who Jesus is today?
What are some different opinions about Jesus that you’ve heard from others?
SECTION 2: WAS JESUS JUST A GOOD TEACHER?
Discuss this idea from the sermon:
“Jesus was good, moral, and a teacher — but He could not be just a good teacher.”
Why do many people feel comfortable saying Jesus was a “good teacher” but hesitate to say He is God?
What are some teachings of Jesus that make Him more than just a moral leader?
Why is it important that Jesus is either who He claimed to be or not at all?
SECTION 3: DID JESUS REALLY EXIST?
Discuss the historical evidence mentioned in the sermon.
Historians such as Josephus, Tacitus, and Pliny the Younger all referenced Jesus or early Christians.
Why do you think some people still claim Jesus is a myth despite historical evidence?
Why is it important that Christianity is rooted in real history and real events?
How does knowing Jesus was a real historical person strengthen your faith?
SECTION 4: JESUS CLAIMED TO BE THE SON OF GOD
READ Matthew 26:63–64: “But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, ‘I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.’
‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied. ‘But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.’”
Discuss
Why was Jesus’ answer so shocking to the religious leaders?
What does it mean for our lives if Jesus truly is the Son of God?
Why do you think Jesus was willing to die rather than deny who He was?
SECTION 5: THE EVIDENCE OF JESUS’ LIFE
READ Hebrews 4:15 :“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
READ 1 Peter 2:22:“‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’”
The sermon emphasized that Jesus lived a sinless life.
Discuss
Why is the sinless life of Jesus so important to the Christian faith?
Why do you think people struggle to believe someone could live without sin?
How does Jesus’ perfect life qualify Him to be our Savior?
SECTION 6: THE EVIDENCE OF PROPHECY AND MIRACLES
Discuss the prophecy illustration mentioned in the sermon (1 in 100 quadrillion odds).
Why do fulfilled prophecies matter when considering who Jesus is?
Which miracle of Jesus stands out most to you personally?
Why do miracles point people toward belief — yet some people still reject them?
THE ULTIMATE QUESTION
• Why is this the most important question a person can answer?
• What difference does your answer to that question make in everyday life?
PRAYER TIME:
• Confidence in what we believe about Jesus
• Courage to stand firm in faith
• Opportunities to share Christ with others
• Friends or family members who are still searching for truth