What Will You Do With Jesus?

Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"

They answered, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

He said to them, "But who do YOU say that I am?"

Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16).

That's the question you must answer.

Not "Who do scholars say He is?" Not "Who does your pastor say He is?"

"Who do YOU say that He is?"

If you say, "He is God," then everything changes.

You don't get to:

• Pick and choose which commands to obey
• Treat Him as a consultant rather than Lord
• Follow Him when it's convenient and ignore Him when it's costly
• Make Him fit into your life instead of building your life around Him

"My Lord and my God," Thomas confessed when he saw the risen Christ (John 20:28).

That's the only appropriate response to the great I AM.

How to Become a Disciple: The New Birth

You've just read who Jesus is. You understand that He's not just a teacher — He's God in flesh. The great I AM. YHWH come to save His people.

But knowing ABOUT Jesus isn't the same as KNOWING Jesus.

"You believe that God is one; well and good. Even the demons believe that — and tremble with fear."

— James 2:19 (NET)

The demons have perfect theology. They know Jesus is God. They know He died and rose. They know He's returning.

And they're going to hell.

Why?

Because knowledge without relationship is worthless. You can know all the facts about Jesus and still be lost.

Before you proceed to Part 2 (what Jesus commands), you must answer the most important question in your life:

Have you been born again?

Jesus' Words: "You Must Be Born Again"

John 3:1–7:

A man named Nicodemus came to Jesus at night. He was a Pharisee — a religious expert, a teacher of the Law, morally upright, theologically trained.

He said to Jesus, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs that you do unless God is with him."

Jesus didn't compliment his knowledge. He didn't say, "Great theology, Nicodemus!"

Instead, He said something that completely confused him:

"I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

— John 3:3 (NET)

Nicodemus asked, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter his mother's womb and be born a second time, can he?"

Jesus answered:

"I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born of water and spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must all be born from above.'"

— John 3:5–7 (NET)

Notice the word: MUST.

Not "should." Not "it would be helpful if." MUST.

You can be:

• Religious (like Nicodemus)
• Morally good
• Theologically educated
• Active in church
• Generous with your money
• Respected in your community

And still not be born again. ("Born from above" and "born again" — the Greek word anōthen carries both meanings. The New Testament uses both.)

And if you're not born again, you cannot enter the kingdom of God.