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“Who Do You Say I am?” Sherry Lohman - Rally Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009 Mark 8:27-38 When new folks move into the neighborhood, particularly if they move right next door, you probably introduce yourselves; maybe even take them some cookies. You learn where they’ve come from, where they work, and if they have children. The same probably holds true for a new teacher at school, or a new doctor at your clinic….or even a new face in the congregation. We become acquainted with others, learning about them, where they’ve been, and what brought them to this new place in their lives. In time, we form at least a vague idea of who people are. You may hear comments concerning the new folks on the block, like, “Did you know she teaches dance,” or, “that new doctor has a reputation for excellent work.” Or, you could hear less positive remarks, like, “The new preacher puts me to sleep every Sunday.” What begins, in some manner, is a skeletal image of who we are, forming in others’ minds, whether or not it is completely valid. And so it is, the question at hand…Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do the people of Caesarea Philippi say I am?”/ Jesus has spent some time teaching and healing in the area. He’s caused some concern among his own Jewish elders. He wants to know, now, what people are saying about him. What’s their take; their perspective? The disciples respond, (John the Baptist, prophet, Elijah) and hearing these answers, Jesus presses the disciples. “But who do you say that I am?” On this rally Sunday, I think it is most appropriate that we rally around Jesus. I have a plan for doing so. · Split the church in 4 groups (relieve visitors) · Assign clipboard/someone to take notes · 4 questions/discussion—you have the freedom to discuss any of these four questions. Who do you say I am? (Who is Jesus, for you, today?) What does that mean? Peace, comfort, friend, forgiver, courage, teacher, shepherd How do you say it? (How do you tell others who Jesus is, for you?) When do you say it? (When do find opportunities to say it; live it; express it?) Why do you say it? (Can you name specific reasons/experiences why you have expressed who Jesus is, for you?) Ultimately, how do you (will you) share Jesus—this week, and for the rest of this/your life, here on earth? |