Who Is Jesus?
By Assistant Pastor Dr. Jaden Fitzpatrick | June 29, 2025
Open your Bibles to Matthew 16:13-16. When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Let’s pray: Father, thank You for Your presence. We need a fresh touch today. Bind Satan, protect those traveling, and meet us individually through Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
On June 29, 2025, Assistant Pastor Jaden Fitzpatrick delivers a passionate sermon, asking, “Who is Jesus to you?” In Matthew 16, Jesus challenges His disciples to define His identity, and Peter declares Him the Christ, the Son of the living God. Referencing Acts 9:5, where Saul asks, Who art thou, Lord?, Pastor Fitzpatrick notes that for 2,000 years, Jesus’ identity has sparked controversy. Movies, art, and culture depict Him variably, yet His claims—preexistence, Sonship, and deity (I and my Father are one, John 10:30)—provoke both devotion and opposition. Through personal stories and cultural critique, Pastor Fitzpatrick shares three truths: Jesus is the unique Son of God, America’s sin demands accountability, and personal surrender to Christ is essential for true faith.
Jesus: The Unique Son of God
Jesus’ identity sets Him apart. Born of a virgin through the Holy Ghost’s miracle, He was sinless, unlike any other (Hebrews 4:15, tempted in all points…without sin). He healed the lame, gave sight to the blind, and took time for the needy, like the palsied man lowered through a roof or the woman with an issue of blood (Mark 2:3-12, Luke 8:43-48). Critics called Him a prophet, but only Jesus offered forgiveness of sins (Acts 13:38, through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins). Pilate found no fault in this man (Luke 23:4), and the centurion declared, Truly this was the Son of God (Matthew 27:54). Crucified cruelly, He rose triumphantly, and His empty tomb confirms His promise to return (Acts 1:11, this same Jesus…shall so come in like manner). Pastor Fitzpatrick urges believers to trust the Bible’s portrayal of Jesus as the pure, powerful Son of God.
America’s Sin Demands Accountability
America’s moral decline surpasses Sodom’s, Pastor Fitzpatrick warns, because Sodom lacked churches, Bibles, and preachers, while America abounds in them yet embraces sin. Pornography floods media, human trafficking persists, and abortion is funded, while schools remove prayer and the Ten Commandments, leading to societal decay. He asks, “What obligation does a holy God have to a nation that prioritizes addictions and lotteries over feeding children, or protects animals but neglects babies?” Citing Isaiah 59:2, your iniquities have separated between you and your God, he calls America to account for rejecting Jesus, the only way (John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life). Believers must live holy lives, reflecting Jesus’ character, knowing they’ll stand before Him one day (Romans 14:12).
Surrender to Christ Is Essential
Peter’s confession, Thou art the Christ, demands a personal response. Pastor Fitzpatrick shares stories of unwavering faith: a missionary family in Assam, India, who, facing death, sang, “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back,” leading their tribe to Christ; and Christians in Nazi Germany who stayed to share Jesus despite threats. He challenges believers: “If soldiers demanded only true Christians remain, would you stay?” Jesus wants all of you, not just an hour on Sunday. Galatians 2:20, I am crucified with Christ, calls for total surrender, not piecemeal devotion. Pastor Fitzpatrick urges the congregation to come to the altar, thank Jesus for His work—saving souls, healing bodies, providing jobs—and recommit fully, trusting Him as the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys (Song of Solomon 2:1), and the all-sufficient Savior.