3-8-2026: Praise the Mount

Sermon Title: Praise the Mount

Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:13-20 

Sermon Focus: After journeying with his disciples for a couple of years, Jesus asks them, “Who do you say I am?” In a life-defining moment, Simon Peter responds with clarity and conviction, and his declaration would shape his own identity and purpose. In the third message of our Lenten series, Pastor Melissa presents some of the ways the people of Jesus’ day understood him and invites us to respond to the question “Who do you say that Jesus is?” 

Thank you for going deeper in conversation with your small group. Use the following questions to help guide your small group discussion:  

1. What are some of the ways you define yourself? How have the categories our society offers helped or hindered your sense of identity? 

2. Have someone read aloud Matthew 16:13-20 slowly. Have a different person in the group retell the story that was just read in their own words, with the rest of the group filling in details as needed. What is interesting, compelling, confusing, etc. about the story? 

3. Pastor Melissa described possible interpretations of how people in Jesus’ day viewed him and how some people today define Jesus, e.g. a good moral teacher, social justice advocate, etc. How have you heard family, friends, or neighbors describe Jesus? Do you find anything missing from these descriptions about Jesus? If so, what? 

4. When Simon confesses Jesus as Messiah and Son of the Living God, Jesus gives him a new name (Peter = “rock”) and gives him special responsibilities. Are there times you’ve experienced security, peace, or a sense of purpose as you’ve trusted in who Jesus is? What is a “mountaintop moment” you’ve had in your faith? 

5. Think about the response question for the week: “Who do you say Jesus is?” How do you sense God inviting you into deeper relationship and trust in him? What aspect of Jesus’ life or character is speaking to you most right now? 

6. LIFE ON MISSION QUESTION: Pastor Melissa said: “All who profess faith in Jesus Christ are building blocks of a community of people through which God is bringing healing and transformation.” What are ways God might be using you to open the doors to his Kingdom for others? Is there a person God is putting on your heart, an interest you have, or a place you frequent where you sense God wanting to use you to show and share who Jesus is? What might it look like to join with other believers in that calling? 

7. Close in prayer together for God to affirm your identity in Christ and empower you in the areas he’s calling you to open doors for others to experience Christ.