Series: The Evidence: What Do You Believe? Episode 3: “The Verdict Is Yours”

Series: The Evidence: What Do You Believe? Episode 3: “The Verdict Is Yours” 📝 EPISODE SUMMARY In the final episode of “The Evidence: What Do You Believe?”, Danny brings the series to its most important question: Who do you say Jesus is? The series began with Danny and his wife watching a trial and realizing how difficult it can be to determine the truth when you weren't personally there. One witness could make you believe one thing, while another could cause you to see everything differently. But eventually, a trial reaches the point where the testimony has been heard, the evidence has been presented, and a conclusion must be reached. The same is true when investigating Jesus. In Matthew 16:15–16, Jesus turns to His disciples and asks, “Who do you say I am?” Peter answers that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. That question is still personal today. We can listen to pastors, family members, skeptics, scholars, and friends, but eventually each of us must decide what we believe about Jesus. Christianity makes an incredible claim: Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. If that is true, then Jesus isn't simply another religious teacher—His identity changes everything. When it comes to Jesus, the decision isn't about determining His future. It's about how we will respond to Him. Investigate the evidence. Ask difficult questions. Search for truth. But eventually, answer the question: “Who do YOU say Jesus is?” 📖 SMALL GROUP COMPANION GUIDE Key Scriptures Matthew 16:13–16 John 3:16 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 Main Thought You can't borrow someone else's faith forever. Eventually, you must decide what you believe about Jesus. Opening Question Have you ever believed something mainly because your parents, family, friends, or someone you trusted believed it? Read Together Read Matthew 16:13–16. Pay special attention to the difference between Jesus asking what other people were saying about Him and then asking His disciples: “Who do you say I am?” Discussion Questions Why do you think Jesus made the question personal with His disciples? Who or what has had the biggest influence on what you believe about Jesus? What evidence about Jesus has strengthened your faith? What questions about Jesus or Christianity do you still have? Why is the resurrection so important to the Christian faith? How would your life change if you truly lived every day believing Jesus is who He said He is? 🛠️ THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE Take some quiet time this week and answer one question honestly: “Who do I say Jesus is?” Don't answer with what your pastor says. Don't answer with what your parents taught you. Don't answer with what someone on social media believes. Make it personal. Then spend some time reading one of the Gospels and asking God to help you know Jesus more deeply. 🙏 CLOSING PRAYER God, thank You for Jesus. Thank You that we can bring You our questions and search for truth. Help us not simply inherit someone else's faith, but personally know what we believe and why we believe it. Strengthen our faith and help us trust and follow Jesus with our lives. In Jesus' name, amen.