THE HUB

Labels

Devotional

People will prescribe labels to you and those around them. For better or worse. Fact or fiction. But no matter what people say, it’s crucial for you to stay grounded in truth! Even if you’re the only one...Discover the dangers of labels and how Jesus taught His disciples to stand against the futile thinking of the world.

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

MATTHEW 16: 13-20

Questions:

  • What stands out to you the most from this story?
  • In verse 15, the crowds had mixed opinions on Jesus’ identity. What is your current view of Jesus?
  • What has been informing your view of Jesus lately? Explain.
  • When is it most difficult for you to allow the scriptures to inform your view of Jesus? Explain.
  • In verse 16, Peter saw Jesus as the Messiah despite the community’s view of Jesus. How can you counteract the labels that our society puts on Jesus?
  • In verse 18, Jesus declares that the gates of Hades will not overcome the church. What are your thoughts or reactions to this declaration?

Practice The Way of Jesus:

As a community of disciples, we believe that Jesus is the only hope for a lost and helpless world. (1 Peter 1:3) How can you grow in going to Jesus for hope? This week, consider the role that hope has in the life of a Christian. Identify the areas where God might be calling you to have more hope. Consider getting open with someone in this group about those areas.