Jesus is the most popular figure in the world. People tend to visualize of Jesus based on who they are, not who He is.
Ultimately, it doesn't matter what Jesus looked like, but it does matter what Jesus was like. Who do you say He is?
Hebrews 13:8-9a "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas."
Jesus doesn't get updated with the culture. He doesn't receive a makeover to look like whatever people want him to.
The Israelites created a golden calf because it was what they were used to.
You are made in God's image, but you will be tempted to make God in your image
Three images of Jesus you will be tempted to embrace:
American Jesus – He makes all your dreams come true.
Hippie Jesus – He's cool with everything except not being cool, man.
Terminator Jesus – He'll be back! And this time, its personal.
Matthew 16:13-20
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"
"The Son of Man" is subtle, playful reference to Daniel where the Messiah is described as being "one like a son of man."
And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
John the Baptist – teacher
Elijah – miracle worker
Jeremiah – prophet
Jesus was all of these things, but He wasn't only these things.
He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven."
Peter had supernatural revelation that Jesus was the Christ. Son of the "living God" because they were at a famous outpost for worship of the Greek god Pan.
"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Jesus will build His church on people who understand who He really is.
Gates of hell: The pagans believed that the cave and spring water at Caesarea Philippi created a gate to the underworld—called "the gates of hell."
1 John 3:8 "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil."
Only those who recognize who Jesus really is will have the authority to overcome the works of the devil.
Who do you say that He is?