In Mark 8:29, Jesus discussed with his disciples what people were saying about him. Jesus asked his disciples directly, "But who do you say that I am?" In this assignment, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of who Christians claim Jesus is and to share your own belief about who Jesus is.

Based on Mark 8:29, you will summarize and analyze the claims made about Jesus’s identity and purpose. In a total of 750-1150 words for the paper, address each question below with clear and specific explanations.

Part 1: Teaching of Jesus

Select one teaching of Jesus from the following choices: Matthew 5:21-24; Matthew 5:43-48; Matthew 6:19-24; Matthew 7:15-23; Luke 15:1-32; John 13:1-17 and 34-35; or John 15:1-11. Answer the following with citation information from a commentary in the topic Resources. Include all the sources you cite on a reference page at the end of the paper.

What was Jesus’s point in the teaching?
How might someone from an atheist or pantheistic worldview see the concepts of this passage differently?
What does this teaching reveal about Jesus?

Part 2: Claim That Jesus Made About His Nature

Select one of the following passages in which Jesus makes statements about his nature and purpose: Matthew 9:1-8; Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 7:18-23; John 5:16-18; John 10:25-38; or John 14:5. Answer the following with citation information from a commentary in the topic Resources. Include all the sources you cite on a reference page at the end of the paper.

What is Jesus saying about his nature and the purpose of his ministry? What is the significance of this claim?

Part 3: Personal Answer to Question From Jesus

Based upon your research for sections 1 and 2, respond to the following:

How would you personally answer Jesus’s question, "But who do you say that I am" (Mark 8:29)? Describe your own beliefs about Jesus.
How has this exercise changed or clarified your personal understanding about who Jesus is?

In addition to the Bible, use a commentary from the topic Resources.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.