Jesus asked His disciples who He is not because He doesn’t know the answer. It is for His disciples to understand who He is.

“Who do men say that I, the Son of Man”, am?” v. 13

The disciples replied, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” v. 14

They gave Him the opinion of others about Him. However, Jesus wanted to know who they think He is so He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” v. 1

Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” v. 16

Jesus praised Peter for his proper declaration of His identity.

“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven…” v. 17

It’s amazing that God revealed that truth to and through Peter without him probably realizing it.

“Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.” v. 20

“Before they could preach that Jesus was the Messiah, they had to learn what that meant.” Barclay, enduringword.com

Wow. It’s true that we cannot share God with others if we do not know who He really is. He is more than a prophet like Jeremiah. He is the CHRIST and the SON OF THE LIVING GOD. He is the Messiah. He is God Himself.

We have to know God personally before we can share Him with others. It’s important to spend time with Him privately before going public. His question to His disciples is also a question to all of professing believers.

“But who do you say that I am?” v. 15

Who is Jesus to us? Does our life as believers reflect that we know Him? That we belong to Him?

“We answer this question every day by what we believe and do. If we really believe Jesus is who He says He is, it will affect the way that we live.” enduringword.com