Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 4: Miracles, Opposition, and Growing Faith
4.7 — Who Do People Say I Am?
Who Do People Say I Am? Jesus challenges His disciples—and every generation—to consider His true identity.
4.7 — Who Do People Say I Am?
The Most Important Question
As Jesus’ ministry continued, people had many opinions about Him.
Some believed He was a prophet.
Some thought He was a teacher.
Some believed He was sent by God.
Others thought He might be Elijah returned.
Some wondered if He was John the Baptist raised from the dead.
Many were amazed by His miracles.
Many listened to His teaching.
Yet not everyone reached the same conclusion.
The question of Jesus’ identity became increasingly important.
The crowds had opinions.
The religious leaders had opinions.
Even the disciples were still growing in their understanding.
One day, Jesus asked a question that remains important for every generation:
“Who do people say that I am?”
The answer to that question would change everything.
Scripture References
Matthew 16:13–20
Mark 8:27–30
Luke 9:18–21
John 1:41
Isaiah 9:6–7
Daniel 7:13–14
The Story
Jesus and His disciples traveled north to the region of Caesarea Philippi.
Away from the large crowds, Jesus asked His disciples:
“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
The disciples responded with what they had been hearing.
Some said:
“John the Baptist.”
Others said:
“Elijah.”
Still others said:
“Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
People recognized that Jesus was extraordinary.
They knew He was different.
Yet many stopped short of recognizing who He truly was.
Then Jesus asked a more personal question:
“But who do you say that I am?”
The disciples could no longer answer based on the opinions of others.
They had to answer for themselves.
The question required a personal response.
Understanding the Story
Why Did Jesus Ask This Question?
Jesus already knew what people were saying.
The question helped the disciples examine what they believed.
Faith is not built solely on the opinions of others.
Every person must decide how they will respond to Jesus.
Why Were People Confused?
Jesus did not fit many expectations people had about the Messiah.
Many expected a political ruler who would overthrow Rome.
Others expected a military leader.
Jesus came as a Savior, Teacher, and Servant King.
Why Is This Conversation Important?
This moment serves as a turning point in the Gospel story.
The disciples are moving from simply observing Jesus to understanding who He truly is.
Understanding Jesus
What Is the Son of Man?
Jesus frequently referred to Himself as the Son of Man.
The title comes from Daniel 7 and points to a figure who receives authority, glory, and an everlasting kingdom from God.
The title emphasizes both Jesus’ humanity and His divine mission.
Why Did People Mention Elijah?
The prophet Malachi foretold that Elijah would come before the day of the Lord.
Many people wondered whether Jesus or John the Baptist fulfilled that expectation.
Why Did People Mention Jeremiah?
Jeremiah was known as a faithful prophet who suffered while proclaiming God’s message.
Some saw similarities between Jeremiah’s ministry and the ministry of Jesus.
Why Caesarea Philippi Matters
Caesarea Philippi was a region known for pagan worship, temples, and shrines dedicated to various gods.
Against that backdrop, Jesus asked the most important question of all:
Who is He?
The location highlights the contrast between false gods and the true Messiah.
Old Testament Connections
The prophets repeatedly pointed toward a coming Savior.
Isaiah described a coming King.
Micah foretold the Messiah’s birthplace.
Daniel spoke of the Son of Man.
The promises of the Old Testament prepared God’s people for the arrival of the Messiah.
The question Jesus asked was rooted in centuries of expectation.
Missing Context Check
Why Didn’t Everyone Recognize Jesus?
Many people expected the Messiah to fit their own ideas and hopes.
Because Jesus did not match every expectation, some struggled to recognize Him.
Is Knowing About Jesus the Same as Knowing Jesus?
No.
Many people knew facts about Jesus.
The question Jesus asked required a personal response of faith.
Why Is This Question Still Important?
Every generation must answer it.
The question is not only what others believe.
The question is:
Who do you say Jesus is?
A Deeper Look: Opinions Versus Faith
The disciples reported many opinions about Jesus.
The crowds had theories.
The religious leaders had arguments.
The culture had assumptions.
But Jesus moved beyond public opinion.
Faith becomes personal when a person answers the question for themselves.
Christianity is not simply about knowing information.
It is about responding to Jesus.
This lesson connects closely to:
Who Is Jesus? (future page)
Key Themes
Jesus Requires a Personal Response
Every person must decide what they believe.
Public Opinion Is Not Enough
Faith cannot rest solely on what others think.
The Messiah Fulfilled God’s Promises
Jesus fulfilled centuries of prophecy.
Faith Grows Through Understanding
The disciples continued learning who Jesus truly was.
Why This Lesson Matters
The same question Jesus asked His disciples remains one of the most important questions in life.
People today still have many opinions about Jesus.
Some see Him as a teacher.
Some see Him as a prophet.
Some see Him as a historical figure.
Christians believe He is much more.
This lesson invites readers to move beyond public opinion and consider their own response to Christ.
Connecting to Jesus
This lesson reveals Jesus as:
The Son of Man.
The Messiah.
The Promised Savior.
The Fulfillment of God’s promises.
The One who invites every person into a relationship with Him.
Living the Message
This week:
Read Matthew 16:13–20.
Reflect on what you believe about Jesus.
Consider how your daily life reflects your answer.
Spend time thanking God for revealing Himself through Christ.
Share your faith story with someone if the opportunity arises.
Reflection Questions
Why did Jesus ask what people were saying about Him?
Possible answers:
To help the disciples think about His identity and their own beliefs.
Why were people confused about Jesus?
Possible answers:
He did not fit all of their expectations of the Messiah.
What does the title Son of Man mean?
Possible answers:
It points to Jesus’ humanity, divine mission, and fulfillment of prophecy.
Why is personal faith important?
Possible answers:
Each person must decide how they will respond to Jesus.
What question does this lesson ask every reader?
Possible answers:
Who do you say Jesus is?
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Jesus challenged His disciples to consider His true identity.
Reasons We Believe
Jesus fulfilled prophecy and revealed Himself through His teaching, miracles, death, and resurrection.
Obedience in Action
Reflect on how your life demonstrates your faith in Christ.
Walk It Out
Write your own answer to Jesus’ question: “Who do you say that I am?”
Related Pages
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar
Feasts and Festivals in the Time of Jesus
Continue Learning
Miracles, Opposition, and Growing Faith:4.8: Peter’s Great Confession
Miracles, Opposition, and Growing Faith:4.6: Signs of the Messiah
The crowds had opinions.
The disciples had questions.
Jesus had one question.
“Who do you say that I am?”
And every reader must eventually answer it.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith at PGUM.org.
