Jesus asked, “But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15 ESV).
Imagine sitting with Jesus, hearing Him ask this question. Not just to a crowd, but to you—personally. It’s a question that cuts through the noise of opinions and cultural influences. It’s the most important question you’ll ever answer.
Jesus had just finished provided food for a multitude with seven loaves and a few small fish. But the crowd wasn’t just there for food. They came carrying the lame, the blind, the crippled, and the hurting. And Jesus healed them. Their response?
“So that the crowd wondered, when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel” (Matthew 15:31 ESV).
Check out Dr. Randy’s teaching: “The Power of Questions,” where
he looks at several questions from the Bible, starting with Adam and Eve.
Shortly after that, Jesus faced another round of opposition from the Pharisees. They tried to trap Him, but once again, their efforts failed. He then warned His disciples about the “yeast” of the Pharisees—their corrupt teaching and deceptive ways. At first, the disciples thought He was talking about actual bread (a classic misunderstanding on their part). But eventually, they grasped the deeper meaning: Jesus was warning them to be on guard against false beliefs.
Now, in the district of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (Matthew 16:13 ESV).
It was a simple question, but one with weighty implications.
Why Jesus Asked This Question
Jesus knew people were talking about Him. His teachings, His miracles, and His authority had stirred countless discussions. Everyone had an opinion—just like the people have today.
People had their own versions of Jesus. Some saw Him as a prophet, others as a political figure, and some dismissed Him entirely. Their conclusions were shaped by limited encounters, secondhand stories, and personal biases.
The disciples had heard these opinions. They lived in the culture of their time. They weren’t isolated from the swirling debates. Jesus wanted them to examine whether they were being influenced by the crowd or standing firm in what they personally knew to be true.
Jesus wasn’t interested in the religious elite’s opinion. He already knew where the Pharisees stood. They had rejected Him outright. Instead, He focused on those who had walked with Him, those who had witnessed His power firsthand.
He framed the question within His identity as the “Son of Man.” This title emphasized both His humanity and His divine mission. It connected Him to prophecy and the fulfillment of God’s plan.
The disciples responded: “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets” (Matthew 16:14 NIV).
But Jesus wasn’t asking for a public poll. He was leading them to the real question—the one that mattered most.
“But Who Do You Say That I Am?”
This was personal. Peter, the one known for his boldness, didn’t hesitate: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16 ESV).
Peter didn’t base his answer on hearsay or speculation. He spoke from experience. He had walked with Jesus. He had seen the miracles, heard the teachings, and felt the authority in His words. Peter knew who Jesus was.
And Jesus affirmed him: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven” (Matthew 16:17 NIV).
Peter’s answer wasn’t the result of human reasoning. It was divine revelation.
This Question Is for You, Too
It’s easy to listen to what others say about Jesus—to absorb cultural perspectives, theological debates, or even the doubts that creep into our own hearts. But Jesus still asks the very personal question: “Who do you say that I am?”
This is a now question. It’s a question that determines how you live, how you love, and where you place your hope. It’s not about having the perfect answer—it’s about knowing Him.
- Have you encountered Him in the pages of Scripture?
- Have you felt His presence in your darkest moments?
- Have you seen His faithfulness in your life?
If you belong to Christ, you already have the answer. You are living proof of His power, His grace, and His love.
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 NIV).
Sharing the Answer with the World
This world is full of people searching for truth, hope, and meaning. Some will ask you directly about your faith, and others will simply watch how you live. Either way, you have the opportunity to share the truth with gentleness and respect.
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV).
The way you answer Jesus’ question shapes your life. And the way you live your life shapes how others see Him. You don’t have to fear how to explain your faith. Jesus promised that when the moment comes, the Holy Spirit will give you the words. “Do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say” (Luke 12:11-12 NIV).
You are not alone in sharing your faith. God Himself equips you to speak truth and shine His light.
So, Who Do You Say That He Is?
What if you’re still searching?
If you’re unsure how to answer Jesus’ question, that’s okay. He invites you to know Him personally. He’s not waiting for you to have it all figured out—He simply asks you to come.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NIV).
No matter where you are in your faith journey, He sees you, loves you, and is calling you into a relationship with Him. If you want to take that next step, start by praying: “Jesus, I want to know You. I don’t have all the answers, but I believe You are the Son of God. Forgive me for the ways I’ve tried to do life on my own. I trust You with my life and ask You to lead me. Amen.”
If you prayed this prayer or want to learn more about what it means to follow Jesus, we’d love to encourage you. Click here to connect with a Care Coach today.
Your answer is more than words—it’s a life lived in response to the truth.
Today, take a moment to reflect on your answer. Speak it out loud. Let it shape your choices, your interactions, and your faith. And when someone asks you about your hope, don’t be afraid to share. Because the answer is everything.
