This question from Jesus (v18) ties in with the stories that had reached Herod’s ears (v7-9). Knowing who Jesus is, is one of the most important questions anyone can face.

The disciples initially share some of the common ideas that were circulating (v19), John, Elijah or one of the other prophets.

Jesus challenges His disciples directly, there can be no sitting on the fence, and they must give their own personal answer (v20). Peter responds correctly, Jesus is ‘The Christ of God’. Christ means ‘anointed one’ and is the Greek version for the Hebrew title Messiah. Peter is declaring that Jesus is the promised Saviour of his people.

In now confessing that Christ was the Messiah, Peter and the disciples needed to know exactly the Messiah that Jesus would be (v21-22). Jesus would save His people not with a powerful show of strength but rather through the apparent weakness of His death on the cross.

We can focus on the many needs we have in life, but our priority must always be the need of our soul and understand that Jesus through His death alone can meet this great need.