Luke 9:18
Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus asks his disciples about public opinion after he had been praying, suggesting that this private communion with the Father directly preceded and informed his pressing question about his public identity. This placement highlights that Jesus' understanding of himself, and his mission, wasn't derived from popular perception but from divine revelation sought through prayer.
Following a period of teaching and miracles, including the feeding of thousands, Jesus withdraws with his disciples to a private place to pray. It's at this pivotal moment, away from the crowds, that Jesus turns to his closest followers and asks them what the general public thinks about who he is. This question sets the stage for a crucial conversation about his identity and the path of discipleship that lies ahead, a path that will involve suffering.
Before Jesus asks His disciples who people think He is, He's deep in prayer. Why is this significant?
Luke highlights Jesus' prayer life repeatedly, showing it as the source of His wisdom and actions.
A Direct Connection
Here, Jesus is praying "alone," separated from the crowds, but His disciples are present. This moment of intimate communion with the Father precedes His crucial question to them.
Preparing the Way
This prayer isn't just a quiet moment; it's preparatory. It sets the stage for the profound revelation to come and underscores that Jesus' understanding of His identity and mission flows directly from His relationship with God. The disciples' presence means they are witnesses to this divine connection, even if they don't fully grasp it yet.
Jesus asks His disciples, 'Who do the crowds say that I am?' What does this reveal about perception?
Jesus immediately contrasts the public's perception with the private understanding He seeks from His inner circle.
Whispers of the Crowd
The crowds had seen Jesus perform miracles, teach with authority, and even feed thousands. Their views were likely a mix of awe and confusion – perhaps seeing Him as a prophet, a great healer, or even a political revolutionary. These were surface-level understandings, shaped by observable events.
The Inner Circle's Insight
Jesus' question shifts the focus from popular opinion to the deeper truth. He’s not interested in fleeting fame or speculation. He's probing the disciples’ understanding, setting the stage for Peter's confession and the revelation of Jesus' true identity as the Christ.
This pivotal moment occurs as Jesus withdraws from the crowds after a period of intense ministry and popular acclaim, recognizing that the initial excitement is fading and the disciples need a deeper understanding of his mission.
c. AD 27
Jesus begins public ministry
After his baptism, Jesus begins teaching, healing, and gathering disciples in Galilee, proclaiming the Kingdom of God.
c. AD 28
Feeding of the Five Thousand
A large crowd is miraculously fed, leading to immense popular enthusiasm and a desire to make Jesus king, an event that significantly shapes public perception.
c. AD 28
Jesus teaches 'Bread of Life' sermon
Following the feeding miracle, Jesus delivers a profound discourse in Capernaum that causes many disciples to turn away due to its challenging message.
c. AD 28
Jesus travels north
Jesus withdraws from the crowds in Galilee, traveling north towards the Gentile regions near Tyre and Sidon, then east into the Decapolis, and finally to the area of Caesarea Philippi.
This passage in Matthew describes the same pivotal question Jesus asks his disciples, providing additional context about the location near Caesarea Philippi and setting the stage for Peter's confession.
Mark 8:27Mark's account also records Jesus asking his disciples about his identity among the crowds, emphasizing the transition in Jesus' ministry towards his suffering and death.
John 6:66-69This passage shows a stark contrast to public opinion by highlighting that many of Jesus' followers abandoned him after his 'Bread of Life' discourse, revealing a growing division and confusion about who he truly was.
Isaiah 53:3This Old Testament prophecy powerfully describes the Messiah as 'despised and rejected by men,' foreshadowing the very reason Jesus asks what the crowds think of him, as public perception often missed his true identity and mission.
wesleyLuke 9:18: "And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?"
9:18 Apart - From the multitude. And he asked them - When he had done praying, during which they probably stayed at a distance. Mt 14:13; Mr 8:27.
pulpitLuke 9:18: "And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?"
Verses 18-27. - Jesus question to his own: Who did they think he was? He tells them of a suffering Messiah, and describes the lot of his own true followers. Verse 18. - And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? With these abrupt words, St. Luke changes for his r…
Jesus asks his disciples about public opinion after he had been praying, suggesting that this private communion with the Father directly preceded and informed his pressing question about his public identity. This placement highlights that Jesus' understanding of himself, and his mission, wasn't derived from popular perception but from divine revelation sought through prayer.
Following a period of teaching and miracles, including the feeding of thousands, Jesus withdraws with his disciples to a private place to pray. It's at this pivotal moment, away from the crowds, that Jesus turns to his closest followers and asks them what the general public thinks about who he is. This question sets the stage for a crucial conversation about his identity and the path of discipleship that lies ahead, a path that will involve suffering.
Following a period of teaching and miracles, including the feeding of thousands, Jesus withdraws with his disciples to a private place to pray. It's at this pivotal moment, away from the crowds, that Jesus turns to his closest followers and asks them what the general public thinks about who he is. This question sets the stage for a crucial conversation about his identity and the path of discipleship that lies ahead, a path that will involve suffering.
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c. AD 28— this verse
Jesus asks disciples about his identity
While praying in a secluded place near Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asks his closest followers what people are saying about who he is.
c. AD 28
Peter confesses Jesus as Christ
Following the question about public perception, Peter declares Jesus to be the Messiah, after which Jesus begins to teach his disciples about his impending suffering and death.
"Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”" — Jesus asks his disciples about public opinion after he had been praying, suggesting that this private communion with the Father directly preceded and informed his pressing question about his public…
