Luke 9:20

He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

{G1161} He said {G2036} unto them {G846}, But {G1161} whom {G5101} say {G3004} ye {G5210} that I {G3165} am {G1511}?{G1161} Peter {G4074} answering {G611} said {G2036}, The Christ {G5547} of God {G2316}.

“But you,” he said to them, “who do you say I am?” Kefa answered, “The Mashiach of God!”

“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”

And he said unto them, But who say ye that I am? And Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

Commentary

Luke 9:20 records a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, where He directly challenges His disciples to articulate their personal understanding of His identity. Following a discussion about who the crowds perceive Him to be, Jesus zeroes in on His closest followers, asking, "But whom say ye that I am?" It is Peter who steps forward, boldly declaring, "The Christ of God."

Context

This profound exchange occurs after Jesus has performed many miracles, taught extensively, and sent out the twelve disciples. He first asks His disciples about the popular opinions concerning His identity, hearing responses like John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the old prophets (Luke 9:19). This question in verse 20 then shifts from public perception to personal conviction, setting the stage for deeper revelations about Jesus' mission and the cost of true discipleship. This event is paralleled in other Gospels, notably Matthew 16:16, where Peter's confession is slightly more elaborate, identifying Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Key Themes

  • The True Identity of Jesus: This verse highlights the central question of the Gospels: Who is Jesus? Peter's answer is a divine revelation, not merely human insight, affirming Jesus' unique role as the promised Messiah.
  • Messianic Expectation: Peter's confession, "The Christ of God," directly addresses the deep-seated Jewish hope for the Messiah, the Anointed One chosen by God to deliver His people and establish His kingdom.
  • Foundation of Faith: This recognition of Jesus as the Christ forms the bedrock of Christian faith and is essential for understanding His subsequent teachings on suffering, death, and resurrection.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Christ" comes from the Greek word Christos (Χριστός), which is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word Mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ), meaning "Anointed One" or "Messiah." It is not a surname but a title signifying Jesus' divine appointment and unique role as God's chosen King, Priest, and Prophet. Peter's declaration "The Christ of God" emphasizes that Jesus' anointing and authority come directly from God Himself.

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 9:20 challenges us to move beyond a superficial understanding of Jesus to a personal, Spirit-revealed conviction of who He truly is. Do we see Him merely as a historical figure, a good teacher, or a prophet? Or do we, like Peter, recognize Him as "The Christ of God"—the divinely appointed Savior and Lord? This personal confession is foundational for our faith journey, impacting how we live, serve, and follow Jesus, especially in light of His call to take up our cross and follow Him daily.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 16:15 (12 votes)

    He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

  • Matthew 16:17 (12 votes)

    And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

  • John 4:29 (6 votes)

    Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

  • John 7:41 (6 votes)

    Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?

  • John 6:68 (5 votes)

    Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

  • John 6:69 (5 votes)

    And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

  • Acts 17:3 (5 votes)

    Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.