Mark 8:29 – “‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah.’”

Extended Explanation

This verse is one of the most important moments in the entire Gospel of Mark. After asking His disciples who people say He is (Mark 8:27-28), Jesus now makes it personal:

“But what about you? Who do you say I am?”

This is the ultimate question. It’s not enough to know what others think about Jesus—each person must decide for themselves who He is.

Peter boldly answers: “You are the Messiah.” This is the first time in Mark’s Gospel that one of the disciples clearly declares Jesus as the Messiah—the long-awaited Savior promised in the Old Testament.

Peter’s response shows that his faith is growing. He has seen Jesus perform miracles, teach with authority, and reveal His power. Now, he recognizes that Jesus is not just a prophet or teacher—He is the Messiah.

Historical Context

At this time, the Jewish people were waiting for the Messiah, the chosen one who would save Israel. But their expectations were mostly political—they thought the Messiah would defeat the Romans and restore Israel’s kingdom.

The word “Messiah” (in Hebrew) and “Christ” (in Greek) both mean “Anointed One”—the one sent by God to bring salvation.

Peter’s confession was significant because:

1. Many people saw Jesus as just a prophet (Mark 8:28).
2. Jesus did not fit the expected image of a political ruler.
3. Peter was acknowledging that Jesus was God’s promised Savior, not just another teacher.

Even though Peter understood that Jesus was the Messiah, he and the other disciples still didn’t fully understand what that meant. They would later struggle when Jesus predicted His death (Mark 8:31-33), because they still expected a Messiah who would conquer, not suffer.

Theological Implications

1. Faith Must Be Personal – Jesus’ question is directed at each person. Who do YOU say Jesus is?
2. Recognizing Jesus as the Messiah is Essential – Many people respect Jesus, but true faith sees Him as the Savior, not just a teacher.
3. Understanding Jesus Takes Time – Peter had the right answer, but he still didn’t fully grasp what kind of Messiah Jesus was. Faith is a journey of growing deeper in understanding.

Literary Analysis

This passage is a turning point in Mark’s Gospel. Up until now, the disciples have been witnessing miracles but struggling to understand Jesus’ identity.

• “But what about you?” – Jesus shifts the focus from public opinion to personal faith.
• “Who do you say I am?” – This is the most important question in the Bible. Everything depends on how a person answers it.
• “Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah.'” – Peter boldly declares the truth, though his understanding is still incomplete.

Immediately after this, Jesus begins to teach about His coming suffering and death (Mark 8:31-33), showing that being the Messiah meant more than Peter realized.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 16:16 – Peter’s confession in Matthew includes, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
• John 1:41 – “We have found the Messiah” (Andrew’s first words to Peter about Jesus).
• Isaiah 53:3-5 – A prophecy of the suffering Messiah, which many Jews misunderstood.
• Acts 4:12 – “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is not just for Peter—it is for everyone.

• Who do YOU say Jesus is?
• Many people today call Jesus a great teacher, a religious figure, or a prophet, but the real question is: Do you believe He is the Messiah, the Son of God?
• Faith is not just about knowing facts—it’s about a personal relationship with Jesus.

If Jesus asked you today, “Who do you say I am?”, what would you say?

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

A loving God wants a personal relationship with us.

• Jesus doesn’t just want us to know ABOUT Him—He wants us to know Him personally.
• God’s love is seen in the fact that He sent a Messiah—not just a teacher, but a Savior.
• He gives us the opportunity to recognize Jesus for who He truly is.

God’s love is not distant—it is personal, calling each of us to respond.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the Messiah, but not in the way people expected.

• He did not come as a political ruler, but as the Suffering Servant who would die for our sins.
• His true mission would only become clear after His death and resurrection.
• John 20:31 – “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

Jesus asks us the same question today: Who do YOU say I am?

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. If Jesus asked you, “Who do you say I am?”, what would you say?
2. Why do you think Peter was able to recognize Jesus as the Messiah while others only saw Him as a prophet?
3. How does this passage challenge people who believe Jesus was just a good teacher?
4. What does it mean to have a personal faith in Jesus, rather than just knowing about Him?
5. How can you help others see Jesus as more than just a historical figure, but as the Savior of the world?

This verse is the heart of Christianity—Jesus is not just a prophet or a teacher. He is the Messiah, the Son of God, the only one who can save us.

The question Jesus asked Peter is the most important question in your life:

Who do YOU say Jesus is?