Mark 8:22-30 Who Do You Say That I Am?

Who Do You Say That I Am?

Mark 8:22–30

Introduction: A Game of Identity

Have you ever played the game Who Am I? In this game, players ask yes or no questions to figure out the identity of a famous person or animal. Each clue helps them get closer to the answer.

In today’s passage, Jesus plays a sort of Who Am I? game with His disciples. Instead of answering yes or no, He challenges them to think about everything they have seen and heard. The miracles, the teachings, and the Old Testament prophecies all point to His true identity. Now, the disciples must decide: Who is Jesus?

Background & Context: A Two-Step Healing

As Jesus and His disciples arrived in Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man to Him and begged for healing. Jesus took the man by the hand, led him out of the village, and healed him in two stages. First, the man saw people, but they looked like trees walking. Then, Jesus touched his eyes again, and his sight was fully restored.

This healing was not just about restoring the man’s vision—it was also a picture of the disciples’ spiritual journey. Just as the blind man needed a second touch to see clearly, the disciples were beginning to understand who Jesus was, but their vision was still blurry. Soon, Jesus would help them see the full truth.

Miracles like this one confirmed that Jesus was sent by God. The writer of Hebrews explains that God used signs and wonders to confirm His message to the world (Hebrews 2:1–4). Every miracle was proof that Jesus was the promised Savior.

Who Do People Say That I Am?

As they traveled to Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” The disciples answered, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and still others say one of the prophets.”

This question was important because many people had opinions about Jesus, but they did not recognize Him for who He truly was. Even King Herod had been confused, wondering if Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead (Mark 6:14–16). Some thought Jesus was Elijah, the prophet who called Israel back to God (1 Kings 18:36–39). Others saw Him as just another teacher.

Today, people still have different opinions about Jesus. Some say He was a good teacher, a philosopher, or a historical figure. Others reject Him completely. But opinions do not change the truth. The real question is: Who do you say that He is?

Peter’s Confession: You Are the Christ

Jesus turned to His disciples and asked them directly, “But who do you say that I am?”

Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”

This was a huge moment. The word Christ means Messiah, the one God had promised to send. From the very beginning, God had planned to send a Savior. After Adam and Eve sinned, God promised that one day, a descendant of Eve would crush the power of Satan (Genesis 3:15). Later, God told Abraham that one of his descendants would bring blessing to all nations (Genesis 22:17–18). Moses spoke of a prophet greater than himself who would speak God’s words directly (Deuteronomy 18:15). The Psalms described a priest who would reign forever (Psalm 110:4). Isaiah foretold a king from David’s family, filled with the Spirit of God (Isaiah 11:1–5). Daniel saw a vision of a divine ruler whose kingdom would never end (Daniel 7:13–14). And Malachi prophesied about a messenger preparing the way for the Lord Himself (Malachi 3:1).

Peter was declaring that Jesus was the fulfillment of all these promises.

But this confession was not just a personal opinion—it was a divine revelation, as Matthew’s Gospel records: “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 16:17).

Jesus then declared, “On this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). Some traditions interpret this to mean that Peter himself was the foundation of the church. But the weight of Scripture points us to a different understanding: Jesus was not building His church on a man, but on the truth Peter confessed—that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

To place the foundation of the church on Peter alone would be to displace Christ from the throne of His own kingdom. The church does not stand on any human leader or institution. It is built upon the identity and work of Jesus Christ Himself—His person, His power, and His authority as the Messiah. As Paul later writes, “No one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11).

Conclusion: Who Do You Say That Jesus Is?

Jesus is more than a teacher, prophet, or miracle worker. He is:

  • The Lord – The King of God’s eternal kingdom.
  • The Messiah – The Savior who takes away the curse of sin.
  • The High Priest – The only one who can bring us to God.
  • The Prophet, King, and Priest – The one who holds all the roles of leadership in God’s plan.

Like Peter, we must answer the question: Who do you say that Jesus is? The answer changes everything.

Scripture References

  1. Hebrews 2:1–4 – God confirmed His message through signs, wonders, and miracles, proving Jesus’ authority.
  2. Mark 6:14–16 – King Herod mistakenly thought Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead.
  3. 1 Kings 18:36–39 – Elijah was a prophet who called Israel to return to God.
  4. Genesis 3:15 – God’s first promise of a Savior who would defeat Satan’s power.
  5. Genesis 22:17–18 – God’s promise to Abraham that his descendant would bless all nations.
  6. Deuteronomy 18:15 – Moses’ prophecy about a future prophet greater than himself.
  7. Psalm 110:4 – A prophecy about a priest who would reign forever.
  8. Isaiah 11:1–5 – A prophecy of a Spirit-filled King from David’s line.
  9. Daniel 7:13–14 – A vision of a divine ruler whose kingdom will never end.
  10. Malachi 3:1 – A prophecy about a messenger preparing the way for the Lord.
  11. Matthew 16:17–18 – Jesus affirms Peter’s confession and speaks of building His church.
  12. 1 Corinthians 3:11 – Paul declares that Christ alone is the foundation of the church.

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