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? 19 They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. 20 He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. 21 And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; (Luke 9:18-21 KJV)
Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ
In these verses, Jesus speaks with his disciples about matters concerning the kingdom of God. One detail Luke notes that the other Gospels don’t is that Jesus was praying alone, with his disciples nearby, when he began this conversation (Luke 9:18).
Although Jesus had much public ministry, he still made time for private prayer. Solitude should be used for devotion, where we meet with the Father. When Jesus prayed, his disciples were with him, joining him in prayer, making it a kind of household prayer. Those who lead should pray with those they teach. Jesus prayed with them before questioning them, seeking God’s help to guide and strengthen them in understanding.
He asked what people were saying about him. Though Jesus already knew, he wanted his disciples to realize how privileged they were to know the truth. They answered that some said he was John the Baptist, others Elijah, or one of the old prophets—anything but who he truly was (Luke 9:19).
Then Jesus asked, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “The Christ of God” (Luke 9:20). This was a great comfort: the Messiah, God’s anointed one, was among them—fully authorized and equipped to accomplish his mission. Yet, Jesus strictly warned them not to tell anyone (Luke 9:21), because the time for full public proclamation hadn’t come. After his resurrection, the proof would be complete, and Peter would boldly declare it (Acts 2:36). But for now, the disciples were to wait.