What does Mark 8:27-30 mean?

²⁷ And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am? ²⁸ And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets. ²⁹ And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ. ³⁰ And he charged them that they should tell no man of him. (Mark 8:27-30 KJV)

Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ

We have read much about the doctrine Christ preached and the miracles he performed—many and remarkable works, well attested, and done in various places, astonishing the crowds who witnessed them. Now it’s time to pause and reflect on what these things mean. Though Christ once told people not to publish his miracles, they are now recorded in Scripture and made known to the whole world. What should we think of them? Were they recorded only for entertainment or discussion? Certainly not. These things are written so that we may believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (John 20:31). This conversation Jesus had with his disciples helps us reflect properly on his miracles and use them rightly. From these miracles, we learn three things.

First, they prove that he is the true Messiah, the Son of God, and the Savior of the world. His works testify of him, and his disciples, who witnessed them firsthand, profess their belief, giving us confidence to make the same conclusion.

Here in these verses, we see that Christ asked his disciples what others were saying about him: “Who do people say I am?” (Mark 8:27). While it’s a small thing to be judged by others, it can be useful to know what they say—not for our own glory, but to recognize any faults. Christ didn’t ask to be informed but to prompt them to observe and reflect.

The disciples’ answer showed that people held him in high regard. Though they didn’t fully understand who he was, they were convinced by his miracles that he had come from God with a divine commission. Some said he was John the Baptist, others Elijah, or one of the prophets (Mark 8:28). All believed he was someone risen from the dead. Likely, they would have accepted him as the Messiah if their teachers hadn’t convinced them the Messiah would be a political ruler, which didn’t fit Jesus’ humble appearance. But none accused him of being a deceiver.

When Jesus asked, “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” Peter responded on their behalf, “You are the Christ,” the promised and long-awaited Messiah (Mark 8:29). To truly be a Christian is to sincerely believe that Jesus is the Christ and to live accordingly. This truth was evident in his miracles. Though they would later proclaim this publicly, for now they were to keep it quiet (Mark 8:30), until the full proof came through his resurrection and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. Then they would declare, “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).

Mark Chapter 8

1. Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand, Mark 8:1-9
2. The Pharisees Demand a Sign, Mark 8:10-13
3. The Leaven of the Pharisees and Herod, Mark 8:14-21
4. Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida, Mark 8:22-26
5. Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ, Mark 8:27-30
6. Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection, Mark 8:31-33
7. Self-denial to follow Jesus, Mark 8:34-38