Who Did Others Say He Was?

Few questions in history carry as much weight as the one Jesus asked His disciples in Matthew 16:15: “But who do you say that I am?” It’s a question that echoes across time, challenging everyone who encounters it.

The responses span from those who walked beside Him daily to those who opposed Him fiercely, from adversaries to scholars and historians centuries later. Each perspective offers a unique lens into the identity of Jesus—an identity that defied expectations, provoked strong reactions, and continues to shape lives today.

The Disciples and Apostles

No group knew Jesus more intimately than His disciples. They traveled with Him, ate with Him, and witnessed both His miracles and His moments of exhaustion. Their testimonies aren’t abstract; they’re deeply personal.

Peter’s Confession (Matthew 16:13-16) - When Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?”, Peter’s response came swiftly and boldly: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” It wasn’t a calculated answer—it was a declaration born from conviction. Jesus affirmed Peter’s insight as divinely revealed, not humanly deduced. This wasn’t just an opinion; it was a recognition of divine truth.

Thomas’ Declaration (John 20:28) - Thomas often gets reduced to a caricature—the doubter. But when faced with the resurrected Christ, Thomas offered one of the most profound confessions in Scripture: “My Lord and my God!” In those five words, Thomas articulated both his devotion (My Lord) and the transcendence (My God) of Jesus. His doubt had given way to undeniable clarity.

John opens his Gospel with an unflinching statement: “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word became flesh” (John 1:1 ,14). Jesus wasn’t merely a teacher or prophet—He was the eternal Word of God in human form.

Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, takes it even further: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15). Jesus wasn’t just significant—He was supreme.

For the disciples and apostles, Jesus wasn’t just an idea or the leader of a movement. He was the Messiah, the Son of God, the visible image of the invisible God. Their words weren’t speculative—they were anchored in lived experience.

The Demons

Interestingly, while many people struggled to recognize Jesus’ identity, the spiritual realm seemed to have no such problem. Time and again, demons identified Him with startling clarity.

The Unclean Spirit in Capernaum (Mark 1:24) - In Mark 1, a demon-possessed man cried out, “I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” There was no hesitation, no ambiguity. The demon recognized Jesus’ divine authority immediately.

The Legion in Gerasenes (Mark 5:7) - Later, a man possessed by many demons, referred to as “Legion,” fell before Jesus and cried out, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” Even in fear and resistance, the demons acknowledged who Jesus was.

The irony is hard to miss: demons recognized Jesus’ identity while many humans—religious leaders, skeptics, even some of His followers—remained blind to it. It’s a stark reminder that knowing about Jesus isn’t the same as knowing Him.

The demons’ recognition wasn’t faith—it was fear. But their words add weight to the question: if even His enemies acknowledged His identity, how much more should we?

The Crowds and Religious Leaders

In every crowd, Jesus inspired a mix of admiration, confusion, and hostility. Some called Him a prophet (Matthew 21:11). Others saw Him as the “Son of David” (Matthew 9:27), recognizing His connection to the Messianic promise. Many followed Him, not for who He was, but for what He could do—heal, feed, or perform miracles (John 6:26).

For the religious elite, Jesus was a threat. They accused Him of blasphemy (John 10:33) and deceit (Matthew 27:63) and ultimately conspired to end His life. Their resistance was less about misunderstanding and more about self-preservation.

Pilate, caught in a political and moral quagmire, asked Jesus: “What is truth?” (John 18:38). Despite declaring Jesus innocent, he sentenced Him to death. In a final twist of irony, Pilate ordered the inscription on the cross to read: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”

The public response to Jesus was—and still is—divided. Some worshiped, some wondered, and some rejected outright.

Historical Perspectives

The question of Jesus’ identity didn’t fade with time. It continues to provoke reflection from scholars, thinkers, and historical figures.

In The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, Alfred Edersheim presents Jesus as the fulfillment of ancient Jewish prophecies. His analysis underscores the deep connection between Jesus’ life and the Old Testament promises—a seamless thread woven across history.

C.S. Lewis framed the question powerfully: Jesus must be Liar, Lunatic, or Lord. His argument dismantles the idea that Jesus could simply be a “good moral teacher.” His claims were too radical. He must either be who He said He was or a fraud.

Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “I know men, and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man.” Despite being a master strategist, Napoleon recognized that Jesus’ influence transcended military might or political power. His legacy was built on love, not conquest.

From theologians to emperors, history continues to wrestle with the identity of Jesus. And yet, the question remains deeply personal.

The Real Question - Who Do You Say Jesus Is?

The voices we’ve explored—disciples, demons, crowds, leaders, historians—have spoken. But ultimately, the question Jesus asked Peter is the same question He asks us: “Who do you say that I am?

Peter called Him the Christ. Thomas called Him Lord and God. The demons called Him the Son of the Most High. History has offered its answers. Now, it’s our turn.
This isn’t a question to answer lightly. It’s one that will shape our lives, our decisions, and our eternity. The invitation stands: “Come, follow me” (Matthew 4:19). And the question remains: “Who do you say that I am?”