Luke 9:19

“They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.”

Context:Before we dive into the verse, it’s essential to understand the context. In Luke 9, Jesus had just sent out His twelve disciples, giving them authority over unclean spirits and power to heal diseases. They went throughout the villages, preaching the kingdom of God and healing the sick. Later in the chapter, Jesus feeds the multitude with five loaves and two fishes. Afterward, Jesus asks His disciples a crucial question, leading to their response in verse 19.

The Question:Jesus asks His disciples, “Whom say the people that I am?” This question probes the people’s perception and understanding of Jesus’ identity. It gives an opportunity for the disciples to express what they have observed and heard from the people.

Various Responses:In response to Jesus’ question, the disciples share the different opinions held by the people. Some said, “John the Baptist,” while others believed He was “Elias” (Elijah). Yet, there were those who thought He was “one of the old prophets risen again.” These answers reflect the diverse views circulating among the people regarding Jesus’ identity.

John the Baptist:Some believed Jesus was John the Baptist because of the similarities between them. Both John and Jesus preached repentance and the coming kingdom of God. John the Baptist had been beheaded earlier by Herod, but some thought that he had returned in the person of Jesus.

Elias (Elijah):The mention of Elias (Elijah) suggests that some people believed Jesus was a prophet, possibly the fulfillment of the prophecy in Malachi 4:5-6, where it is foretold that Elijah would return before the coming of the Messiah.

One of the Old Prophets:The third response indicates that people considered Jesus to be a prophet in the same vein as the prophets of old, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets who had risen again.

Revealing Jesus’ Identity:The disciples’ answers indicate that the people had a range of opinions about Jesus’ identity. However, the following verses reveal that Jesus was interested in His disciples’ personal confession of faith. In verse 20, Peter declares, “Thou art the Christ of God,” affirming Jesus’ true identity as the Messiah, the anointed one of God.