Definition: 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?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very famous verse from Mark! Here's what it means in simple terms: Jesus is talking to his followers – the disciples – while they are visiting a town called Caesarea Philippi. He’s asking them a really important question: “By the way, whom do people say I am?” Let’s unpack that a bit: “Who” is he asking? Jesus is essentially challenging his followers to think about their own reputation and how others perceive him. “I am…” This is the core of the question. Jesus is pointing out that people often make assumptions about him . They assume he’s doing certain things, having certain qualities, or being a specific type of person. What's the point of this? This verse is significant because it highlights several key ideas: Jesus wants to be known: He’s emphasizing that his true identity and purpose are important to him . He doesn’t want people to misunderstand him. People often misinterpret: It shows that people frequently make assumptions about who we are, and those assumptions can sometimes be inaccurate or even harmful. Jesus wants to be respected: By asking this question, Jesus is subtly urging his disciples to be mindful of how they’re perceived and to treat him with respect and dignity. In short, it's a gentle reminder for Jesus to be known and valued by his followers. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this verse in more detail (like when it was written)? Explore what this verse might teach us about human perception or trust?