Topical Encyclopedia In the Gospels, there are notable instances where Jesus inquires about public opinion concerning His identity and mission. These inquiries are significant as they reveal both the perceptions of the people and the deeper truths about Jesus' divine nature and purpose.Matthew 16:13-20; Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-21 One of the most prominent accounts of Jesus inquiring about public opinion is found in the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In these passages, Jesus poses a question to His disciples while in the region of Caesarea Philippi. He asks, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" (Matthew 16:13). The disciples respond with various opinions they have heard: "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets" (Matthew 16:14). This inquiry highlights the diverse views held by the public regarding Jesus. Some saw Him as a prophetic figure, akin to John the Baptist or Elijah, reflecting a recognition of His authoritative teaching and miraculous works. However, these views fell short of acknowledging His true identity. Following this, Jesus directs a more personal question to His disciples: "But what about you?" He asked. "Who do you say I am?" (Matthew 16:15). Simon Peter answers, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). This confession marks a pivotal moment, as Peter, speaking on behalf of the disciples, recognizes Jesus as the Messiah and the divine Son of God. John 7:12-13; John 7:40-44 In the Gospel of John, public opinion about Jesus is also depicted during the Feast of Tabernacles. The crowd is divided in their views: "Among the crowds there was much murmuring about Him. Some said, 'He is a good man.' Others replied, 'No, He deceives the people'" (John 7:12). This division illustrates the varied and often conflicting opinions about Jesus' character and intentions. Later, some in the crowd express their belief that Jesus is "the Prophet" or "the Christ" (John 7:40-41), while others doubt because of His Galilean origin, saying, "Surely the Christ will not come from Galilee, will He?" (John 7:41). This reflects a misunderstanding of the Messianic prophecies and a lack of awareness of Jesus' true birthplace in Bethlehem. Implications of Public Opinion The inquiries and responses regarding public opinion about Jesus serve several purposes. They reveal the widespread confusion and varied expectations about the Messiah during Jesus' time. They also underscore the importance of personal revelation and faith, as demonstrated by Peter's confession. Jesus' questions lead His disciples to a deeper understanding of His identity and mission, moving beyond public speculation to a personal acknowledgment of His divine nature. These passages challenge believers to consider their own understanding of Jesus and to recognize the significance of confessing Him as the Christ, the Son of the living God. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 16:13When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? Nave's Topical Index Luke 9:18 Library Bartimaeus Preface to the Third Edition. Preface. On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians Extracts No. vii. The Voice in the Wilderness My Brother Fabius Manuscript Testimony Shewn to be Overwhelmingly in Favour of These ... From the Close of the General Conference of 1808, to the ... I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also- Resources What is the definition of heresy? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a Christian woman avoid being a diva? | GotQuestions.org Is God a moral monster? | GotQuestions.org Opinion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Public Opinion: Concessions To by Paul, in Circumcising Timothy Public Opinion: Concessions to Disciples, Who Urged Circumcision Public Opinion: Concessions to Peter and Barnabas With Others Public Opinion: Corrupt Yielding To by Felix and Festus, Concerning Paul Public Opinion: Corrupt Yielding To by Herod (Antipas), in the Case of John the Baptist Public Opinion: Corrupt Yielding To by Peter, Concerning Jesus Public Opinion: Corrupt Yielding To by Pilate Public Opinion: Corrupt Yielding To of Peter Public Opinion: Feared by Chief Preists, Who Feared to Further Persecute the Disciples Public Opinion: Feared by Chief Priests, Who Feared to Answer the Questions of Jesus Public Opinion: Feared by Joseph of Arimathaea Public Opinion: Feared by Nicodemus Public Opinion: Feared by Rulers, Who Believed in Jesus, But Feared the Pharisees Public Opinion: Feared by The Parents of the Man Who Was Born Blind Public Opinion: Jesus Inquires About Related Terms |
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