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Book of Luke - Chapter 9 - Verse 18

9:18
And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

Meaning

In this verse, Jesus is depicted as praying alone while his disciples are with him. He then asks them who the people say he is. This question is significant because it reveals Jesus' concern for the perceptions of the people about him. By asking his disciples this question, Jesus is seeking to understand the public opinion regarding his identity. It also serves as a moment for his disciples to reflect on their own beliefs about Jesus. The verse highlights the theme of Jesus' self-awareness and his interest in the thoughts and beliefs of those around him. It shows his desire to engage with his disciples and involve them in his mission. Overall, this verse captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry where he seeks to deepen the disciples' understanding of his identity and mission.

Theological Overview

In this verse, Jesus is shown praying alone while his disciples are with him. This emphasizes the importance of prayer in Jesus' life and ministry, setting an example for his followers to prioritize communication with God. The question Jesus poses to his disciples, "Whom say the people that I am?", reveals his interest in public opinion regarding his identity. This question also serves as a turning point in the Gospels, leading to Peter's declaration of Jesus as the Messiah. The word "say" in this verse can be studied to understand the significance of verbal confession of faith in Jesus' identity. The disciples' response to Jesus' question opens up a theological discussion on the nature of Christ and the role of believers in spreading the Gospel. Through theological interpretation and word studies, we can delve deeper into the layers of meaning in this seemingly straightforward question posed by Jesus.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, as he was praying apart, the disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Who do the multitudes say that I am?
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