He was about to tell them of the suffering that awaited Him. But first He went away alone, and prayed that their hearts might be prepared to receive His words. Upon joining them, He did not at once communicate that which He desired to impart. Before doing this, He gave them an opportunity of confessing their faith in Him that they might be strengthened for the coming trial. He asked, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?"

Jesus og hans disciple var nu kommet til en af byerne i nærheden af Kæsarea Filippi. De var uden for Galilæas grænser, i en egn, hvor afgudsdyrkelse var almindelig. Her var disciplene afskårne fra jødedommens overvågende indflydelse, og de var bragt i nærmere kontakt med den hedenske gudsdyrkelse. De var omgivet af de overtroiske forestillinger, som eksisterede i alle verdens egne. Jesus ønskede, at synet af dette skulle få dem til at føle deres ansvar over for hedningerne. Medens han opholdt sig i denne egn, forsøgte han at holde sig borte fra at lære folket og at tage sig mere af sine disciple.