Sadly the disciples were forced to acknowledge that Israel had failed to recognize their Messiah. Some indeed, when they saw His miracles, had declared Him to be the Son of David. The multitudes that had been fed at Bethsaida had desired to proclaim Him king of Israel. Many were ready to accept Him as a prophet; but they did not believe Him to be the Messiah.

Han ville nu fortælle dem om den lidelse, der ventede ham. Men først gik han alene bort og bad om, at deres hjerter måtte beredes til at tage imod hans ord. Da han atter mødte dem, fortalte han dem ikke straks, hvad det var, han ønskede at meddele dem. Før han gjorde dette, gav han dem lejlighed til at bekende deres tro på ham, så de kunne blive styrkede til den forestående prøve. Han spurgte dem: "Hvem siger folk, at Menneskesønnen er?"