'On the way' may sound like a casual comment, but with Jesus, nothing is random or haphazard.  He chooses His time and place to intervene in people's lives.  As usual, the Master was teaching His future church leaders; searching their understanding with His questions.  He wanted to know if they understood who He was, but He introduced the conversation by asking what they had heard from other people.  The favourite idea was - 'a prophet'.  It was obvious that Jesus spoke with authority from God (Mark 1:27), and the miracles confirmed His words (John 14:11).  But somehow, 'prophet' was a safe concept (Matthew 21:11): it was religious, but did not demand people's allegiance.

But then, the spotlight turned onto the disciples – what did they think about Jesus' identity?  Peter spoke up boldly - 'You are the Christ' (Messiah)!   He had correctly linked the character of the Lord Jesus with the Old Testament prophecies, perhaps Isaiah 61:1-3.  Peter was right, but he did not grasp the full implication of what he had said.  They did not realise that the Messiah was also the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53:1-12.  The Messiah-ship of Jesus would be a matter of life or death for Him, and for most of them (John 11:16).  That was why Jesus did not want this private confession to become public knowledge before His time had come.  

Crucifixion was just around the corner.  Jesus needed to prepare His team.  Despite Peter's declaration of Christ's identity, he did not want to hear that his Master would be punished as a traitor and a criminal (Mark 8:31-33).  Later Peter's loyalty would be personally tested before the cock crowed on crucifixion morning: he would fail the test (Luke 22:54-62).  Not until he was filled with the Holy Spirit would He dare to boldly assert that Jesus is not only Christ, but Lord as well.  Whatever religious title people give to Jesus, there is no real relationship with the Saviour of the world until we submit to Him as our Lord; and we cannot do that unless we welcome Him (John 1:12) and receive His Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3).

The identity of Jesus remains the most critical issue in the world.   But the most critical issue for each of us is whether or not we submit to Him as Lord (2 Chronicles 30:8).  That is life or death to every soul.  Religious discussions may be safe, but they are so much hot air unless Jesus Christ is welcomed as Lord of all.  Whatever people may think of us or church, it is only how they respond to Christ's sacrificial love and sovereign authority that ultimately matters.  Strangely that is the one topic that seems frozen out of most Christian's conversation!  So perhaps it is time to warm up your office and social discussions with, "Who do you think Jesus is?"!   An open Bible is the only authority you have for the answers, and your lifestyle of humble trust is evidence that Jesus has done a miracle in you.