A person's true identity is very important. Many pretend that they are something they are not; and some prefer not to be recognised for who they are or what they have achieved. But understanding who you are talking to is essential for real relationship. The trainee apostles had spent over a year with Jesus; they observed the integrity of His character, heard the wisdom of His teaching, saw His compassion and power expressed in many miracles, and had been rebuked for failing to trust Him.
 
The question, 'Who do other people say that I am?' opened the subject. Clearly, most people (except the religious leaders) thought that He had authority to speak truth from God – so He must be a prophet. Some liked to think that John the Baptist had been raised from the dead, but they forgot that both John and Jesus had been seen together at the beginning of Jesus' ministry. Elijah and Jeremiah had both confronted the religious authorities of their day and Jesus was developing a similar reputation. But the fact remained, the crowds did not really know who He was; if they had they would never have called for Him to be crucified.
 
Turning the question to the Twelve, Jesus asked if they knew His identity. Peter responded as their spokesman. "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God". He had understood that their Master was no ordinary man who had been empowered by God. Rather, He was God who lived in the body of a man. He was also the promised Messiah ('Christ' from the Greek translation, meaning 'Anointed One') who had been sent to deliver God's people. Jesus did not rebuke Peter for being blasphemous (neither did He rebuke Thomas for calling Him "my Lord and my God"). Peter had spoken the truth.
 
The identity of Jesus is crucial to the gospel and evangelism; which in turn is crucial for the growth of the church. He cannot just be a good teacher if He claims to be God but is not. He cannot be just a prophet if He accepts the title 'Son of God'. Yet millions would like to reduce the Saviour to being a good example, wise thinker and compassionate fellow-sufferer. They have missed the truth. Jesus is the incarnation of God, perfect to bear our sins and give us eternal life, and powerful to help us in time of need. No other identity is worth trusting with your eternal soul.