Definition: 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?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 9:18. It’s a really important moment in Jesus’ life and sets up a key idea about His mission. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is facing a challenge – he’s alone and praying, and his disciples are with him. He’s asking them a question that reveals something crucial about who he is and what he’s trying to do. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And it came to pass…” : This phrase is always a way of introducing a surprising or significant event. It's like saying, “This is unusual.” “…as he was alone praying…” : Jesus was reflecting and meditating on his own purpose. He wasn’t busy doing other things; he was in deep thought about what he needed to do. “his disciples were with him…” : Jesus had a group of followers who were with him, listening and observing. “and he asked them…” : This is the core of the verse. Jesus is now directly addressing his disciples. “…saying, ‘Whom say the people that I am?’” : This is the question he’s asking. It's a rhetorical question – it's not expecting an answer, but rather prompting them to think about who he is. What does this mean? Jesus is essentially saying: “I am… who?” This isn’t just about his identity as a human being. It’s about His purpose . He's revealing that he’s here to do something significant, and he wants to know who is going to understand and follow him. He's looking for someone to be his “witness.” Why is this important? This question highlights a few key points: His Divinity: Jesus isn't just a man; he’s God incarnate, and this question shows that He’s significant and has a role to play. His Mission: It suggests that his mission isn't about personal glory but about bringing people to faith and understanding His purpose. In short, Jesus is inviting his disciples to understand why he exists. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you a different perspective on the meaning of the verse?