Definition: And they answered, John the Baptist: but some [say], Elias; and others, One of the prophets.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 8:28. It’s a really important part of understanding Jesus’ teachings about following him. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, they were questioning Jesus about his identity. “John the Baptist” : This refers to a man named John who preached repentance and baptized people. He was a popular figure at the time. “Elias” : This is a very tricky word. "Elias" means “the God of Moses.” It’s a Hebrew name that was used to refer to Jesus in Jewish tradition. So, some people believed Jesus was Elijah, a prophet who had returned from heaven. “One of the prophets” : This suggests that some people were questioning if Jesus was really one of the figures who spoke prophecies about the future. So, what’s the point? Jesus understood they were debating whether he was indeed the Messiah (the promised savior) or not. He wasn't trying to argue a point; he was setting the stage for a deeper truth: Jesus is the true Messiah. The key takeaway: Jesus didn't just answer their questions; he showed them that he was who he was – the Son of God, and that his teachings were important and true. It’s about recognizing who Jesus truly is. --- Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail? For example, would you like to know: More about the historical context of these debates? What the verse means in terms of Jesus' message?