Mark 8:27

He asks them about Himself, having led them far from the Jews, so that they would have no one to fear in confessing the truth.

Note, Though it is a small thing for us to be judged of men, yet it may sometimes do us good to know what people say of us, not that we may seek our own glory, but that we may hear our faults. Christ asked them, not that he might be informed, but that they might observe it themselves, and inform one another.

And Jesus went out, and his disciples,....

The circumstances here recorded are of great importance. They took place during a journey, and arose out of a conversation "by the way." Happy are those journeys, in which time is not wasted on trifles, but redeemed as far as possible for the consideration of serious things. Let us observe the variety of opinions about Christ , which prevailed among the Jews. Some said that He was John the Baptist — some Elijah — and others one of the prophets. In short every kind of opinion appears to have been current, excepting that one which was true.

The circumstances here recorded are of great importance. They took place during a journey, and arose out of a conversation "by the way." Happy are those journeys, in which time is not wasted on trifles, but redeemed as far as possible for the consideration of serious things. Let us observe the variety of opinions about Christ , which prevailed among the Jews. Some said that He was John the Baptist — some Elijah — and others one of the prophets. In short every kind of opinion appears to have been current, excepting that one which was true. We may see the same thing on every side at the present day. Christ and his Gospel are just as little understood in reality, and are the subject of just as many different opinions as they were eighteen hundred years ago. Many know the name of Christ, acknowledge Him as one who came into the world to save sinners, and regularly worship in buildings set apart for His service. Few thoroughly realize that He is very God — the one Mediator — the one High Priest — the only source of life and peace — their own Shepherd and their own Friend. Vague ideas about Christ are still very common. Intelligent experimental acquaintance with Christ is still very rare. May we never rest until we can say of Christ, "My beloved is mine and I am His." (Cant. 2:16.) This is saving knowledge. This is life eternal. Let us observe the good confession of faith which the apostle Peter witnessed . He replied to our Lord's question, "Whom do you say that I am?" "You are the Christ." This was a noble answer, when the circumstances under which it was made are duly considered. It was made when Jesus was poor in condition, without honor, majesty, wealth, or power. It was made when the heads of the Jewish nation, both in church and state, refused to receive Jesus as the Messiah. Yet even then Simon Peter says, "You are the Christ."

And Jesus went out, etc. - See on Mat 16:13-20 (note).

See this passage illustrated in the notes at Mat. 16:13-28. Mar 8:32 He spake that saying openly - With boldness or confidence, or without parables or figures, so that there could be no possibility of misunderstanding him. Mar 8:38 Ashamed of me - Ashamed to own attachment to me on account of my lowly appearance and my poverty. And of my words - My doctrines, my instructions. This adulterous and sinful generation - This age given to wickedness, particularly to adultery. In the glory of his Father - In the day of judgment. See the notes at Mat 26: