Who Is Jesus? — One Question, Two Moments of Understanding

The Gospels revolve around one central question: Who is Jesus? This question is explored through two closely connected moments in the lives of the disciples.

First, Jesus asks his disciples what people think about him and then presses them personally: “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answers, “You are the Christ.” This is a genuine statement of faith, but it is not yet a complete understanding. This becomes clear when Jesus immediately speaks about suffering and death, and Peter objects. Peter accepts the title “Christ,” but he does not yet accept the path that comes with it.

Soon after this confession comes the event on the mountain, often called the Transfiguration. While it is usually described as Jesus being physically transformed, it can also be understood in a simpler and meaningful way. The change does not take place in Jesus, but in the disciples. For a brief moment, their way of seeing Jesus is opened. They are given an inner vision in which they recognize him not merely as a teacher or miracle worker, but as the center of God’s saving purpose.

The appearance of Moses and Elijah supports this understanding. Rather than being a literal return from the past, they represent the Law and the Prophets. Their presence shows that Israel’s Scriptures point toward Jesus and find their fulfillment in him. Peter’s confused response—wanting to build shelters—reveals that he is overwhelmed and has not yet grasped the full meaning of what he is experiencing, a common reaction in moments of deep spiritual insight.

After this experience, Jesus instructs the disciples not to speak about what they have seen until after the resurrection. This makes sense if the event is understood as a personal revelation rather than a public display. Only after Jesus’ death and resurrection will the disciples be able to understand its meaning and share it clearly with others.

Seen together, Peter’s confession and the mountain vision are two stages of the same journey. First comes recognizing who Jesus is in words; then comes seeing what that confession truly means. Jesus does not change—the disciples do. Through these two moments, the Gospels invite every reader to face the same question: Who is Jesus—not only in what we say, but in how deeply we understand him?