They said, “Some say that he is John the Baptist, others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets”.
This answer reveals the various ideas about Jesus that were widespread among the people—ideas that give a high assessment of his person, yet do not reach the fullness of the truth. They identified him with the great prophets—John the Baptist, Elijah, or Jeremiah—because they saw his power, the authority of his word, and prophetic strictness. Yet all these opinions are limited by human understanding and do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. This verse shows that it is possible to honor Christ, to marvel at his works, and even to regard him as a great prophet, while at the same time not recognizing his true identity. The disciples’ answer also prepares for Jesus’ decisive question, which concerns not people’s opinion, but the confession of their personal faith.