Jesus did not need a report on public opinion. He was preparing His disciples for a more personal question (Luke 9:20). Barnes, on the parallel in Matthew 16:13, says the truth of who Jesus is was "of much consequence," so "it was important, therefore, that he should often learn their views, and establish them if right, and correct them if wrong." Matthew Henry says Christ "knew better than they did," but wanted His disciples to see "how happy they were" to be led into true knowledge of Him.

Luke sets the question in a moment of prayer. Gill notes that "alone" means Jesus had withdrawn from the multitude, "but not from his disciples."

The disciples answered, "John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again" (Luke 9:19). These are the same opinions Herod had been hearing (Luke 9:7-8). Jesus then turned the question to them: "But whom say ye that I am?" (Luke 9:20).

Matthew and Mark place this conversation near Caesarea Philippi, in the north (Matthew 16:13; Mark 8:27). Luke does not name the place but notes that Jesus was praying. Luke often records Jesus praying at turning points: at His baptism (Luke 3:21), before choosing the twelve (Luke 6:12-13), and on the mount of transfiguration (Luke 9:28-29).

The people's guesses were all prophets: John, Elias (the Greek form of Elijah), or an "old prophet" risen again. Each guess honored Jesus, yet none of them said He was the Christ.

Every answer the crowds gave placed Jesus among the great servants of God. None of them was enough. The disciples had heard Jesus teach and had just watched Him feed thousands with five loaves (Luke 9:16-17). Jesus wanted them to see that knowing what people say about Him is not the same as knowing Him.

The question also follows Herod's question, "who is this?" (Luke 9:9). Herod heard the same rumors and was perplexed (Luke 9:7). In the place of prayer, Jesus led His disciples from the crowd's opinions to their own confession (Luke 9:20).