Jesus does not seek to know the people's opinion of him, but rather whether the disciples know who he truly is, as is seen from the follow-up question. Using the title Son of Man already in his question shows Jesus as the promised Son of Adam—the great Deliverer. His use of this title and what he connects it to show that to him the title Son of Man is the same as the Christ, the Son of God,
but his use of the title would have been new to the Jews, and they would, of course, not necessarily see him as the Messiah just because he called himself Son of Man. They only do so when they combine that title with their experience of Jesus’ words and works. Thus the question is not whether anyone wants to call him Son of Man,
but how they see him who presents himself as such. Do they see God being manifested in him? That would show him as indeed the promised Deliverer, but if Israel does not confess him as clothed with divine power, despite his divine words and works, they will not see the Prince of Peace as the Son of Adam.
Jesus does not here inquire into the people's general opinion of him; he asks this question because he wants to know whether the disciples themselves recognize who he truly is, as is also evident from the follow-up question. Jesus is the Son of Man. By using this exalted title already in his question, he identifies himself as the promised Son of Adam—the great Deliverer. From the way he employs this title, and in view of the matters with which he connects it, we must conclude that to Jesus the title Son of Man is identical with the Christ, the Son of God.
Yet his specific use of the expression would have been new to the Jews, and they would, of course, not be required to regard him as the Messiah merely on the basis of his self-designation as the Son of Man. They are only obliged to do so when they combine that title with their own observation of who Jesus is in all that he does and says.
Therefore, the question is not whether the people wish to ascribe the title Son of Man
to Jesus, but how they look upon him who presents himself as such. That is the decisive issue. Do they truly perceive the manifestation of God in him? Then they would know that this Son of Man is indeed the promised Deliverer. But if they refuse to acknowledge him as clothed with divine power, they will remain blind to his true significance as the Son of Adam.
The Prince of Peace stands before Israel in the form of the son of Adam. Do they recognize him—or are they blinded by his human appearance, turning their eyes away from his divine works and teaching?1
13 Jésus, étant arrivé dans le territoire de Césarée de Philippe, demanda à ses disciples: Qui suis-je au dire des hommes, moi le Fils de l'homme?