314. Why Did Jesus Give an Evasive Answer to the Question "Who Art Thou"?

When the question was prompted by mere curiosity, or when it was asked with the object of getting evidence from his own lips for the purpose of prosecuting him, it would have been unwise to satisfy the questioner. When, however, he was speaking to the woman of Samaria (John 4:26), there was no ambiguity: "I that speak unto thee am he." Under the adjuration of the High Priest, too, he answered plainly (Mark 14:62): "Art thou the Christ the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am."