Upon This Rock

 

 Matthew 16: 13-20

Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah

¹³ When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

¹⁴ They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

¹⁵ “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

¹⁶ Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

¹⁷ Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. ¹⁸ And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. ¹⁹ I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” ²⁰ Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Despite making this profound profession of faith, Peter has yet much to learn, from his anger immediately following  these verses, to his denial of Jesus in the courtyard outside the house of the High Priest. Such was the "rock" Jesus chose upon which to build his Church!  Evidently Jesus was looking for someone  willing to learn, not one with all the correct answers. What would be my answer if Jesus asked me the question right now, "Who do YOU say that I am?"  May I take some time today, the Lord's Day, to delve into my heart and find where I stand. I may be surprised, but no matter what I find, may I take heart that Jesus asks this question more than once; may he find that my answer brings me closer to him each time.

Bro. Rene

Dear Jesus, thank you for being so patient with this slow learner.  Help me with time to grow in a deeper knowledge and love of who you are. Amen.