Matthew 16:13-18 (NKJV)
13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
How did Peter know that? Looking back from where we are, it is easy to compare all the things in the Gospel to the Old Testament prophecies and figure it out. Peter did not have that information at that time. As it says, it was revealed to him. Peter knew that Jesus was the promised Messiah.
What about you? You have your own copy of the Bible including Old and New Testaments. You have all the evidence you need to understand who Jesus is logically. What about in your heart? Who is He to you? Is He your Lord? Savior? Friend? Or is He just a historical figure? Are you proud of who Jesus is in your life? Do you live in a way that shows He is inside you? Matthew 10:33 (ESV) says 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. Will Jesus be your advocate before God the Father? He will if you ask Him to be. He longs to build a relationship with you and reconcile you to the Father. Have you asked Him yet?
Our Church has a calling to make disciples who make disciples. That means we want to equip each person (The Saints) to go out following the Great Commission and make disciples of all nations. To do that, we must have a strong foundation built upon the Rock which is Jesus. It seems that Jesus also founded a rock on which He would build His Church. He changed Simon’s name to Peter which means rock and He told Peter that he would be the foundation of the Church. Jesus empowered Peter to be that strong foundation. Peter did fail several times but Jesus gave him another chance and Peter went on to success. We are the Church of Christ today because of what Peter did. In Peter’s first speech at Pentecost, 3000 people became disciples. Peter knew how to make disciples. That same opportunity exists for us today and Jesus has given you that power.
How about you? Do you reach out to others with the Good News? Do you live in such a way as to draw others to you because they want the peace and the life that you have? If we are to make disciples, will we do it by preaching on street corners or by loving those whom God loves and encouraging them to draw close to us and thereby draw close to Him? If Jesus is in your heart, why not let His light shine out into this dark world in which we live? Are you afraid to speak to others about your faith? Why? It is Jesus who will build the Church by His Holy Spirit and through you. Be bold! Wait for the opportunity and speak out your faith. People want and need to hear the truth. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) says “15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,….” You have hope in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Help others to find what you have found and enjoy the peace you have as well.
Father, I thank you that you have given us this hope. Help us this day to share You with those with whom we come in contact. Let that peace which we enjoy become available to others. Help us to make disciples who make disciples. Let Your light shine out and eliminate the darkness of this world. In your name we pray!