Beloved, I am glad to share with you today on the revelation’s gift which makes the Lord Jesus to tell Peter : “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.” We read it at Mat 16.19. Let’s go back to the story details : It’s because when Jesus asked what people say “who” he is, the people of Caesarea Philippi take him for John the Baptist, others for Elijah, others for Jeremiah, or ‘one of the prophets.
And when he asks the same question to the disciples, Peter specially taught by the Father, says “you are the Christ, and adds to his confession a simple but powerful word:“ You are the Son of the living God.” Peter to whom the Father has deigned to reveal himself, thus declares his faith. For there is no uncertainty here, nor mere opinion, but the powerful effect of the revelation made by the Father himself, of the person of Christ to the disciple whom he has chosen to enjoy this privilege.
And this right to give a name belongs to a superior who can assign to the one who bears it his place and his name in the family or in the position in which this inferior is found. This right also presupposes discernment, and understanding of what is being done : indeed Adam gave names to animals (Gen 2.19-20). ; Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of the whole land of Egypt and gave him the name Zaphenath-Paneah(Gen 41.41,45); and finally, Nebuchadnezzar also gave new names to the captive Jews(Dan 1.7). And the Lord Jesus therefore takes this place, saying to Peter : The Father has revealed this to you, and I also give you a place and a name which is linked to this grace. It is on what the Father has revealed to you that I am going to build my Church, against which, founded as it is on this life which comes from God, the gates of hell will never prevail; and I who build, and who build on this unshakeable foundation, I give you the place of a stone, you Peter, in relation to this living temple. And by the gift of God the Father, you already belong by nature to the building, a living stone and having the knowledge of this truth which is its foundation and which makes each stone a part of the building. And it is worth mentioning that Peter has never received heritage vis-vis the church which he is a living stone.
Rather, the Lord assigns him at the same time his place as having, Himself, right of administration and authority in the kingdom which he was about to establish. Therefore, it was inappropriate to present him any longer to the Jews as a living Messiah on earth, without having passed through death. For he is not only the One who fulfills the promises and answers the prophecies; It is of the living God that he is the Son, of the One in whom is life and the power to give life.
So it is Christ who builds the Church Himself, and if Peter has a part in it, it is like a living stone. He receives the keys to bring in all those who believe what he and the other apostles would announce concerning Christ, his death, his resurrection and his glorification, for he has received all power in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28: 18), God having raised him as Prince and Savior (Acts 5:31).
We also see the state of the people in contrast to the revelation of their glory to those who followed them and thus distinguish three classes: first, the arrogant and unbelieving Pharisees; second, those who felt and recognized that there was divine power and authority in Christ, but who were indifferent; finally, the revelation of God and the faith given divinely.
It is therefore on this power, which leaves the fortress of the enemy without strength, that the Church is built. And the life received from God will not be destroyed because the Son of the living God will not be defeated. Indeed, what God founds on this rock of the unchanging power of life in his Son will therefore not be overthrown by the empire of death.
Also, it is not during his life, but when he is resurrected, that the Lord Jesus begins this work. It is his person that is in sight here, and it is on his person that everything is founded. The resurrection is the proof that he is the Son of the living God and that the gates of hell can do nothing against him; for their power is destroyed by the resurrection.
By the gift of God, you already belong by nature to the building, a living stone and having the knowledge of this truth which is its foundation and which makes each stone a part of the building. Pierre was par excellence such by this confession; and it was in anticipation by the election of God. The Father reveals to him in his sovereignty. And the Lord assigns him at the same time his place as having, Himself, right of administration and authority in the kingdom which he was about to establish.
Until Christ comes to establish His reign in power, the form and extent of the kingdom of heaven is that of the responsible Church. But the true believers found in the midst of this state of affairs, instead of forming the people over whom Christ will reign at his coming, will instead be taken up to be with the Lord and return to reign with him, as the king’s bride. Peter therefore had to open the door to all who would recognize the authority of the Lord, Jews and Gentiles. For it required the permission of the king, represented by Peter, to have access to and be part of this kingdom, for one did not enter it by birth, like the Jews, the earthly people of God. It also took faith in the Lord who was in heaven because he had been rejected. For Peter was taught by the Father to confess, in this way and at that time, Jesus, the Christ, object of the promise, whom the unbelieving people did not want to receive; he was the Son of the living God, of him who possesses life, a life which neither sin nor its consequences can reach, and which must be that of men, if they want to be saved, because all, in their natural state, are in death.
In Jesus’ response to Peter, we see: 1 ° what each believer becomes, through faith in the Son of God, a living stone. 2 ° The Church built by Christ, composed of all these living stones, the construction of which began at Pentecost and will continue until the moment when the last stone will be added, that is to say the last person converted.
And two things must characterize those who follow Christ in this world: first to renounce oneself, and then to take up one’s cross. And they do not come to pass if one does not have the life of Christ and Christ as the object of his heart, and the hope of glory with him. Those who follow him, in renouncing themselves and the world, will be brought into his glory for all eternity, and will return with him to reign. Those who have preferred the world and its lusts will have their eternal part far from happiness and its glory, as also each of those who will have followed the Lord will find, in that day, the consequences of their fidelity.
The following verses on Peter’s Great Confession are compiled to edify you on this theme, and grouped together for ease of understanding.
- Divinity of Christ: the testimony of the apostles
Mt 16.16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”; Jn 1: 1-2 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.; Rom 1.5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake.; Rom 9: 5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.; Col 2.9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,; 1 Tim 3:16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.; Heb 1.3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.; Rev 19:16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
- The Messiah
Mt 26:63 But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”; Mt 11.3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”; Mt 16.16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”; Luke 2.11, 26 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.; Luk 4.41 Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.; Luk 24.26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?”; Jn 4.26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”; Jn 6:14, 69 After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.”69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”; Jn 7:41 Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others asked, “How can the Messiah come from Galilee?; Jn 8:28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.; Jn 11.27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”;
- Peter, the reed turned into rock:
Mt 17:24 After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”
– impulsive in nature: Mt 14.28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”; Jn 21.7Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
– tender and loving: Mt 26.75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. .;Jn 13.9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”; Jn 21.15-17 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.;
-rich in contradictions: Mt 16:22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”; Jn 13.8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”; Jn 18.10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)
- Recognized Deity of Christ
-by Peter: Mt 16.16 ; Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
-by demons: Mark 5.7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!”;
-by the centurion: Mark 15.39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”;
-by Nathanael: Jn 1.49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”;
-by the Samaritans: Jn 4.42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”;
-by Martha: Jn 11.27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”;
-by Thomas: Jn 20.28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
- Spiritual discernment:
1 Cor 2.14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.; Heb 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
- Fatherhood of God: Mt 6.9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,; Mt 7.11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!; Rom 8.15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”; 1 P 1.17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.
- The Holy Spirit as teacher:
Nei 9.20 You gave your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst.; Luk 12:12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”; Jn 14.26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.; 1 Cor 2.13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.; 1 Jn 2.27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.
- Authority of Christ: Mt 7:29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Mt 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.; Mark 1.27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.”
; Jn 5.27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.
- The authority of the Church:
Mt 16.19 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.”; Jn 20.23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”; Acts 16.4 As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey.; Heb 13.17Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
From all of the above, we note that Peter is taught by the Holy Spirit of the Heavenly Father, causing him to say “you are the Christ”, and “You are the Son of the living God”. He thus obtained the gift of revelation which earned him the keys to the kingdom of heaven. The Father revealed this to Peter, and the Lord Jesus gave him a place and a name that connects with this grace. It’s on what the Father revealed to him that Christ is going to build his Church against which, founded as it is on this life which comes from God, the gates of hell will never prevail. And he who builds, and who builds on this unshakeable foundation, gives it the place of a stone in relation to this living temple. Peter therefore had to open the door to all who recognized the authority of the Lord. Our prayers support you all in your requests to the Lord to bless you with gifts and that of revelation in particular.
PRAYER OF ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND PERSONAL SAVIOR
I now invite anyone who wants to become a new creation by walking in the truth, to pray with me as follows:
Lord Jesus, I have long walked in the lusts of the world ignoring your love for humans. I acknowledge that I have sinned against you and ask forgiveness for all my sins, because today I have decided to give you my life by taking you as my Lord and personal Savior. I acknowledge that you died on the cross of Calvary and that you rose from the dead for me.
I am now saved and born again by the power of the Holy Spirit. Lead me each day to eternal life you give to all who obey your Word. Reveal to me and strengthen my heart and my faith so that your light may shine in my life right now.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for accepting me in your divine family so that I too can contemplate the wonders of your kingdom.
I will now choose a nearby waterpoint to baptize myself by immersion, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
To you all worship, power, and glory, now and forever and ever. Amen!
I would be glad to respond to your queries and comments as necessary, before sharing with you next week on understanding better the word of the Almighty God during Jesus’ transfiguration: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I have placed all my affection: listen to him.”
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you profusely.
David Feze, Servant of the Almighty God.