A Foundation Confessed
Jesus’ disciples must know the truth regarding who He is and His plan for saving mankind. They must understand the nature of His church and serve Him obediently. Matthew 16:13-20 presents three revelations
regarding His church. First, confession of His identity—“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (v.13) Jesus initiated the discussion: the disciples’ answer in verse 14 indicates they paid attention to what people were saying about Jesus. Then Jesus gave an essay question: “But who do you say that I am?” (v. 15) Peter answered with spiritual insight, not his opinion: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (v. 16) Second, character of His church. It is clear in the New Testament that Jesus is the foundation and Head of the church. Acts 4:11-12 declares, “Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else.” Ephesians 5:23 reads, “Christ is the head of the church, his body.” The primacy role in the church is reserved for Christ alone—Peter affirmed this truth in 1 Peter 2:5-7. Jesus revealed the foundation and the Builder of the church: “on this rock I will build my church” (v. 18); the strength of the church: “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”; and the authority of the church: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” (v. 19) The church is not to determine things, but to declare the judgment of heaven that has already occurred. The Greek verb tense is perfect passive participle, reflecting an action completed in the past that has continuing results in the future. Third, commercialism of His ministry—“He strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.” (v. 20) Public attention may hinder His ministry, diverting attention from His message to His miracles alone. This is a lesson on obedience to God’s Word, even when it is contrary to our understanding.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.