You Are the Christ: Matthew 16:13-20

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

Caesarea Philippi—a region of pagan temples, shrines to Pan, statues of Caesar. Jesus chose this backdrop of competing religions to pose the most important question.

Who do people say the Son of Man is?

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

The public opinion poll: John risen from the dead, Elijah returned, Jeremiah or another prophet. All respected answers. All wrong.

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"

The question narrowed. Not the crowds—you. After walking with him, hearing his teaching, seeing his miracles—who do you say I am?

Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."

Peter spoke. Not just Christ, the anointed one. The Son of the living God. The Messiah Israel had awaited for centuries, and more—God's own Son.

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."

Blessed. Peter had not figured this out through human wisdom. The Father had revealed it—truth downloaded from heaven into a fisherman's heart.

"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."

Peter—Petros, rock. A new name for a new role. On this rock—the confession Peter just made, or Peter himself as confessor—Jesus would build his church.

The gates of Hades will not overcome it. Gates are defensive, not offensive. The church would be on the attack, and even death's fortress could not withstand it.

"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."

Keys. Authority. What Peter bound or loosed would have heavenly backing. The apostolic authority to proclaim forgiveness or judgment.

Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Not yet. The revelation was real, but the timing was not right. Jesus had more to teach, more to do. The cross had to come before the crown.

Peter had spoken the truth that would define the church: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Everything else would be built on that foundation.