The Rock and the Gates
Matthew 16:16–20
Then Jesus turned the question toward the disciples: “But who do you say that I am?”
Peter answered for them all: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Christ, the Anointed One, the fulfilment of every promise. Son of the living God, not a dead idol, not Pan, not Caesar, but the living God. And he said it in the shadow of the shrines.
Peter was probably feeling rather pleased with himself. Jesus gently took the wind out of his sails: “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven” (v. 17). Don’t do the victory dance, Peter. You didn’t work this out. It was revealed. Every one of us who has come to see Jesus rightly has been given sight by the Father.
Then Jesus said, “On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (v. 18). Notice who is building: “I will build.” And notice the foundation, the truth Peter had just confessed, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Now remember where they were standing: the supposed entrance to the underworld, in a city full of false gods. The church may be tested. We may be heading into dark days. But no agenda, ambition, or scheme will ever prevail against the church of Jesus Christ.
Pause and ponder: What fears do you need to hand back to the One who is building His church?
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Next: The question comes home.