05/27/20 PETER’S CONFESSION — (Matthew 16:13-20) This is the FIRST time Jesus mentioned “Church.” Jesus gave His disciples a quiz with 2 questions. Q1: “Who do people say that I am?” (v.13) is worth 0 points; Q2: “But you, who do you say that I am?” (v.15) is worth 100 points! There is NO PARTIAL CREDIT! Prompted by the Holy Spirit, Peter gave the 100-point ANSWER is “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God!” (v.16).

          In verse 18 Jesus added, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Apparently Jesus had decided to change his name from Cephas or Simon to Peter, which means “a (small) rock,” or something like “Rocky” or “Pebbles” (from the Flintstones TV show!). Then Jesus added that Peter’s STATEMENT (NOT Peter himself) would be the BOULDER or BEDROCK FOUNDATION on which to build His Church. Maybe Jesus hoped that every time we read or said Peter’s new name, we would be reminded of his powerful statement! And the ULTIMATE VICTORY of HIS CHURCH over the powers of Satan, sin and death is GUARANTEED! Praise the Lord!