On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:18
In 1889, the most ambitious private home construction project in the United States began. On-site manufacturing produced some 32,000 bricks a day. The work continued until the completion of George Vanderbilt II’s “summer house”—six years later. The result was the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. To this day, it remains the largest private residence in America, with 250 rooms (including 35 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms) consuming a staggering 178,926 square feet (16,226 square meters) of floor space.
This project, ambitious as it was, was nothing compared to the “building” intentions Jesus proclaimed to His disciples in Matthew 16. After Peter had confirmed that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (v. 16), Jesus declared, “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” (v. 18). While theologians debate the identity of the “rock,” there’s no debate about Jesus’ intentions. He would build His church to stretch to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:19–20), including people from every nation and ethnic group from around the globe (Revelation 5:9).
The cost of this building project? The sacrifice of Jesus’ own blood on the cross (Acts 20:28). As members of His “building” (Ephesians 2:21), purchased at so great a price, may we celebrate His loving sacrifice and join Him in this great mission.
Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “WhodopeoplesaytheSonofManis?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist;z others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”a
15 “Butwhataboutyou?” he asked. “WhodoyousayIam?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”b
17 Jesus replied, “Blessedareyou, SimonsonofJonah,
forthiswasnotrevealedtoyoubyfleshandblood,cbutbymyFatherinheaven.d
18 AndItellyouthatyouarePeter,b eandonthisrockIwillbuildmychurch,fandthegatesofHadescwillnotovercomeit.
19 Iwillgiveyouthekeysgofthekingdomofheaven; whateveryoubindonearthwillbedboundinheaven, andwhateveryoulooseonearthwillbeeloosedinheaven.”h
20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyonei that he was the Messiah.
INSIGHT
- How is the church to reflect Christ?
- What are some things that can hinder you from accurately reflecting Jesus?
The events recorded in Matthew 16:13–20 took place in Caesarea Philippi, a Greco-Roman city located in the northern part of Israel, by Mount Hermon and the Jordan River. There, Peter said to Jesus, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (v. 16), and Jesus said to Peter, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (v. 18). While the sheer beauty of the natural environment of this region was favorable for Jesus and the Twelve to retreat to, what the area was otherwise known for wasn’t pretty. The city had a history of pagan religious influence that included the idolatrous activities of Syrians, Greeks, and Romans. It was known for its dark, immoral worship. Here, against this ugly backdrop, Jesus affirmed His personal identity as Messiah, the God-appointed person to execute God’s purposes and to establish His church as an unstoppable force in the world despite formidable opposition.
PRAYER
Lamb of God, thank You for Your sacrifice. Enable me to celebrate You in my heart as well as with others in the family of faith. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!!
Read: Matthew 16:13-20 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Proverbs 3-5; 2 Corinthians 1
