3 Important Truths:

This week, we’re discussing this Biblical concept. What did it mean for the disciple, Peter? What did it mean for the rest of the disciples? And what does it mean for us?

To begin, I suggest reading through Matthew 16. After you’ve read the passage, we’ll start by getting a little context on where this is all taking place.

“…the region of Caesarea Philippi…”

Verse 13 states that they were in “the region of Caesarea Philippi.” Jesus and His disciples have travelled east, away from the region of Tyre and Sidon (Canaanite country) referenced in Matthew 15.

By Matthew 16, they’ve arrived in the mountain region of Caesarea Philippi. So, Jesus and the disciples are still on their Northern ministry journey.

1. Peter Is a Believer: (Mt. 16:13-17)

When they get to this region of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus strikes up a conversation about Himself, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” (16:13b) We’re not sure whether the disciples talked amongst themselves for answers or just blurted the things that they had been hearing throughout their travels.

Nevertheless, they throw out some options: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the other Prophets mentioned in the Old Testament.

Then we see Jesus, the Great Teacher ask them a more difficult question: “Who do you say I am?” For me, this question begs the question:

Is Christ testing the disciples as a whole or just Peter?

We know from later verses in this chapter that Christ knew about His suffering, and He knew about his death and resurrection. Moreover, from later chapters we know that He knew who was going to betray Him and who was going to deny Him three times.

So as I reflect on Jesus question, I feel like He had a pretty good indication as to where each of the disciples was at in their faith and understanding. I believe Jesus could see their heart condition. And as the rest of the chapter would indicate, this question may in fact, have been designed specifically for Peter.

“You are the Messiah…”

And so, in verse 16, Peter responds with clarity and truth. “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (16:16)

Nailed it!

In return, Jesus commends Peter for his answer. “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah…” But why is Peter so blessed? Because, as Jesus continues, “this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” (16:17) And this word revealed is so important for us theologically.

But why is that word so important?

This word “revealed” is found throughout the Gospels, but also throughout the Epistles. Let’s quickly look at a few examples:

• In Romans 1:17, “…in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed…”
• 1 Corinthians 2:10, “…these are the things God has revealed to us…”
• 1 Corinthians 4:1, “…those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed.”
• Galatians 3:23, “…the faith that was to come would be revealed.”
• Ephesians 3:5, “…it has now been revealed…”

When our Heavenly Father draws someone to Himself, He begins to reveal His plan. He begins to reveal the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Therefore, this is an important step for Peter. The Father has revealed the Messiah to Peter. Peter is a Believer through the Father’s revelation. And now we get to the best part!

2. Peter Will Have the Keys: (Mt. 16:18-20)

After Peter’s belief is revealed and evident, it’s time for Jesus to begin revealing the rest of His Father’s plan. And so, Jesus begins by explaining Peter’s role in this amazing plan to bring mankind salvation. “…you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (16:18)

Over the past few weeks, we’ve really been getting to know who Peter is, both the good and the bad. But we need to pause here, because the meaning of Peter’s name is just as important as the lessons he’s been learning.

Peter’s name is significant.

In Aramaic, the name “Peter” actually means “stone” or as we find in this translation “rock”. Jesus is playing on Peter’s name, but He’s also revealing some important historical facts, Biblical truths and foreshadowing some events to come.

You see, at this time period, stones and rocks were used to build the foundation of any home or dwelling. Peter would in fact become the apostle who laid the first stones of the church through Jewish converts in Acts 2:1-47 and then through Gentile converts in Acts 10:1-48.

Then Peter, through the Holy Spirit’s inspiration would write in 1 Peter 2, “you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (2:5)

Jesus makes a point of calling Peter the “rock” or the “stone” to which He would build His church. Jesus’ words are more of a blessing than Peter could have ever have imagined. Then Jesus reveals His Father’s plan to give Peter the keys to the kingdom.

“…keys of the kingdom of heaven…”

This is really the central focus of this passage. Jesus says, “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.” (16:19)

At this time period like ours, keys were given to someone who is trustworthy. With keys come a high level of authority and responsibility. Throughout history and like we proved today; giving someone your keys says:

I trust you and I now entrust these to you.

These “keys of the kingdom of heaven” will lock and unlock the mysteries of heaven and earth. And they will be for Peter, they will be for the disciples and these keys are for us.

Through the sacrifice of the Son, the revealing of Father, and the power of Holy Spirit; every Believer starting with Peter will have “the keys of the kingdom of Heaven.”

“…not to tell anyone…”

The disciples were obviously in earshot of Jesus’ words to Peter. Perhaps the words initially directed at Peter, were in fact for all the disciples? Regardless, we see Jesus end the conversation with a stern warning for all of them. “Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.” (16:20)

The disciples may be ready to receive the plans for humanities salvation, but the rest of the world would need to wait for certain events to unfold. As we move to verse 21, we see that Jesus continues His teaching, explaining these events to the disciples.

3. Peter Is Still Learning: (Mt. 16:21-23):

“…Jesus began to explain…he must be killed…” (16:21) Though these words would be sorrowful for His disciples to hear, Jesus knew it was time. And our man Peter, though his motives may be well-meaning, jumps the gun once again.=

We see Peter proving that he still has a lot to learn before taking on the role of the world’s first church planter.

“Peter took him aside…to rebuke him…”

Peter just claimed Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God, yet he feels the need to pull Him aside and rebuke Him? I guess, He pulled Jesus away from the other disciples, which shows a bit of forethought. Who knows what they were thinking?

Nevertheless, Peter says sternly, “Never Lord! This shall never happen to you!”

So let’s unpack this a bit.

At face value, this almost looks like a fairly brave encouragement. In today’s terminology, he might have said, “I’ve got your back Jesus! I won’t let this happen to you!”

Though Peter’s words may not sound that bad, Jesus knows his heart, Jesus knows his motives and Jesus knows what must take place.

“Get behind me, Satan!”

So Jesus returns Peter’s comment with one of the harshest rebukes that He will ever offer; “Get behind me, Satan!” Of course, this would be a shock for Peter and the other disciples who may have been in earshot.

Furthermore, this statement is always a shock for anyone who reads this account for the first time. But Jesus second comment explains everything: “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (16:23)

“…lean not on your own understanding;“

A couple of weeks ago, we explored what Peter might have been thinking while walking on the water with Jesus. I referenced an Old Testament Proverb that could have helped Peter; one that he and we have all heard many times.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (3:5-6)

This Old Testament Scripture really outlines Peter’s problem in a number of situations. Though his intentions always seem good, He falls short by leaning on his own understanding.

And it doesn’t stop in Matthew 16.

In a few weeks, we’ll read that on the night Jesus was arrested, Peter will again act on impulse, cutting off one of the guards’ ears; still trying to protect Jesus instead of submitting to the Father’s plan.

Peter chooses to rush in, instead of placing his trust in his Lord and Messiah, the true Son of God.

So what can we learn?

This conversation has been a roller-coaster for Peter. What’s the take away for us? For me personally, even though I shake my head at Peter’s words and behaviours, I realize that I’m just like him. And I don’t think I’m the only one.

On some level or at least at some point in our walk with Christ, we all share in Peter’s successes and failures.

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For us, who are following Jesus 2000 years later; why does this “kingdom of heaven” passage matter?