After Simon Peter proclaims Christ as Messiah, “Son of the Living God”, Jesus promises the keys to the Kingdom to him. Even though as we know, he previously questioned Peter’s faith. Christ, though makes it clear that such a revelation could only come directly from God the Father himself.Yet here he says that: Peter is a rock on which his Church on earth will stand and nothing will be able to tear it down. The identity of Christ is crucial to what we believe. What is it that separates him from other prophets and moral teachers? He is clearly not the same as John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or other prophets. However, Matthew emphasises these three prophets for a reason: John was executed, Elijah was chased out of the country, and Jeremiah sent into exile, putting Jesus in quite dangerous company! Who he is, actually rests with where he comes from, and on this occasion, at least – Peter gets it right. Knowing Christ’s identity is essential to all we do and why we do it. The reason why we work in service to God and why we are offered the keys to his Kingdom – to look after the Church on Earth on his behalf. This is a huge responsibility, but only in the hands of those who listen to God and accept Jesus: God’s own Son, the Messiah as their deliverer and saviour. Maybe that is the challenge that Jesus leaves us with today. For us to reconsider who he is – time after time.
Mark
Focus Questions
*How often do you stop to consider who Jesus is and what that means to you?
*What are some of the ways in which the Church is called to use these keys to the Kingdom?
