In Matthew 16, Matthew writes that the disciples had been traveling with Jesus and listening to him teach. While in Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked them, "who do the people say that I am?". The disciples replied, "some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, some say Jeremiah". And Jesus asked, "but who do you say that I am?". Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the son of the living God." Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And 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." So Jesus has given Peter the amazing honor and immense obligation of being the rock that the Church is built on. It is somewhat unbelievable that later, as Jesus is being led to his crucifiction, Peter denies knowing him three times. While this is startling, it is somewhat comforting to know that the rock the church is built on, was also human and subject to sin. That helps me to know that my many sins have been overcome by the power of God through his son, Jesus Christ.
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