Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you [that I am the Messiah]. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”
Key Thought
There are some essential questions each of us needs to consider:
Why do I believe that Jesus is the Son of God?
What difference does it make if I don’t recognize Jesus as the “Christ”?
Where is the basis for the apostles’ authority in the early church?
The answers to all of these questions and more are found in this one little passage. The apostles have authority because Jesus granted it to them. Their teaching about Jesus and their authority to teach the church are from God. Their insight is divinely driven. We trust the apostles’ witness, not just because they were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life and resurrection, but also because God revealed the truth about Jesus to them.
In a world that distrusts any authority and has diverse opinions, we are called to recognize the authority of these teachings concerning Jesus and live our lives in recognition of them because they are from God. So like the early Christians, we look to the authoritative word of Scripture to be our basis for authority as we are guided by the Holy Spirit to use it appropriately in our lives.
Today’s Prayer
Father and King, thank you for revealing your will to human beings who could convey it in words we can understand. Thank you for taking average everyday men and women and making them vessels of your holy truth. Give me a heart that yearns for truth and a will that seeks to conform to your revealed will. I want you to be honored in my words and actions. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ephesians 2:20-22Matthew 11:25-27Acts 2:42Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.