Matthew 16:13-20 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 16:13-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 13Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" Verse 14And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." Verse 15He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Verse 16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Verse 17And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. Verse 18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. Verse 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Verse 20Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
Devotion
You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. He might not have known it at the moment, but by his inspired confession and Jesus' declaration, Simon Peter—"The Rock"—is putting in his lot with whole kingdoms of people—the children of Israel, sinners and outsiders, women and children, the sick and alone and even all those suspect Gentiles. These are the ones to whom Jesus came to bring light, life and healing. These are the ones Jesus will make into the assembly of believers we call "church." When Jesus calls Simon Peter "the Rock" he is putting him in the same gathering with all of these redeemed people. By the work of the Holy Spirit that gathering continues to grow. And nothing—not even the powers of sin and death—can prevail against it.
Prayer
Eternal God, by your servant Peter ,you built your church. Give us confidence that nothing can prevail against it, even as we make disciples in your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.