Matthew 16:

Peter Recieves the Keys

                The Pharisees and the Sadducees came again tempting Jesus, by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven. Jesus responds to them; “…When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is lowring [gloomy], O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” (Matthew 16:2-3) Jesus pointed out that smart men can discern the weather, and even know the scriptures. But if they don’t recognize that Jesus is the Son of God, then they are foolish. Jesus reminds them that; “A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it…” (Matthew 16:4)

The disciples meet up with Jesus, and He warns them; “…Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:6) Both the Pharisees and the Sadducees become confused of what Jesus had said, and go as far as to ask Jesus if it was because they had not partaken of any bread.

Jesus tells them; “Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand (see Matthew 14:17-21)… Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand (see Matthew 15:34-38), and how many baskets ye took up?” (Matthew 16:9-10) Both the Pharisees and the Sadducees failed to see that Jesus was referring to their doctrines and not about bread.

Jesus came to the coasts of Caesarea Philippi and asks His disciples; “…Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? …Some say that thou art John the Baptist: Some Elias; and others Jeremias… He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? …Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16)

This answered please Jesus and he tells Simon; “…Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17) Seeing is not believing, but believing is seeing!

Jesus then blesses Peter; “…thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shalt be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:18-19)

                Matthew 16:18-19 is one of the scriptures that the Catholic Church will use to claim their power and authority. Jesus did build His church upon a Rock, which the gates of Hell would never prevail against. But what is the Rock? The Catholics claim that the Rock is Peter, but is it Peter? No, Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone (head of the Church) and upon the Rock of REVELATION will the church prevail. Christ is also mentioned as the “Stone of Israel”.

Jesus then tells His Apostles that He would be: betrayed, killed and be resurrected again on the third day. Peter was shocked by what Jesus said and tells Him; “…Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.” (Matthew 16:22) Jesus finds Peters lack of faith in His words to be troubling; “…Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me…” (Matthew 16:23) Jesus reminds them to continue the work after He is gone. Those who lose their life in the work will only find their life. “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” (Matthew 16:27)

                We need to not only believe in Jesus Christ, but also do good works in His name.