Matthew 16:13-19 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 16:13-19 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."
Devotion
Peter's confession of faith by no means places him on any pathway to perfection. Right after this scene he fails to get why Jesus is going to be crucified. Not so long before, watching the wind more than Jesus, he starts to sink in the sea (14:28). He misses what the Transfiguration is all about (17:4), falls asleep in the Garden (26:40), and-in spite of boasting about his loyalty-denies Jesus three times (26:69-75). Some track record: petering out one time after another. If confessing our faith (however sincerely) doesn't make us into better people, then why do it? Bonhoeffer in Discipleship encourages us to place ourselves where we know that grace will be found. That's what Peter does. Know what? It works.
Prayer
Holy and gracious God, you who are our Rock, place us like Peter on the rock-foundation of faith in your Son, the crucified and risen Christ. Amen.