Jesus asked his disciples who they thought he was. What do you think they thought when he asked that? They started sharing examples of what they had heard other people say. That was a safe response. But Jesus dug deeper, “what about you?” he asked. I can just picture them looking at each other wondering who was going to open their mouth.
Then it was Peter who spoke for the group, or himself, it’s not specified. But he boldly declared that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. This was the answer Jesus was looking for. But this truth did not come to Peter from any human source. It was a revelation he was given from God. Peter was then set apart from the rest as being the “rock” upon whom Jesus would build his church.
Jesus knew his time with them would be drawing to an end. There would need to be a leader going forward. He saw Peter in this role. Jesus promised Peter the keys to the kingdom. He assured Peter that no power of hell could conquer the church he would build. How do you think Peter felt? How would you feel if you were Peter?
A little overwhelmed to be sure. Peter may have even wished he’d never opened his mouth. Have you ever been given an assignment you didn’t feel qualified for simply because you shared your opinion? I can and still marvel at how I was able to thrive and lead despite my own limiting beliefs. God had my back to be sure.
In this case, Peter would go on to do some very mighty things to help further the kingdom. God used him as a mightly leader in the early church, just as Jesus expected. Peter would have some great helpers as well in his disciple friends. Peter may have felt he was not qualified, but God was filling him with the power he needed.
And the story continues. We see churches today, so we know that Jesus’ words were fulfilled. However, there are still many who don’t belong to a church. There are many areas of the world where there are no churches. Many people have never heard the message of Jesus’ saving grace. That is where we come in.
We no longer have to keep quiet about the fact Jesus is the Messiah. Just the opposite is true. We can speak boldly of Jesus and what he means to us. We can talk about our own transformation before we knew Jesus and after. God will reveal to us as well the truths we need for our lives and for impacting the lives of others. Ask him if you’re not sure what your role should be.
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for how you shared your wisdom with Peter and how you share your wisdom with me. I know that my faith is wholly dependent on you and what you reveal to me. Thank you for your word. Thank you for your saving grace. Thank you for the patience you have with me as I figure things out. Impress upon my heart today the message you’d have for me to share. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
