THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 341

The question is this. Having read what the scriptures reveal, can we really believe that Peter was the Rock that JESUS spoke of in Matthew 16? Certainly, in view of what the Bible reveals, as elaborated on in previous posts, we need to reassess the religious traditions that are contrary to the Word of God. Matthew offers yet another example worth mentioning here. It follows:

13. When JESUS came into the coasts of Ceasarea Philippi, JESUS asked his disciples, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?"
14. And they said, "Some say that thou art John the Baptist. Some say Elias and others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
15. JESUS said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
16. Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17. JESUS answering said, "Peter, blessed you are for it was not flesh and blood that has revealed to you that I am the Christ the Son of the Holy Spirit. This revelation of who I am has been given to you by MY Father from Heaven."
18. And I JESUS say to you Peter, that upon this revelation [that I Jesus am the Christ the Son of the Holy Spirit] I [GOD’S Only Begotten Son] will build my church and the gates [the religious armies] of hell, they shall not prevail against me."
19. "And I will give unto you [My chosen apostles] the keys of understanding whereby the door into the kingdom of Heaven opens."

Concluding JESUS tells His disciples that they should tell no one that He was JESUS the Christ. However, in verse 21, we read that from that time onward JESUS began to show to His disciples how He must go to Jerusalem and while there He must suffer many things from the elders, chief priests and scribes and be killed and ultimately raised again the third day. Continuing in verse 22, the scriptures state that,

22. Peter upon hearing these things spoken of by JESUS, being offended at such sayings took JESUS and began to rebuke Him saying, "Be it far from you Lord that these things should befall you."
23. JESUS upon hearing these words spoken by Peter turned and said to Peter, "Get you behind me Satan. Your words [Peter] offend Me. For Peter, you are opposing that which has been willed by the Holy Spirit of God."

Therefore, as we read in this scriptural example, Peter is not a "rock" to be elevated in status. Like all of Adam’s prone to sin offspring before him (and for that matter after him), we all stand in need of a Saviour. This need of a Saviour applies equally to Mary the chosen and willing surrogate mother of JESUS the Christ who exploding with enthusiasm declared that her spirit had rejoiced in GOD her SAVIOUR.

We also read in Acts 1 that the disciples cast lots and prayed to see who among them should be chosen to replace Judas. As we see, Mathias was chosen and from henceforth Mathias was numbered with the eleven other chosen apostles. It is also important to note here the required necessary credentials that makes one eligible to become an apostle from a scriptural perspective.

The other good news is that if you and I continue in JESUS' words, we will be His disciples indeed.

Stand in the offering plate.