Student: Peter

This Sunday we focus on Peter (Matthew 16:13-23). What can we learn from Peter? Scripture reveals more about Peter than any other student in the series. While Peter is most well-known for the ways he messed up, the scripture for this week highlights a pinnacle in his leadership. Peter professed that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. To this, Jesus affirmed that Peter was the rock and upon the rock, the church would be built, and the gates of hell would not prevail against it. Also, Peter would receive the keys to heaven, and whatever he loosed one earth would be loosed in heaven. Peter preached the sermon at Pentecost in which 3000 people came to believe. He led the church in its uncertain beginnings. Peter loved the church, even dying for the news of Jesus which would be spread through the church.

Peter was not perfect. The church which was born through the Holy Spirit is not perfect. We are not perfect either. Yet, in all of this, Jesus gives the promise that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church. Jesus invites us to love his church, as He and Peter loved the church. As we love the church and lead in Christ’s church, people are transformed and know forgiveness; just like with Peter.       A Student of Jesus, Rev. Sherri