Confession of Peter
Matthew 16:15-19a Then Jesus asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.
I wonder what the keys Jesus promises Peter look like. Keys have changed significantly. I remember the key to my grandparents’ farmhouse. It barely fit in one’s pocket and was beautiful to behold. My parents’ house key was more streamlined. And I don’t even have a door key any longer—just a fob. We live in the days of keyless entry and push-button vehicle ignitions.
So I wonder what the keys to the kingdom of heaven look like. Could Peter, whose confession we celebrate today, fit them in his pocket? Over the ages, have they morphed into a code?
One thing I know for sure is that on that keychain there’s a cross. It is Christ alone, “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (v. 16), who has unlocked heaven’s door through His death and resurrection. Thankfully, not only does that let us in; it also lets heaven out. Our world is flooded with Jesus’ love. Just one question remains: Will we unlock that love through the doors of our own lives and share in letting it loose on earth?
Risen One, thank You for unlocking Your love for all. In Your name we pray. Amen.
Paul Hoffman - Christ In Our Home