To committed Christians reading much later, Peter’s affirmation in verse 16 might seem like a statement of the blooming obvious. Jesus raised the dead, he’s walked on water: who do they think he can be? It is interesting, then, that Jesus does not simply acknowledge Peter’s right answer, especially after all the off-beam suggestions in verse 14 – and the determined scepticism of the religious leaders. Christian faith is not something which comes naturally to many human beings, however strong the evidence that Jesus really is someone in whom we can believe. 

Jesus makes several statements in response to Peter. Each one is vital to a proper understanding of a Christian calling. First, Peter is blessed – not especially insightful or deserving – just blessed. Second, the truth is not something which has been worked out by Peter himself, but is a treasure revealed by God. (Perhaps this partly explains verse 20. God will decide when and how to reveal his son.) Third, this revelation is the foundation of Christ’s saving work in history, his church; and that church will be strong. Finally, the knowledge that Jesus is The Christ is infinitely empowering, beyond anything these disciples have ever imagined.

How do you think of Jesus and the mission of his church?

Did you notice the remarkable titles given to Jesus in these verses? Jesus is seen to be the Son of Man, the Messiah and the Son of the living God. He is the one to whom is given the everlasting kingdom and power and glory.¹ He is the anointed one, the one who would fulfil the hopes of the nation in ways they could not imagine. Some people expected a Messiah who would be at least one of prophet, priest and king – but Jesus fulfilled all these roles. He put people in touch with God, he showed people what God is like and he exercised God’s rule over his people while also being the Servant of the Lord.

How did Peter recognise all this? Not through human insight. Only God in his grace can reveal God, and he had done so for Peter. It takes a revelation from above to see that this carpenter who was dismissed by his family as crazy and condemned as a criminal by his enemies was actually the divine Son of God! God’s grace alone is what shows people who Jesus is and what he has done. No one’s cleverness can deduce this. God alone gives this insight.

So, the mission of the church is established. Peter and the other apostles would be the first to go and preach the good news that God was establishing a new community of his people from all over the world, a faithful people who would be in continuity with the Old Testament covenant community, yet new in the sense that Jesus designated it ‘My community’ (see v 18). Even when death itself assaulted this community, it would not crush it. The church will endure until Christ’s return. No opposition, even persecution and martyrdom, will prevent the ultimate triumph of God’s purposes.

Lord, give me a fresh vision of the wonder of Jesus, his power and grace. Encourage me to embrace his indestructible purposes.

¹ Dan 7:14