And I also say to you that you are Peter,
and on this rock I will build My church,
and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Jesus is the Rock on which the Church is built. Some have mistakenly thought that in Matthew 16:18 Jesus was applying the word “rock” to Peter. The name “Peter” is Petros, a reference to a small stone, perhaps like a pebble. The word “rock” in this verse is petra, a large rock, actually like a rock ledge that sticks out of a mountain. The confusion has come because both words came from the same root. Actually, the Church is built on Peter’s statement “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). The Church is not a dead institution, though some churches are dead. The Church is alive because it’s built on Jesus, the Son of the living God. The Church is alive because it’s made up of individuals who believe that Jesus is the Son of God and who have accepted Him into their hearts.
Lord Jesus, I know that the Church is grounded on You; You are the Rock. I get stability from You.
When the Church is built on Jesus, it is as solid as a rock. Jesus is the original church planter and church builder, for He said, “I will build.” Also, the Church is continually being built, for the statement “I will build” contains a future tense verb that means “continually being built.” He’s doing it today. Finally, the Church belongs to Jesus; He called it “My church.” When you’re in Jesus, you’re in the Church; and when you’re in Jesus, you’re on the Rock.
Jesus, I know that the Church is growing because it is continually being built. I know I am secure in You because the gates of Hades can’t prevail against Your work. Amen.
Go Deeper: Matthew 16:13-28
The church is being built by Jesus.
