“Blessed” – the Rock on Which the Church is Built. . . or. . . “Satan” – a Hindrance to God?

This would be called verbal whiplash.  Last week we heard how Peter confesses Jesus the Messiah and how Jesus responds: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah!  For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father in heaven.  And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:17-18).  This week, only five verses later, Jesus now tells his disciples what it truly means to be the Messiah.  Peter rebukes Jesus (which is verbal “grabbing him by the collar, in the face” kind of action) and Jesus rebukes Peter with this response:  “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me, for you are setting your mind not on divine things, but on human things” (Matthew 16:23).

So, you understand my title.  Is Peter a “blessed rock” or a “satanic hindrance?”

To get at this, we will have to put these two challenging truths side by side.  Last week we learned that the foundation upon which the church is created and sustained is broken people who are forgiven sinners.  This week we learn how Jesus will prove he is the Messiah.  It is through suffering and death.  Both truths seem the opposite of what they ought to be.  Denying sinners like Peter are the rock, the foundation of Jesus’ church?  The Sovereign and all-powerful Lord and King Messiah proves this is true through suffering and death?  How can this be?

Despite how it seems or sounds, this is at the heart of the Christian story and our witness.  On Sunday, we will explore together, how and why this is the truth about God’s plan and design for us and his world.