Scripture:
Matthew 16:13-19 NKJV
[13] When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” [14] So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” [15] He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” [16] Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” [17] Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. [18] 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. [19] And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Observation:
The disciples had followed Jesus for miles. They sat and ate with HIM, had conversations with HIM, and watched HIM do amazing things like healing the blind, making the lame walk, and feeding thousands with a small amount of food by multiplying it bringing glory to the Father in Heaven. You might say they knew HIM, and I’m sure by the time they had gotten to Caesarea Philippi Jesus wanted to know Jesus how well they knew HIM. As I read this I picture in my mind, Jesus walking, thinking, and praying quietly to HIMSELF. Then stopping in the middle of the road and asking… “who do men say that I, the son of man am? If you honestly think about the question you can hear the answer inside of it. However, Jesus wanted to know what the buzz around town was about HIM. HE wanted to hear who people thought that HE was. As the answers started to pour in from those who knew HIM best I could picture HIS face looking up to heaven and thinking they just don’t get it or even looking down at the ground and thinking with a little smile thinking they think I am my cousin… now that kind of funny. Then as HE brought HIS eyes back to the disciples and rephrased the question to see if they were on the right track. HE found that at least Peter knew exactly who HE was and was not afraid at all to say it. “You are the Christ the son of the living GOD.” I can see the proud teacher moment between Jesus and Peter as Jesus walks over to him and puts HIS hands on Peter’s shoulders and says… that is exactly right… but you did not come up with that on your own. My Father in Heaven showed you that, and upon this very truth, I (Jesus Christ, the Son of the living GOD) am going to build MY church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. I want us to notice one thing about this statement and I honestly hope you feel the same way about it as I do. ” The gates of hell will not prevail against it.” How does that make you feel? For me, it makes a statement… one that can be easily missed if we are not paying attention. A statement we will surely dive into when we move on to the application. Moving on to verse 19 before I just explode I want us to see one or two more things before we break this Throttle all the way open. Jesus tells us that HE is giving us the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Telling us that we have the authority to bind and loose things here on earth. I see that as a transfer. HE is giving us authority. The keys to the kingdom… permission to enter in. That’s what that says to me. So let me draw you a quick picture… while the gates of hell are trying to keep the true church out we have the authority to enter into heaven, and bind and loose things. Let’s just let that resonate for a second while I pull this throttle back and see how this thing Flys.
Application:
I love this portion of scripture. When I am feeling defeated and beaten down because of the heaviness of life. I have to turn to the scripture and remember exactly who I am in GOD’S eyes. My relationship with Jesus has not made me to be a whipped dog. I know who HE is… and honestly, I’m hoping you do too. Because by knowing who HE is you have the authority to… cast out demons in HIS name, Heal the sick in HIS name, and set the captives free in HIS mighty name. Have you ever had someone with a lot of pull tell you…” just tell them I sent you” and by saying they sent you doors just open up for you. That’s the keys that Jesus is talking about. It’s HIS authority that we have been given. This kind of leaves me with a question though… why are we as a church running away from the battle? The gates of hell didn’t keep Jesus out when HE set all those captives free and snatched the keys from the enemy and as the church who knows exactly who Jesus is and the authority that has been given we should not be running from the battle but to it. We need to understand that we do not have to win… we have already won… I believe the words were …” IT IS FINISHED.” The battle was won in the garden. The seed of the woman has crushed the head of the enemy but obtained only a bruise on HIS heal. That should give us confidence enough to forge a path right to the gates of hell and kick them down. But what does that mean? Well, let me tell you. Every time you see someone who is held captive by addiction depression anxiety or other life-controlling issues. I want you to speak Jesus over them. That authority. Arm yourself with the word of GOD and come kick these gates down with me. Hell was not made for me or my brothers and sisters and as long as we sit ideally by… intimidated by the enemy not knowing that victory has already been won. He will continue to drag off our friends and family to where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. Well, listen I’m done with it. I can’t watch one more be drug off. Today right now I am standing in the victory that GOD has given me. Fighting from victory will give you confidence knowing you have already won. That doesn’t leave you outside the gate shouting in but it allows you to kick it down and set the captives free. What I am telling you is this… stop being intimidated by the enemy’s power when you have been given all the authority you need and the victory is already won. Stand in confidence and know that because GOD is for you NO ONE CAN STAND AGAINST YOU.
Prayer:
Father, you did not make us to lose. Your word tells us you will not start something that you do not finish. The lion of Judah has won the battle and snatched the keys from the enemy. He is now locked inside the prison created for him and the rest of his crew. It was not made for us. So help us to see how because we have been given victory we have nothing to fear. We can stand with a battering ram in hand and speak live over those who have believed his lie. Your son has already set them free we just need to show up and do our part. Give us the courage and confidence to do so. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.