A story about who Jesus and Peter are
(From the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 16, verses 13-20)
Jesus and his close friends – they were called "disciples" – traveled to many towns and villages teaching about God and healing people. Day after day they were together doing this important work.
One day Jesus asked his disciples, "What are people saying about me?"
One of his friends replied, "Some believe that you are John the Baptist, come back from the dead."
Another said, "Some people think you may be the prophet Elijah."
"I've heard that, too," another disciple added. "But people are also wondering if you are Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets."
Jesus looked at all of them, and then he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?"
This was a very important question. Jesus' disciples looked at him. They looked at each other. Such an important question required a thoughtful answer. Finally, Simon spoke. "You are the Messiah," he said, "the Son of the living God."
Jesus heard the confidence in Simon's voice. He smiled broadly. "God bless you, Simon! With God's help, you have figured this out. You haven't listened to what people have said about me. You have listened carefully to God."
Jesus continued, "You have told me who I am. Now let me tell you who you are: you are the rock on which I will build the Church. And because of that, I give you a new name – Peter. It means 'rock.' From now on you will be Peter."
Jesus put his hands on Peter's shoulders and looked right at him. "After I have gone to heaven, the Church will continue my work here on earth. My Church will be filled with God's holiness. Nothing will overcome it or silence it. And because of the Church, God's presence on earth and God's presence in heaven will always be connected in a powerful way. Always."
Then Jesus did an odd thing: he told his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah, God's Chosen One.
Questions to think and pray about:
I wonder if the others agreed with Peter, that Jesus was God's Son.
Do you know what your name means? Do you think your name fits you?
When you are in church, how do you feel God's holy presence?
Who do you say that Jesus is?