A Reflection Inspired by Matthew 16:15
In this Bible story, Jesus sits down with his closest friends, the disciples, and asks them a big, important question: “Who do you say I am?” He isn’t just making small talk—he wants them to really think about who they believe he is, deep down.
One of the disciples, Simon Peter, speaks up with confidence. He says, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Put simply, Peter is saying, “I believe you’re the special one God promised to send to help and save us. You’re God’s own Son.”
This was a powerful statement, especially since many people around them were unsure or had doubts about who Jesus really was. Jesus is very happy with Peter’s answer. He tells Peter that this understanding didn’t come just from thinking hard or listening to what other people say. Instead, Jesus says that God himself helped Peter see the truth.
Then, Jesus gives Peter a special job. He says, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” There’s a bit of a wordplay here: Peter’s name means “rock.” Jesus is basically saying, “Peter, you’re strong like a rock, and I’m going to use you as a foundation for my community of believers.” He promises that this church—a group of people who trust and follow Jesus—will be so strong that nothing, not even death or evil, can destroy it.
To sum it up, this story is about knowing who Jesus really is and what it means for us. Jesus sees Peter’s faith and says it’s the start of something much bigger—a family of believers that will last. It reminds us that truly understanding who Jesus is comes from a personal connection with God, not just from what we hear or figure out ourselves.
So, for everyone reading this, it’s a chance to ask yourself the same question: “Who do you say Jesus is?” It’s an invitation to think about your own faith, who you are, and how you can be part of building something strong and meaningful with others.
Minister A Francine Green, March 2026
afrancinegreen.com 