Being the Church #29

In Matthew 16, we find Jesus taking His disciples aside for a serious discussion about what He was doing:

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

This was a pivotal moment, as Jesus questioned them about their convictions. Once they get it right, Jesus then tells them what they are a part of - what we are a part of: His Church. God is up to big things under the authority of Christ; we are privileged to be a part of it.  In Christ, there is a connection between heaven and earth, between us and God. We are in His plan.  Who do we say Jesus is?  Do we live like He is?