Jesus Works Through His Church
Matthew 16:13-19, 28:18-20
My vehicle serves a purpose. It takes me to work, grocery stores, doctor appointments, restaurants, church, and on vacation. But only if I understand its purpose. Failing to do that means calling a taxi or paying someone to take me where I can drive myself. A parked vehicle is of no practical use and quickly deteriorates when not maintained.
Christ died for the church, giving it inherent purpose – but purpose only realized when those belonging to it understand its significance. The church is more than the old children’s rhyme: “Here’s the church, here’s the steeple. Open the door and see all the people.” God’s church is a living, breathing organism that changes methods as necessary to deliver a never-changing, life-altering message.
Jesus’ establishment of the church was, and is, often misunderstood (Matthew 16:13-14). The predominant mindset was that the Messiah would be a conquering King. Jesus quickly incurred wrath and rejection from the religious authorities when he failed to meet these expectations. A number of the common people also joined in the plot to destroy him.
Jesus is still misunderstood by many people. When asked, “What do you think of Jesus,” answers such as “He was a good man?-?a good teacher?-?a miracle worker?-?or a great prophet” are common. Misunderstanding Jesus carries present and eternal implications. It leads to rejecting Him as personal Savior and also affects one’s view of the church. Jesus’ role is not simply to satisfy and please, but to accomplish His work through us.
Jesus manifested His work’s true nature through actions (Matthew 16:15-19), but also recognized that many misunderstood. After questioning His disciples about who others thought He was, He pointedly asks them their opinion. Peter speaks for the group: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v. 16).
Peter’s confession illicits a response from Jesus, telling the disciples His church will be built on “this rock” (v. 18). Some scholars propose “rock” refers to Peter himself, while others maintain it references the confession. The meaning – rather than authorizing an elaborate church structure – gives the church the “keys to the kingdom” (v. 19). When believers confess and share the gospel, we open the kingdom’s gates, while remaining silent closes them.
Jesus instructs His followers to make disciples of all nations and also promises His presence as we do (Matthew 28:18-20). This is the personal responsibility of individual believers and the corporate obligation of the church. Success ultimately depends on God’s presence and power but is also affected by our efforts.
Information on North American and international people groups can be accessed at www.peoplegroups.info and www.peoplegroups.org.
Wiles– Lessons in the BSL series for the spring quarter are being written by Martin Wiles, pastor of First Baptist Church, Harleyville, and author of three books, including the recently published “Grace Greater Than Sin.”