Peter: A Granite Rock Who Cracked Lesson 3 Series

A. PETER THE ROCK

“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?’ So they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ 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. 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” (Matthew 16:13-18, NKJV).

1. Jesus asked a question about His humanity. “Who do men say that I, the son of Man, am?”

2. The disciples answered:

John the Baptist – famous for preaching

Elijah – went to Heaven without dying

Jeremiah – to come before Messiah

One of the prophets – Moses (Deuteronomy 18:18)

3. Jesus asked a personal question. “But who do you say that I Am?” (v. 15).

a. You must answer now.

b. You will answer then. “Every tongue will confess” (Philippians 2:11).

B. THE “ROCK” CONFESSION BY PETER

1. The Christ means Messiah (Anointed), the coming Son of David to conquer Israel’s enemies and rule on the throne. “The Son of the living God,” Peter confessed Jesus’ Deity.

2. Peter was called, Simon Bar-Jonah, i.e., “Son of Jonah” Peter’s human heritage in contrast to Jesus’ divine Sonship.

3. Jesus comments – humans didn’t tell you this, My Father told you this (Revelation) (Matthew 16:17).

C. WHAT A ROCK PRODUCES

1. You are Peter (n) Petros = little loose stone. On this rock (f) Petra = ledge rock which is his confession.

2. “I will build My church” (v. 18).

a. “I” – Jesus is the church planter.

b. “Will” – Jesus will plant churches in the future.

c. “Build” – Greek constant building.

d. “My” – the church belongs to Jesus, not a pastor, deacons, or people.

e. “Ecclesia” – the church is a group of out-called one.

What Is The Church?

Called from the world – separate

Called together – worship and serve

3. “Gates of Hell” the church is attacking, Satan is defending.

4. Why did Jesus use an imperfect Peter called “rock” (v. 18)?

a. Rock is Jesus. He is the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20).

b. Rock is message-confession.

c. Rock is soul winner.

D. PETER REBUKED

“From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!’ But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men’” (Matthew 16:21-23).

1. Jesus’ death and resurrection shouldn’t have surprised the disciples (v. 21).

2. You can quickly lose your usefulness in God’s plan (v. 23).

3. You can quickly go from “mindful of the Father’s revelations,” to “mindful of man’s corrupt plans.” Revealing Peter’s imperfection.

E. PETER THE ROCK – CRACKED

1. Denial. “One of the servant girls … noticed Peter warming himself by the fire … and said, ‘You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.’ But Peter denied, ‘I don’t know what you are talking about.’… ‘This man is definitely one of them!’ But Peter denied ... a little later … a bystander said, ‘You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean’ ... Peter cursed” (Mark 14:66-71, NLT).

2. Peter denied three times. Jesus asked him three times “Do you love (agape) Me?” Peter confessed, “Lord You know I love (phileo) You” (John 21:7, NLT).

3. Jesus re-instituted His commission, “Then feed My sheep” (John 21:7).

4. Jesus uses us when we come honestly to Him.

5. Mighty warriors for God can have feet of clay.

6. Your strength is not in your personality or your powerful will, it is in Christ.

7. What is the main lesson to learn from Peter?

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.