The Keys to the Kingdom

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered 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 tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. (Matthew 16:13-20 ESV).

I was browsing vacation spots and I came across an ad for a special tour of the Disney Magic Kingdom. It was built around “unlocking” the history and “magic” of Disney. The ad went on to say: “This 5-hour walking tour explores the creation and remarkable growth of one of the most beloved parks at Walt Disney World Resort! Explore secret locations you’ve always wondered about and get the inside scoop on some of your favorite attractions. During your tour you will uncover the hidden secrets of classic attractions at Magic Kingdom park; access the famed underground “Utilidor” tunnels that allow people and supplies to travel beneath the park unseen; discover little-known facts, trivia and other exciting tidbits about the park; enjoy a delicious lunch; and, take home an exclusive keepsake key.” Well, Mary and I probably won’t be taking that tour, but it did remind me of our reading today. It focuses on the third fundamental of the faith. We are to be ministry focused in the church. Remember that when Jesus spoke about building his church to Peter and the disciples, he was speaking about a movement, not a facility. He was referring to the body of Christ, the living Christian church that has spread throughout the world. Methods of ministry may change, but nothing can defeat the church that Jesus Christ calls us to be a part of. We are to be people of God empowered by God to reach out with the gospel. When this happens, not even the gates of Hades can prevail against the work of God. The church will always be relevant because the message that we are called to proclaim is always relevant. These are the “keys” we have been given. They unlock the power and strength of our Source, the Holy Spirit. As we come to a close of this little series, it is important to remember we have not been left without power or authority. Jesus has given all that we need to continue the spread of His message of grace. It is not our power and resourcefulness that will win over death and hell; it is the power of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Stand on that foundation.