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 but others Elijah and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. (Matthew 16:13-20, NRSVue)
Jesus here gives Peter the keys to the kingdom, the ability to loose and bind sins. This is a precursor to those who say Peter was the first Pope, but later Jesus gives this power to all of the disciples, so I am not sure about that. But here, Jesus gives Peter the ability to loose and bind things on earth, and that has power in heaven.
And in the next few verses, Peter is rebuked by Jesus, and Jesus actually calls Peter Satan. Because even Peter thought he knew better than Jesus.
Do not mistake Jesus giving you an ability to mean that you now understand all the mysteries. Jesus is still the one to follow and listen to, and not the one who wants to hear our ramblings and misguided thoughts.
Love like Jesus and follow Him, and don’t think you understand.
aSacredRebel 