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I’ve been to many Anglican churches, but there is a unique and powerful energy here, and I feel it strongly as we collectively sing hymns of praise to the Lord. Today, I want to focus my sermon on the profound gospel passage from Matthew 16:13-20, 28, where Jesus makes a pivotal statement: “I will build my Church.” This marks the first introduction of the word ecclesia, or Church, in the New Testament.
Before making this statement, Jesus asks His disciples two major questions. People had witnessed His miracles—healing the sick and casting out devils, an act unheard of in the history of Israel. Even in the Old Testament, while prophets performed miracles, casting out devils was never recorded. Jesus’ authority over demons and evil forces was unparalleled, and before His impending death, He turns to His disciples to seek their understanding of Him.
He first asks them, “Who do people say that I am?” The disciples respond with what popular opinion suggests, linking Him to Elijah or John the Baptist or comparing Him to prophets of old. Then, Jesus asks them for their personal view, pressing, “What about you? Who do you say that I am?” Silence follows this poignant question.
In the scriptures, the Lord says the people of Israel know Him by His acts, but Moses knew Him by His ways. Often, Christians follow Jesus for His acts—the miracles, prophecies, and solutions to their burdens. Similarly today, many seek churches with prophecies and miracles, attracted by the promise of relief and not an understanding of who Christ truly is.
Contrasting with that, Moses built a personal relationship with God, knowing Him face to face and understanding His merciful nature. When Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter stands up and proclaims, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This revelation wasn’t revealed by flesh but was a divine insight into His true identity—what many Jews struggled to comprehend.
The term Christ or Kristos means “the anointed,” synonymous with the Messiah in Hebrew—the Savior delivering humanity. Peter’s recognition of Jesus as Christ earns him a significant promise: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” Jesus’ declaration signifies that Christ is the foundation of the Church, and no force of darkness can prevail against it. The Church, built with the blood of Jesus, remains indomitable against persecution.
Jesus promises Peter the keys of the Kingdom, symbolizing authority and knowledge—insight into divine mysteries, a message for Christians today not to be mere followers. Let us strive for a genuine revelation of who Christ is. When asked about your faith in various settings, have a ready and authentic answer, affirming Jesus as the Son of the living God. Across religions, this divine attribute of Christ is often disputed, yet we affirm in our creeds His true essence with the Father.
By fully understanding this revelation, you gain authority. Don’t let fear overpower you—not from evil or illness, for with these keys, what you bind or permit on Earth echoes in Heaven. Believers must always profess positively, maintaining health during illness and light amid darkness. Demons cannot torment you because you are part of His Kingdom.
Let me pray for you. I thank you, Father, for your word today, reminding us that you are building your Church, with us as participants in its growth. Bless St. Stephen’s Anglican Church with an ever-deepening intimacy with you. May your followers here know you more deeply, benefit from your acts, and grow to impact their community positively.
As we conclude, I urge you to deepen your relationship with Christ, recognizing and voicing His divine nature, and wielding your authority and faith for a transformative life. Let’s build our lives on this solid Rock of faith—Jesus Christ. Amen.