Pew bulletin
Fr Vijay’s sermon
Matthew 16:13-20
A traveler once came upon a small village church high in the hills. The building was old, the paint was peeling, and the congregation was small. Yet every Sunday, people walked long distances to gather there. The traveler asked an elderly woman, “why do you keep coming? This church is so small, and the world has changed so much.” She smiled and replied, “Because here we remember who Jesus is and when we remember that we remember who we are.”
That is the heart of today’s Gospel. In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus brings his disciples to Caesarea Philippi and asks a question that still confronts every generation: “who do you say that I am?”
The Question That Matters
Jesus first asks, “who do people say that the Son of man is?” the disciples give several answers: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. The crowd has opinions. They saw something remarkable in Jesus. They knew he spoke with authority, healed the sick, welcomed the outcast, and proclaimed the kingdom. But they had not yet grasped the full truth.
Then Jesus makes the question personal: “But who do you say that I am?” this is not a question we can answer only with what our family believes, what our church teaches, or what society says. It is a question that reaches the center of our lives. Who is Jesus to you when life is peaceful? Who is he when your plans fail? Who is he when you are grieving, uncertain, tired or afraid? Who is he when you are called to forgive someone, serve someone, or take a faithful step that costs you something?
Christian faith is not merely admiration for Jesus. It is trust in him. It is the courage to say with Peter, “you are the Messiah, the son of the living God.”
Peter’s Confession
Peter’s answer is beautiful: “You are the Messiah, the son of the Living God.” He recognizes that Jesus is not simply another teacher, prophet, or religious leader. Jesus is the Christ the one sent by God to save, restore, and reign. He is the Son of the living God: not a distant idea, not a memory from the past, but the living Lord who is present with His people today. Jesus tells Peter, “Blessed are you,” because this truth has been revealed by the Father.
That should encourage us. Faith is not a prize for the cleverest person in the room. It is a gift of God. We do not come to Jesus because we have worked everything out. We come because God opens our eyes, softens our hearts, and invites us to trust his grace. Perhaps you have known seasons when prayer felt difficult or God seemed silent. Do not be discouraged. The same God who revealed Christ to Peter continues to draw people to himself. Ask him to renew your vision of Jesus.
Built on Christ
Jesus then says, “You are peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” The church does not stand because its members are perfect. Peter himself was not perfect. Soon after this passage, he misunderstands Jesus’ mission. Later, he denies even knowing him. Yet Jesus does not abandon Peter. He restores him, strengthens him, and uses him. This is good news for us. God builds his church through ordinary, imperfect people who are willing to confess Christ and follow him. The church is not built on popularity, wealth, political power, or human achievement. It is built on the truth Peter confessed: Jessi is the Messiah, the son of the living God. Churches may face challenges, congregations may feel small. Resources may be limited. The future may sometimes seem uncertain. But Jesus says, I will build my church.”
Notice whose church it is: “My church.” It belongs to Christ. He loves it He died for it. He is present in it. He is still at work through it. And he promises that “the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” The power of death, evil, despair, and darkness will not have the final word. The risen Jesus is stronger than sin, stronger than fear, and stronger even than death.
Give the keys
Jesus gives Peter “the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” Keys open doors. They give access. In the life of the church, we are entrusted with the message that opens the way to God’s kingdom: the gospel of Jesus Christ. We hold keys whenever we proclaim that forgiveness is possible. We sue them whenever we welcome the forgotten pray for the hurting feed the hungry, teach the faith, baptize new believers, and invite people into the life of Christ.
The world often builds walls: walls of suspicion, prejudice, resentment, shame, and hopelessness. But the Gospel opens doors. We are not called to guard the church as though it were a private club, we are called to be faithful witnesses to Jesus, so that others may discover his mercy and love. Every act of Christian kindness can become a key. Every honest testimony can become a key. Every invitation to worship, every word of hope, every prayer offered in Christ’s name can open a door for someone who thought they were far from God.
A Personal Confession
The question remains: “who do you say that I am?” we answer it not only with words, but with the shape of our lives. When we choose faith over fear, forgiveness over bitterness, generosity over selfishness, and service over comfort, we are declaring that Jesus is Lord.
Peter’s confession became the foundation for a life of discipleship. Our confession must do the same. Today, let us remember that we have a purpose: to open doors to the kingdom through the love and truth of Jesus.
If you feel uncertain, remember the promise: Jesus is building his church. If you feel discouraged by the world around you, remember: the gates of Hades will not prevail.
May we stand with Peter and say, with faith and joy” “Jesus, you are the Messiah, the son of the living God.” And may our lives help others come to know him too. Amen.