Matthew 16:15–16, 18, 23–25 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”

Peter wasn’t called the rock because he was steady, confident, or spiritually unshakable. Far from it — his record shows doubt, denial, and misplaced zeal. The true rock is his confession:

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

That truth is the foundation of Jesus’ Church. It’s the cornerstone of God’s plan to redeem humanity — the story that runs from Abraham to Christ, from the Old Covenant to the New.

The Bible tells the story of God choosing a people, Israel, to make Himself known to the world. Through them, He promised to send a Savior. Jesus is that fulfillment — God Himself come to reconcile the world, establishing His Church as the people of His presence and power in every generation.

Moments after Peter’s confession, he tried to talk Jesus out of the cross. Jesus’ response was fierce:

“Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block… you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

That’s the battle every Christian man faces daily — to choose between God’s purpose and our own priorities. We’re tempted to protect our comfort, careers, and control, but Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.

The life we’re trying to save — the one built on self — must die if we are to find real life in Him.

God’s purpose has not changed. The same confession that birthed the Church fuels its mission:

Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, the Savior of the world.

Every disciple of Jesus is called to participate in building His Church — not just pastors or missionaries, but every man who names Jesus as Lord. The Great Commission is your daily assignment:

• Share the gospel with those around you.

• Make disciples of those who believe.

• Invest your will, work, and wages in God’s purpose, not merely your own.

Evaluate your life’s foundation. Is it built on your plans and priorities — or on the confession that Jesus is Lord?

Run Today’s Play:

• Surrender one area of control to Christ today.

• Speak the gospel to one person this week.

• Support the building of His Church through your time, talent, and treasure.

Live with the concerns of God in mind. Let your confession of Jesus shape your calendar, your career, and your calling.

Because the only life worth keeping is the one we lose for His sake.