Good morning, everyone! In today's lesson Jesus and the disciples are talking. He asks them to tell him what people are saying about him. Who do they think he is? The disciples tell him that some people think he is the ghost of John the Baptist or Elijah or one of the important prophets that has lived before. People aren't really sure who he is, because he is so different from anyone they've ever met before. Peter, though, knows exactly who Jesus is. Peter says, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." This makes Jesus very happy. Peter has recognized Jesus for who he really is.

Jesus tells Peter that only God could have revealed this to him. He says, "On this rock I will build my church." (bring out the cinderblock) This is a cinderblock. It is strong, sturdy and an important part of the foundation of buildings that are being constructed. When Peter recognized Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus began building his church. The word "church" hadn't even been mentioned in the Bible until that moment. The whole church began the minute someone realized that Jesus wasn't just a nice teacher, but rather that he was the one, true Son of God.

Peter was one of the first and most important leaders in the early church. He wasn't perfect. The Bible says that Peter was hot-headed, strong-tempered and even had trouble keeping his faith in Jesus. Even so, God did amazing things with Peter. God didn't need perfect people to start his church. He just needed people who were willing to see Jesus for who he really was and who were willing to spread that message to the world. On that foundation God began building the church of the people of God. Two thousand years later that church still stands firm.

Prayer: God, thank you for Peter and for your church. Amen.