eFollowingJesusFeb28 - Peter, the rock (Matthew 16:18)

   Jesus devised a pun that works in two languages!  Peter is to be petros (Greek for "rock"); Cephas (Peter's Aramaic name) is to be cepha (Aramaic for "rock).  "On you, Rock, I will build my church."  Did Jesus found a Church?  Wasn't he instigating a movement, which the Church has messed up?

   Many spiritual people today feel the Church is no longer helpful, and actually gets in the way of relating to God.  The Church can be an embarrassment to itself, and to God.  You have to wonder how it has survived for 2000 years.

   Perhaps Jesus should have found a more qualified, noble candidate than Peter - and perhaps Jesus should find better people than us today.  But the Church doesn't depend on the brains and brilliance of its members or leaders.  The Church is of God.

   Didn't Jesus anticipate that, for his vital movement to work, to last, to matter, some kind of organization would be required?  Don't we need each other to follow Jesus?  How lonely to go it alone!  We need friends.  Friends care about the truth.  Friends help each other to love God.

   Lord, thank You for the Church, foibles and all.  Use us to help each other to follow You.

James

james@mpumc.org

Sunday's sermon on Matthew 13:53-58, "Jesus' family," may be heard here.  And you can also download a podcast.

Here is the full text of Matthew 16:18 -  18: And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.

The full eFollowingJesus series (thus far!) may be found on our web site.