Conclusion of Who Really Is Jesus?

Jesus thus reveals that Peter is to receive special privileges. No, Peter is not given the first place among the apostles, nor is he made the foundation of the congregation. Jesus himself is the Rock-Mass upon which his congregation is to be built. But Peter is to be given three keys with which to open, as it were, the opportunity for groups of people to enter the Kingdom of the heavens.

Peter would use the first key at Pentecost 33 C.E. to show repentant Jews what they must do to be saved. He would use the second shortly afterward to open to believing Samaritans the opportunity to enter God's Kingdom. Then, in 36 C.E. he would use the third key to open to uncircumcised Gentiles, Cornelius and his friends, the same opportunity.

Jesus continues his discussion with his apostles. He disappoints them by telling of the sufferings and death that he will soon face in Jerusalem. Failing to understand that Jesus will be resurrected to heavenly life, Peter takes Jesus aside. "Be kind to yourself, Lord," he says. "You will not have this destiny at all." Turning his back, Jesus answers: "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, because you think, not God's thoughts,but those of men."

Evidently, other besides the apostles are traveling with Jesus, so he now calls them to him and explains that it will not be easy to be his follower. "If anyone wants to come after me," he says, "Let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake and follow me continually. For whoever wants to save his soul will lose it; but whoever loses his soul for the sake of me and the good news will save it."

Yes, if they would prove worthy of his favor, Jesus' followers must be courageous and self-sacrificing. He relates: "For whoever becomes ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of man will also be ashamed of him when he arrives in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." Mark 8:22-38; Matthew 16:13-28; Luke 9:18-27.

Next time: A Preview Of Christ's Kingdom Glory

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991