Episode Details

In a pagan area away from Jerusalem, Jesus questions His disciples concerning what others say about Himself. While the answers given include elements of truth, none are complete. Jesus turns the question to the disciples themselves. Who do THEY say Jesus is? Peter speaks up for the whole group with a confession of faith that comes not from Peter’s wisdom but from God’s revelation. Jesus promises that He will build His Church on the rock of the firm foundation of this confession. Although the time to proclaim Peter’s confession has not arrived in Matthew 16, for the Church today the time is now to proclaim to all that Jesus is the Christ, so that those who believe find an open heaven.

Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 16:13-20.

To learn more about St. Michael's Lutheran, visit stmichaelswinchester.org.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org