The foundation of the church, which was mentioned during a conversation between the Lord and His disciples (Matthew 16:13–19), is often drastically misinterpreted. When Jesus asked the Twelve who they thought He was, Peter gave a wonderful answer: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:16). The dominant misinterpretation concerns the following two verses, where after praising his insight as a revelation from God, Jesus added, ". . . You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church."

    Because the name "Peter" comes from the Greek word petros, meaning "rock," it is widely held that Jesus founded the church upon this one man. Such an idea is completely unscriptural. For God to establish His holy church upon any mere man is certainly not in keeping with His ways. Furthermore, "rock" in this verse is expressed by a different Greek word, petra. So we must ask, To what "rock" was Jesus referring?

    Rather than indicating Peter, the man, as the foundation, Jesus was signifying the confession Peter had just made. Christ meant that the church would be founded upon the bedrock of Peter's confession: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Scripture describes the church as:

• A flock. Christians belong to the Lord. (John 10:16)
• A branch on the vine. Believers are "grafted into," or made one with Christ Jesus. (John 15)
• A building that is unified. No group of believers is deprived of God's full blessing. (Ephesians 2:17–22)
• A body, of which Christ is the head. Members have different purposes but function together under Christ's leadership. (Colossians 1:17–18)
• The household of God. The church comprises the members of God's family. (1 Timothy 3:14–15)
• The pillar and support of the truth. Pure truth—not a mixture of truth and error—should emanate from a local body of believers. (1 Timothy 3:15)
• A priesthood of believers. We come before God with authority, position, and privilege. (1 Peter 2:5–9)
• The bride of Christ. God's relationship with His followers is intimate and loving. (Revelation 19:7)

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:

1. How do you view the less prominent members of your congregation?

2. If Jesus is the head of the church, what role does the local pastor play?