Rock Solid

For Simon, Jesus’ identity was crystal clear. When Jesus asked the big question, “Who do you say that I am?”, Simon was ready to answer, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Don’t gloss over that statement. Let yourself feel the weight of these words.

Son of the living God.

Messiah.

That’s a powerful confession.

The other disciples were standing right there. They probably believed it, too. But it was Peter who testified, and his confession still echoes today.

Jesus responds to Simon’s confession by giving him a new name: Peter.

Peter means “rock.”

A rock is something solid, strong, and unchanging – something you can stand on.

In a world where change is constant, we all long for a rock-solid foundation. And in our longing, Jesus asks us:

Who do you say that I am?

At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives an illustration about rock and sand. In short: a house built on rock stands in the storm. A house built on sand collapses.

What does that mean?

Jesus explains it Himself: If you hear His words and put them into practice – that’s building on the rock. If you hear His words but don’t act on them – that’s building on sand. Jesus makes it very clear: it’s about hearing and doing. Obedience.

That word might feel heavy or negative, but Jesus doesn’t soften it. He says it plainly: obedience is essential for anyone who wants to follow Him.

Reflection Questions

• Who is Jesus to you?
• What foundation are you building your “house” (your life) on?
• How does your choice of foundation affect your daily life?

Prayer

"Jesus, thank You for the chance to confess who You are. You are the Son of God. You are the Living One. You are the Messiah. And - no matter how much or how little I fully understand - I love You. Help me, Lord, to follow You today, tomorrow, and every day. Amen."

This Reading Plan was created by Alongsiders Europe, a discipleship movement, in partnership with OneHope and Jesus.net.

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