Who or what is the “rock” upon which Jesus will build his church? Roman Catholics say it’s Peter. That’s why, in their mind, he became the first pope. Protestants say that the “rock” is Peter’s testimony: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” That’s probably a better answer. But is it the right one? Let’s read a few verses from Matthew 16:
“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
(Matthew 16:13-18 ESV)
To find the answer to our question, we need to look at geography. Where were Jesus and the disciples when they had this conversation? They were in “the district of Caesarea Philippi.” That’s all the way up north in Israel, close to Mount Hermon and the border with Syria and Lebanon. This is in the area that in Old Testament times was called Bashan.
In Old Testament times, it was the center of Baal worship. In Jesus’ day it was a mostly Gentile area, and they worshiped Pan there, a Greek false deity. This place was filled with idolatry and all sorts of immoral things happened there, including the sacrifice of children.
In the area of Caesarea Philippi there is a foothill of Mount Hermon which is referred to as “the Gates of Hades”. In this foothill, or rock, there is a large cave where those demonic deities were said to live. All around this area there would have been people involved in sacrifices to demons and sexual perversion (even with animals).
Jesus and his disciples must have either been standing on top of the hill or next to it. “Look, these are the gates of Hades. And right here in this darkest place I will build my church, and the enemy, Satan, will try all he can do destroy it. But he won’t succeed, because it is MY church!”
The same is true today: when we plant Jesus’ church in dark places (Hilversum and Almere are some good examples!), Jesus will build it. No matter the attacks that will come against us, if we stay true to his Word, we will not only survive. We will thrive! Note that all the enemy has are “gates”, which are used for defense! Jesus and his Church are on the offense!
It is Jesus’ church. Not our church! He will defend it! He will fight for it!
The photos from the “Gates of Hades” in Hermon Springs national park in northern Israel I took myself during a family trip in April 2023.
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