THE ROCK

Matthew 16:16-18; I Cor. 10:1-4

Introduction:

When our Lord told Simon, ‘Thou art Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,’ He was not telling Peter that the church would be built on him as a first ‘Pope.’ Rather He was clearly stating that He would build His church on the rock of Peter’s declaration in Matthew 16: 16, that of Jesus as ‘THE CHRIST, the Son of the living God.’ There is an important contrast between Peter and ‘the rock.’ Peter was a surname given to Simon by our Lord when He called him. It means simply ‘a little stone.’ In reference to Himself, however, our Lord uses the term ‘rock,’ which refers to a large flat surface that serves as a firm foundation, upon which castles may be built and not be moved.

This fits the pattern that we find in both the old and new testaments of the Lord Jesus compared to a rock. How is this a fitting description of our Lord?

1. Christ as the Rock is a sure foundation.

Christ’s declaration in Matthew 16:18 is based upon the prophecy in Isaiah 28:16, “Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone.” The Lord Christ is a firm and sure foundation, I Cor. 3:11, and at the same time, the chief Cornerstone on which the whole wall of salvation stands! The cornerstone must be strong enough to withstand the stress of the entire structure on it. It is the measure from which the rest of the wall is taken and other the stones are laid. With reference to Christ’s church, the body of truth rests upon the doctrine of Christ alone, as communicated to us through the apostles and prophets, Ephesians 2:20. Because the strength of it lies in the person and work of Christ, whoever lays the stress of his salvation on Him, not even the power of sin, hell, or the devil may be able to remove or destroy him. That which is built upon Christ, the Rock, stands sure in any tempest, no matter how strong, Matthew 7:25. The "rain", "floods", "stream", and "winds", refer to the temptations of Satan, the persecutions of the world, the corruptions of a man's own heart, and the errors and false doctrines of men; from all which such a man is safe, who is built upon the rock Christ Jesus.

2. Christ as the Rock is a safe haven.

In some parts of the world today, even as in ancient times, people use rocks and cliffs as dwelling places, Isaiah 22:16, Jeremiah 48:28. Believers, like doves make their nest in the clefts of the Rock, Psalm 90:1 and 91:9. This depicts a high and safe place and Christ is high in respect of the dignity of His person and His dominion over devils, angels, and men- Isaiah 6:2 with John 12:41.

3. Christ as the Rock is a strong defense.

Against the bombardments of the most powerful forces, there are no fortifications like some rocks. David sought refuge there with his men in time of danger, I Samuel 13:6. Sinners, who flee to Christ for refuge- his blood for forgiveness and his righteousness for a covering, shall never be ashamed! The great old hymn states it best

‘How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,

Is laid for your rest in His excellent Word.

What more can be said, than to you he hath said,

To you who for REFUGE, to Jesus have fled.’