The Rock: Peter or Christ?

Jesus asks a question that was not about the law, the commandments, the temple, the sacrifices; it was not a deep theological question. Upon the correct answer, He has been building His church for the last two millennia. The answer serves as the foundation of our faith, and the establishment of all truth.

Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
• The people's responses were shortsighted and earthly; they thought Christ was the return of one of the prophets.
• Jesus rephrased the question and Peter's response was both eternal and heavenly sent.

Matthew 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (the rock).
• Peter responded that Jesus was the incarnation of God in man (the Christ). In faith, Peter grasped the reality, presence and nature of God. Jesus tells them not to make this revelation known to the world. This truth although repeated stated would not be completely revealed until after the crucifixion.