2025

Day 08 / 08.07.25 / Rev Raymond Fong, Pastor-in-charge of Wesley Methodist Church

Day 8: All in for Revelation

Matthew 16:15-18 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

These are challenging times we live in, and I sometimes wonder how we, as the people of God, can persevere to accomplish His purposes for us, for such a time as this.

What Jesus tells Peter in Matthew 16 is insightful.

In verse 15, Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say I am?”

Matthew 16:15-18:

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

To understand the significance of these verses, the original Greek is helpful. Jesus says to Peter, you are Peter (petros, meaning small stone) and on this rock (petra, meaning large mass of strong rock or projecting cliff), I will build my church.

This seems to suggest that Church is not built on Peter but on a much larger and stronger rock, the petra. This petra is the revelation of who Jesus is: Jesus is the Messiah, Saviour and Lord.

The gates of Hades cannot overcome this revealed truth that Jesus is Lord. The petra, the penetrating and strong rock, will smash the gates of Hades and the purposes of the evil one to pieces.

We, like Peter – petros, little small stones – need to be built on the petra, the rock of that revelation of who Christ is.

When there is revelation of who Christ is, there is a deeper awareness of the presence of God. Christ with us gives us the courage and strength we need.

When there is revelation from Christ, there is purity as we see how much we need the Spirit of God to cleanse and purify us to be His people, set apart for him.

When there is revelation from Christ, we grasp the purposes of God more clearly. Our concern is no longer the agenda of men but the assignment from God.

When Christ is revealed, there is power from God. We lean not on our strength but tap into that resurrection power of God to persevere, knowing our labour for the Lord is not in vain.

We, like Peter – petros, little small stones – need to be built on the petra, the rock of that revelation of who Christ is.

Today, we don’t need just more information, more facts, or analysis. We desperately need the revelation of who Christ is and what that means for the situations we face. That will be the petra on which the Church is built, so that we may be strong.

Let’s ask God to lead us to the Rock that is higher than us (Psalm 61:2).

In response, let us:

Humbly seek a fresh revelation of who Jesus is – Revelation is a gift, not an entitlement. Jesus tells Peter that the revelation that he is the Messiah was given by God. Let us humble ourselves and earnestly seek God every day for His revelation through the power of His Word.

Reverently obey – The power of revelation is realised through obedience. If God reveals, then let us obey. Is it to take courageous and holy action? Is it a call to surrender? Is it to forgive and restore? Let’s obey as the Lord reveals.

Passionately bless – God’s ultimate revelation of Christ is the cross. And that is His blessing of sacrificial love. Love poured out for us so that we may bless others with such love. Let God’s revelation always lead us to loving God and loving our neighbour.

Jesus comes to you and me and asks, “Who do you say I am?”

May we pursue a fresh revelation of who Christ is and what that means for us in every season so that we may be His courageous, faithful and passionate servants.

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus, We need You. As we seek You, may we find You. As we find you, may we be transformed by You. Renew us with a fresh revelation of who You are, and what that means for us, our family, our community and ministry. Give us Your grace to trust and obey. Be glorified, Lord, as You reveal Yourself to us for we only desire to be Your good and faithful servants. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

/ Reflect

Our call and glory is to know God and to make Him known (John 17:3). How will you obtain a fresh revelation of who Jesus is?
What has God revealed to you – is there someone you must forgive? Is there something you must surrender? – that requires your obedience? What is keeping you from obeying?
Such selfless love has been poured out for us. Reflect on what steps you will take to pour out love on those who have never known what it is like to be loved.

/ Pray

That Jesus will reveal who He is to each of us, that as we receive a deep revelation of the Person of Jesus, it will transform us from inside out.
That we recognise that we are only petros – small stones – in this world, and that our true Source and power lie in the petra – the foundation rock that Jesus is.
That we will be holy as the Lord is holy, that the dross of our lives is burnt away and every unclean thing removed from us. We have been crucified with Christ, and we no longer live, but He lives in us. (Galatians 2:20)