The Foundation and Mission of the Church: Insights from Matthew 16:18

The Brief

In “The Foundation and Mission of the Church: Insights from Matthew 16:18,” we explore the transformative conversation Jesus had with His disciples in Caesarea Philippi, revealing the true nature of the church as a community united by faith in Him, not by human leaders or ritualistic practices. The article emphasizes that the church’s legitimacy comes from Christ’s declaration of sovereignty and the faith confession of Peter, affirming Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. It highlights the church as a divine institution, built upon the foundation of faith, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and inclusive of all who believe in Jesus. This understanding provides healing and a renewed sense of belonging for those hurt by the church, steering the community back to its original mission as the body of Christ on earth.

Introduction:

In the unexpected and spiritually contrasting setting of Caesarea Philippi, a city steeped in pagan worship, and far from the religious piety of Jerusalem, Jesus presents a revolutionary dialogue about the true nature of what the church is (Matthew 16:13–20). As a pastor, I am drawn to the profound implications of this passage for those who have felt hurt by the church—whether through misrepresentation by its leaders or disillusionment stemming from unmet expectations. This article seeks to deepen our collective understanding of the church’s foundation and mission.

Section 1: The Church as a Community of Faith

The passage in Matthew 16 highlights the idea that the church is a congregation that shares a common faith in Jesus. This is in contrast to Caesarea Philippi, which has polytheistic beliefs and worships numerous gods, and Jerusalem, which has different schools of thought about interpreting the law and what it means to be a faithful Jew. The church is a place for all those who believe in Jesus Christ, offering real fellowship and a sense of belonging. The community’s identity is based on their shared faith in Christ, which brings hope to those who have been hurt by previous church experiences. This is because the nature of the community is not based on sinful opinions being in common with other people’s opinions, but rather on a common surrendering to a truth that is outside of ourselves. Opinions can lead to prideful competition on who is right, whereas surrendering to truth outside of yourself requires being humble. It is important to remember that, like Peter and other Christians, we all have flaws and make mistakes that can be irritating, but if we believe in Jesus, we have a common place in His community.

Section 2: The Sovereignty and Ownership of Jesus

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declared His authority over the church, which challenged the corrupt religious leaders of His time. This proclamation emphasizes that true leadership in the church is in and from Christ Himself, giving hope to those who have been let down by human leaders. It’s important to remember that all of humanity struggles with sin, and as a result, leaders may sometimes fall short. However, Jesus remains sovereign and has placed us in His church. Even in the midst of human brokenness, Jesus always sovereignly cares for His church.

Section 3: Faith as the Basis for Membership

The church is not defined by attendance or rituals but by faith. This is exemplified by Peter’s confession, which Jesus affirmed as divinely revealed. Faith is, therefore, the foundation for automatic inclusion in the church, rather than something we are voluntarily invited to. This realization is important for those who have been disillusioned by the failings of the church, as they can rediscover their place within the community of believers due to their shared faith which Jesus Christ made the uniting factor of the church. Faith is the common ground Christ uses that weaves us all together into the tapestry of the church.

Section 4: The Objective Reality of Jesus’ Identity

It is essential for the foundation of the church to be comprehended as Jesus, “the Christ, the Son of the living God,” which includes all that is biblically implied as Jesus being God’s Messiah (the Hebrew equivalent of Christ in Greek). In verse 13, we see individuals making educated guesses about who Jesus is, but only Peter’s confession serves as a model for the fundamental beliefs of the church because it is grounded in the true revelation of Jesus’ identity and purpose. This helps those who have been deceived by false representations of the church to return to the objective heart of the gospel, which is discovered in Jesus.  In that, as we discover who Jesus is, we discover the core truth that unites us all and not a subjective guess as to what the church should be.

Section 5: Christ’s Active Role in Building the Church

Jesus declared His intention to build the church on the foundation of Peter’s confession, signifying His active involvement in its growth and sustainability. This promise emphasizes that the church’s origin and destiny are divine, bringing comfort to those who have endured institutional imperfections wrought of men. The church is not founded on human efforts but on divine origins.

Section 6: The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit played a crucial role in revealing Jesus’ identity to Peter. This highlights the Spirit’s continuous role in enlightening individuals about the nature of Jesus and his significance in binding the church community together. We may sometimes worry that people might mislead us in the church, whether intentionally or not. However, we can be reassured that discovering Jesus is a journey guided by the Spirit. Although God uses people to spread the Gospel, it is ultimately the Spirit that confirms the truth of the message spread. We should not be afraid of being misled by people into joining a church, but instead, understand that it is the Spirit who leads us to Jesus, and it is Jesus who welcomes and places us into his Church. Therefore, our belonging to Christ’s church is God-led and not due to human intent.

Conclusion:

In the narrative of Matthew 16:13-20, we encounter a profound revelation that extends an invitation to all—especially to those who bear the scars of past church wounds. This passage not only constructs the theological framework of the church but also serves as a beacon of restoration and unity. The church, as established by Christ, is not a monument to human righteousness or leadership, but a living, breathing community anchored in divine grace and truth.

This foundational understanding offers solace to the disheartened and disillusionment to the estranged. It is here, within the embrace of Christ’s church, that the injured can find a sanctuary for healing, a space for genuine fellowship, and a place where their faith is validated not by the flawed standards of man, but by the unwavering love of Christ.

As we absorb the teachings from Matthew, we are reminded that the church’s mission transcends its earthly challenges, driven by the ceaseless work of the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth. This mission calls us not to a building or an institution, but to a journey rooted in Christ, who is both the architect and cornerstone of a community designed for eternity. It is a mission that invites us to lay down our burdens at the foot of the cross, to rise in the newness of life imparted by the Spirit, and to embrace our collective calling to serve as Christ’s body on earth.

In this renewed vision of the church, may we find the courage to extend Christ’s love to the broken, to offer forgiveness where there has been hurt, and to build bridges where division once stood. May our ministries reflect the inclusivity and grace found in the gospel for all who trust in it, forging a path that leads us all back to being a community founded in the worship of and truth in Jesus.

Let us then, as carriers of this vision, step forward with renewed purpose, emboldened to cultivate a community that mirrors the community found in the kingdom of heaven.

References:

Blomberg, C. (1992). Matthew (Vol. 22, pp. 249–256). Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Evangelical Free Church of America. (2022). Evangelical Convictions: A Theological Exposition of the Statement of Faith of the Evangelical Free Church of America (2nd ed.). Minneapolis, MN: Free Church Publications.

Keener, C. S. (1993). The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Mt 16:13–20). InterVarsity Press.