Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “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. Matthew 16:13-18

“Who do you say I am?”


That question from Jesus to His disciples in Matthew 16:15 still echoes through history. It’s not just a question for Peter—it’s the question every person must answer. This question stands above them all in a world full of opinions, speculation, and headlines—even those as big as the announcement of a new Pope.


The world recently watched as a new Pope, Pope Leo XIV, was named. With 1.4 billion Catholics globally, the Pope is arguably the most visible Christian witness in the world. That level of influence demands our attention, even if we’re from different Christian traditions. Some cheer with hope; others watch with caution.

But the real issue isn’t about robes, rituals, or Rome. It’s about Jesus. Who do you say He is? Jesus asked that question in Caesarea Philippi, a region known for pagan worship and even considered the “gate to hell” in mythological lore. He was setting the stage for a lesson not just in identity but in mission. The disciples answered with what others said: “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah…”

Sound familiar?

Even today, Jesus is often reduced to a wise teacher or spiritual influencer. But then Peter speaks up: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus affirms Peter’s confession—not because Peter figured it out on his own, but because God revealed it to him.

And then Jesus says something striking: “You are Peter [meaning ‘pebble’], and on this rock [meaning ‘boulder’], I will build my church.” Peter was the first leader of the early church, but his leadership was built on something much bigger: Jesus Himself. Peter wasn’t the foundation—Jesus was and is.

In Acts 4:11, Peter plainly says: “Jesus is the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.”

The Catholic Church sees Peter as the first Pope and believes he is “the rock” of which Jesus spoke in Matthew 16:18. While we may differ in theology, particularly around authority (Scripture alone vs. Scripture plus Church tradition), there is something powerful about understanding the global weight of Christian leadership. Whether we agree or not, the Pope represents Christianity in the eyes of many. That’s why praying for him matters.

But let’s not miss the bigger truth. Jesus is The Rock, The Foundation of the church. And Peter’s statement about belief is foundational for the church.

Then Jesus said, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” That’s not a picture of a fragile fortress under siege. It’s a declaration of an unstoppable mission. The church is not meant to retreat from the world but to charge the darkness with the light of Christ. (Like a Navy Seal team sent to rescue and free those held captive by evil forces.)

You and I are part of that mission. We may not wear robes or stand on balconies, but we carry the same gospel that Peter preached—boldly, publicly, and without apology. We storm the gates of hell not with anger or arrogance, but with grace and truth.



So, what do we do in light of a new pope, a changing world, and rising spiritual hunger across our nation and globe?
 We refocus on the foundation. Jesus is still the rock. The Church is still His.

And the question remains: Who do YOU say He is?


Your answer changes everything.

LIVE IT OUT

• How would you answer Jesus’ question: “Who do you say I am?

• Are you building your life on the rock of Christ, or on something else?

• How can you join the Church’s mission to push back darkness with the Gospel?