August 27, 2023 — Pentecost +13A – Matthew 16:13-20

“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.”

Caesarea Philippi was also known as Paneas – it stood at the foot of Mt. Hermon. There was a large cliff there referred to as the “Rock of the G-ds”. There were many shrines built there, especially into the cliff face. In the center of the “Rock of the G-ds” there was a huge cave from which flowed a stream that was one of the major sources of the Jordan River. The cave was also called “The Gates of Hades”. It was believed that the god Baal would come and go from the underworld through this cave. This was a lush area – it had a sweeping view of the Upper Jordan River Valley. The water that gushed forth created an oasis of life. One of the shrines built to a god was the shrine to “Pan” – the half goat, half man, flute player. Pan was a “seer” – the Romans and the Greeks received revelations from Pan. He was also worshipped for fertility – his shrine was sexually explicit…….and there were strange sexual rites performed at his shrine. So you see why the Rabbi’s would not even visit this area – it was the original “Sin City” – what happened in Caesarea Philippi (CP) stayed in CP – if you know what I mean.  

How do you think the disciples would have reacted? And when Jesus arrived in CP perhaps he had them sit in this lush, oasis when he asked them the question “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” At the foot of Mt. Hermon, at the place they called the “Rock of the G-ds” Jesus asks his followers about his Messiah-ship. Someone says “Well, Jesus, some people say you are John the Baptist”. Another says “Some say you are Elijah”. Another says “Jeremiah or one of the prophets”. Jesus tells them that it is nice what others say – but then he asks them “What do you say? Who Am I?” Peter says “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living G-d”. And Jesus says, “You are right, Peter. And you will be called “Peter” (Petros) and upon this rock I will build my church. And the gates of Hades will not prevail against my church”.

Why did Jesus go to Caesarea Philippi? The juxtaposition of images cannot be over looked. At the foot of this statue to Pan and perhaps many other shrines, Jesus inquires of their understanding of the Messiah. Protestants claim it is Peter’s “confession” that Jesus is the Messiah – we claim this is the rock on which the church is built. And Jesus gives his followers, including you and me, a rock of faith to stand upon. 

Pastor Dave