Beginning with Matt chapter 16, we see and interesting process of learning how to receive revelation and why it is so important to Christ’s church.
To go through this process we must put ourselves in Peter, James and John’s shoes. So let’s first do a quick recounting of all the miracles they have witnessed and things they’ve experienced while literally following Jesus.
The Sadducees and Pharisees have set aside their differences to come together against Jesus is indicative of the great opposition mounting against the Savior. They asked Jesus for a sign. To which Jesus retorted that these two groups find signs in the evening and morning atmosphere to predict the weather patterns, but cannot accept the signs already given concerning the Messiah and tells them they will have the same sign as given to Jonah: swallowed up for three days then resurrected.
Then Jesus addresses his apostles telling them to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees. They "reasoned among themselves" thinking he was rebuking them for not having brought bread with them. But Jesus actually rebukes them for reasoning among themselves. There are a few reasons why:
- Coming up with a reason and calling it the will of God, or truth, when they didn’t think to ask.
- They were focusing on material things and not the spiritual meaning of his saying.
So, as far as revelation goes, the apostles learn that the answer doesn't come from their reasoning along, but their reasoning checked by divine reasoning.
Then Peter, James and John are asked "Whom do ye say that I am?" and Peter answers, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God." To which Jesus replies "Blessed are though Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in Heaven."
Peter learns that revelation comes through the Spirit only, who is the messenger of the Father. Peter's testimony is confirmed by this admission.
In Matt 16:18-20, Peter learns that it is in fact revelation that the church will be built upon, that is to say, direction from Jesus Christ. In fact, in vs 18 when Jesus says "upon this rock shall I build my church" there is a footnote to rock that says "Here is a subtle wordplay upon “Peter” (Greek petros = small rock) and “rock” (Greek petra = bedrock). Christ is the Stone of Israel." Peter is a small rock, just like we are all small rock with our own callings and testimonies. Christ is the bedrock of the church, of our salvation, the author of revelation. Peter further learns that he will be given the sealing keys, further revelation for the work of the Lord.
The Lord then begins to educate his apostles about his coming death. To which Peter responds with dismay, not wanting Jesus to leave him (also that is not what their Messiah is supposed to do - he should save them , not die!). Jesus says to Peter: Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou asavourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Then tells them that those who follow him, should take up their cross and deny himself. Peter learned of revelation here too, that the will of God should be savoured more than the will of men - even if it seems something righteous like not wanting Jesus to leave his presence.
Peter, James and Jon, then receive the greatest revelation to confirm their testimony of Jesus the Christ, upon the Mount of Transfiguration. They receive an education from Moses and Elijah and Jesus about His death and resurrection and they also receive Priesthood keys. I'm going to post the puzzle piece about this story from Matthew, Mark, and Luke below.
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