Recorded in the sixteenth chapter of Matthew is a momentous talk between Jesus and his disciples. "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" he questioned them, and then again, "Whom say ye that I am?"
The second question brought from Simon the spontaneous recognition of his Master's spiritual nature and origin: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
The revelation of the true nature of Jesus as the herald of Christ, which Simon perceived, and the reply made by him to Jesus, have defined the rock, or foundation of Truth, upon which must be established all true church building. So clear was the statement of Simon that it called forth from the beloved Master this commendation: "Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." Thus did Jesus indicate that it was upon the understanding of the Christ that his church must be built.
