Bible moment
The Bible moment
In Matthew 16:13–20, Jesus asks his disciples who people say the Son of Man is. They report several answers, but when Jesus asks who they say he is, Simon Peter answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus blesses Simon and says that his Father in heaven revealed this to him. Jesus then gives Simon the name Peter and speaks of building his church on this rock. The passage says that the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. Jesus also gives Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven and speaks about binding and loosing. The passage ends with Jesus commanding the disciples not to tell anyone that he is the Christ. It does not explain beyond these words what “this rock” means, so this illustration should leave that question open.
Look closely
What children can notice
Jesus and Peter stand together while Jesus speaks of building his church on this rock. A simple, non-literal architectural suggestion may show a small church structure and a rock nearby, but keep the image clearly modest and avoid claiming a specific interpretation of “this rock.” Include a gentle visual suggestion that the church will stand firm without showing frightening gates or conflict.
Talk together
Talk about it
- What did Peter say about Jesus?
- What did Jesus say he would build?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this page for a Bible lesson about Jesus’ identity, Peter’s confession, and Jesus’ teaching about his church. Invite children to notice the difference between what people reported and what Peter confessed. If discussing “this rock” or the keys, stay close to Matthew 16:18–19 and avoid presenting an interpretation as the only answer. This can support family reading, Sunday school, classroom discussion, or homeschool use.
Source note
From this passage
Matthew 16:18 · Peter’s Confession
Jesus and Peter stand together while Jesus speaks of building his church on this rock. A simple, non-literal architectural suggestion may show a small church structure and a rock nearby, but keep the image clearly modest and avoid claiming a specific interpretation of “this rock.” Include a gentle visual suggestion that the church will stand firm without showing frightening gates or conflict.
