“And 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.” Matthew 16:19, NKJV.
When I was about ten years old, my parents put a key to our house on a rudimentary chain and hung it around my neck. They were frustrated by the number of keys I lost and had yet to find. Assured that as long as my neck remained intact, I would always be able to find my key. Lost keys are a universal problem. We designate specific places in our houses for keys—cubbies, hooks, even boxes hanging on the wall labeling keys for the various treasured places or objects in our lives.
Peter, a hot-head and one of the rag tag followers of Jesus, struggled to understand the mission for which he had been called. Of course, Peter was not alone in his lack of understanding. Eleven other men, chosen by Jesus, also struggled. Three years they followed Jesus, but knowing His time on earth was coming to an end, Jesus wanted to prepare them for His departure. Like the chain with the key my parents hung around my neck, Jesus told Peter, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven…” Although I am quite certain Peter had no earthly idea the value of what Jesus was telling him at the time, “the keys of the kingdom of heaven” would unlock the mystery of the Law of Moses, the Messiah, Savior of the world.
Today, I wear a cross on a simple chain around my neck, symbol of the “key” to the kingdom of heaven. The cross and the blood that poured from it provided the dynamite power unleashing the angels who with heavens might rolled the gravestone away. As promised, Jesus will return to the earth. With the same power He dismantled the stronghold of sin and death setting the captives free, He will open heaven’s door by which those who believe will enter our eternal home.
Have you found the Key?
For deeper understanding, read Matthew 16.