Daily Lectionary | Genesis 18 & Matthew 16:13-20
Genesis 18
Summary
Three angels appear to Abraham, one of them being the Lord. Abraham pleads for them not to “pass over” him until they share a meal. In the context of this of meal, with the Lord and his angels, a blessing and judgment is announced.
First, Sarah will have a child. Sarah overhears this and laughs--she can’t imagine the pleasure of children at such an advanced age. Her laughter will be her son’s name: Isaac.
But there’s also an impending judgment. The Lord stayed back to disclose to Abraham Sodom’s coming destruction while the other two angels go to Sodom. The sin of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, so the Lord will inspect the city to see if they the cities live up to their evil reputation (see Gen. 13:13). And they do.
Abraham cautiously negotiates and takes counsel with the Lord: “Will you destroy the wicked with the righteous? If there are 50? 45? 40? 30? 20? 10? The Lord says even if there are 10 righteous in the city he would not destroy it.
The Lord has appeared in a smoking pot in Genesis 15:17 and now appears as a man. There are many “theophanies” (appearances of God) in the Old Testament. The Lord will finally appear in the flesh at the Incarnation (Jn. 1:14). We may understand these theophanic appearances in the Old Testament are pre-Christian appearances of the second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ.
When Christ finally comes, he too will bring blessing and judgment. He will inspect a great city. He will enjoy a meal in the presence of those who welcome him.
Reflection Questions
- What do we learn about the Lord’s character in Abraham’s negotiation with him?
- Christians have often seen Abraham giving an example of hospitality to the three visitors. Read Hebrews 13:2. What do we learn from Abraham about hospitality?
Matthew 16:13-20
The Confession of Peter
Summary
Solomon constructed a temple out of stones. Jesus promises that no stone will be left on top of another of the current temple in Jerusalem after a coming judgment (Matt. 24:2). Is Jesus in the demolition business only? Well, to Peter’s answer to Jesus’ question, he is a greater Jeremiah who like Jeremiah announces the coming destruction of the Lord’s house (Jer. 26).
But Jesus is also a new Solomon who builds a new house for the Lord. It will not be made with stones; but he will build the church on the rock of Peter (Peter’s name means rock--a name Jesus gave him!).
The word for church is the word used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament for “assembly,” the assembly for worship. The imagery of God’s holy ones called together is also used of the armies gathered together.
The “gates” of hell evokes the Biblical imagery of gates being places of judgment. Satan brings accusations and attempts to judge the saints, but his judgment will not stand against those who have the keys to the kingdom.
Peter will receive the “keys to the kingdom” and the authority to bind and loose. This authority, originating with Jesus, is distributed to the apostle Peter who shares it with the other apostles. Finally, it’s passed down and given to the church and her leaders.
- How is Peter’s role unique among the apostles?
- Read John 20:22-23. How might this connect with the authority of Peter to bind and lose?