The Declaration of Peter: Faith Amidst Darkness

Peter, the rock, will build a church that death cannot defeat.

### The Revelation of Identity and Purpose in a Place of Death
* 💬 The Rabbi leads his disciples to a cave, prompting Andrew to question the purpose of their visit, as he finds it an "**abomination**" during Shiva.
* 🌟 The Rabbi challenges them to consider whether they should **avoid dark places out of fear** or be a **source of light**, referencing Simon and Judas's missions.
* 🔍 The disciples discuss the various opinions about the Son of Man, including comparisons to **Elijah**, **Jeremiah**, and **John the Baptizer**.
* ✨ Peter declares, "You are the Christ, the **son of the living God**," recognizing the living God amidst the **dead idols** they see around them.
* 🪨 The Rabbi blesses Peter, renaming him as "**Rock**," stating that **on this rock, he will build his church**, emphasizing the **power of life over death**.
* 🔑 He promises Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven, granting him **authority to declare truth** and **influence others towards repentance**.
* 🤫 The Rabbi instructs them to keep this revelation quiet to avoid misunderstanding and premature rebellion against Rome, emphasizing the **importance of true identity**.
* 🚶 He concludes by honoring John the Baptizer's role in preparing the way for him, urging his disciples to be **fearless and obedient**, even in dark places, as they follow in his footsteps.

Come. Come. Rabbi, this place... Respectfully, Rabbi, why did you bring us here? It's an abomination. -That's a pretty strong word, Andrew. -Rabbi... during Shiva? Should we avoid dark places out of fear, or should we be light to them, like Simon and Judas were on their mission? Do you think my cousin would be afraid of this cave? Do you think he would be so appalled by what happens in that temple over there that he couldn't stand to be in this place? Who do people say the Son of Man is? Uh, some say you are Elijah, the one who preaches repentance. Others say Jeremiah, because he was rejected by the leaders of his time. And still others say one of the prophets, those that spoke on God's behalf. Okay, what are we gonna have to do? Cast lots? Nathanael, this is your moment. Be yourself.

Some say John the Baptizer, which obviously isn't true. Okay, well, that's everyone else. But who do you say that I am? You? You are the Christ, the son of the living God. These carved statues of Baal and Pan and other idols that we passed? They're dead and decaying, but we worship a living God. And you... You are his son. Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my father in heaven. All your life, you've been called Simon, one who hears. But today, I call you Peter. Rock. And it is on this rock that I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. This is a place of death, and I brought you here to tell you that death has no power to hold my redeemed people captive. Because I live, you also will live. I will give you the keys to 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. You have the authority to declare the truth to others that I am declaring to you, that the repentant have a place in the kingdom of heaven. You have confessed that I am the Christ, and you will influence many others to make the same confession in time. But I will explain more later. For now, you must all keep this quiet. I strictly charge you not to tell anyone. Rabbi, some already know that you are the Messiah. Why keep this silent now? In some places, for some people, it was important that they know and believe. But right now, if all our people of this region hear the Messiah has come, they will rise up in multitudes preparing to join a military figure in war against Rome. I want people to follow me based on my true identity, like Peter here,

not based on some misguided understanding of the title I hold. Teacher, our people are ready to believe in you and fight with you. Why else bring us to this place of death if not to defeat it? That will come in time. I brought you here to honor John by showing you what he was here to do. He was preparing the way for this. For me to build my church. A church that will never be stopped, even in a place like this. John was fearless of evil and obedient everywhere, and so must you be, even at the gates of hell. Are you ready to follow in his footsteps, and mine? Even if that leads you to a place like this? That is all. We should be going. I'll get that for you, Little James. Thank you. Peter, the rock.

When Simon became Peter (Matthew 10:2)

The Chosen

A Transformative Encounter in a Dark Place

The Rabbi brings his followers to a dark and unsettling location, challenging them to be a light in the darkness.

The conversation shifts to the identity of the Son of Man, with various opinions expressed before Peter declares him as the Christ.

The Rabbi then reveals Peter's new name and purpose, emphasizing that death has no power over his redeemed people and promising him the keys to the kingdom of heaven.

The Authority of Declaration and the Messiah's Silence

The speaker emphasizes the authority to declare truth and the importance of repentance for entry into the kingdom of heaven.

They acknowledge the confession of being the Christ and the potential to influence others' beliefs.

The speaker requests silence about their identity to avoid a tumultuous uprising against Rome, aiming for followers based on their true identity.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of their gathering in a place of death, aiming to honor John and prepare for the establishment of a powerful, unstoppable church.

They highlight the need for fearlessness and obedience in the face of evil, urging others to follow in John's and their own footsteps.

The message is one of readiness to confront challenges, even in the darkest places.