17 - The Rock of Our Salvation

Roundtable Discussion on the Scriptures

Introduction

  • Welcome to a roundtable discussion of the scriptures, specifically focused on the standard works of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, including the gospels of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

  • Participants:

    • Brent Top: Associate Dean of Religious Education

    • Professor Jeffrey Marsh

    • Professor Ray Huntington

    • Professor Kelly Ogden

Overview of Topics Discussed

  • Focus on the Bread of Life Discourse delivered by the Savior at Capernaum.

  • Discussion on Matthew chapter 16:

    • Context of the scripture

    • Analysis of the location of Caesarea Philippi

  • Importance of the setting and location as a backdrop for teachings.

Caesarea Philippi

  • Location Identification:

    • Not on the coast but about 40 miles inland.

    • Established by Herod Philip as a capital and named after Caesar and Philip.

  • Reason for Apostles’ Visit:

    • Treated as a field trip.

    • Jesus aimed to use natural scenery for lessons, which were observable at the location.

Features of Caesarea Philippi

  • Scenic location at the foot of Mount Hermon, which is over 10,000 feet tall.

  • Geographic context:

    • Mountain rising from below sea level at the Sea of Galilee, roughly a 35-mile hike from the Sea of Galilee.

    • Illustrates themes such as rock formations and flowing water from snowmelt, linking to spiritual concepts of life and revelation.

Teaching Lessons from the Landscape

  • Jesus often uses his surroundings to teach:

    • The rock formation is symbolic in relation to Peter's name and the foundation of his church.

    • Water flow from Mount Hermon supports life in Israel, drawing parallels to spiritual sustenance from Christ's teachings.

The Bread of Life Discourse

  • Discussion of the controversial nature of this sermon, which caused offense among many disciples, resulting in some leaving.

  • The topic shifts to contrasting ideas, introducing the “leaven of the Pharisees” to challenge the disciples’ understanding of his identity and mission.

Jesus’ Questions to the Disciples

  • Who do people say that I am? (Matthew 16:14)

    • Apostles respond with various identities attributed to Jesus, excluding his true messianic title.

    • The significance of the identity and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.

Peter's Testimony

  • Peter’s Declaration (Matthew 16:16):

    • “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

    • Importance of recognizing both roles: Messiah and divine sonship, highlighting Jewish expectations of the Messiah.

  • Revelation Source:

    • Emphasis on the divine revelation Peter received from God rather than societal or scholarly input.

Jesus’ Response to Peter

  • Blessed Are You (Matthew 16:17):

    • Affirmation that Peter’s testimony came from divine revelation: "Flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven."

    • Indicates the significance of Peter's insight as pivotal to the understanding of Jesus’ divine nature.

  • Christ, the Rock:

    • Wordplay on Peter (Petros) and rock (Petra), indicating the foundation of the church established upon revelation rather than solely on Peter himself.

  • Authority and Keys

    • Discussion about the priesthood keys granted to Peter; noted distinction between holding the priesthood and having the keys to direct its use.

    • Keys are necessary for governance and performing ordinances, highlighting the role of church authority.

Revelation and the Church

  • Significance of Revelation:

    • Ongoing flow of revelation likened to a river, essential for sustaining life and spiritual knowledge.

    • Relates back to the foundational belief that revelation is critical for the church to thrive against opposition.

The Role of Keys in Authority

  • Priesthood Keys vs. Priesthood Power:

    • Priesthood is God’s authority delegated to man.

    • Keys provide rights to preside and perform ordinances in a church context.

  • Comparison to modern practices where keys must be held by leaders for ordination and baptism events.

The Importance of Presiding Leaders

  • Historical context: Teaching about how early apostles, including Peter, presided over the church, leading its development and sustaining it after Christ's departure.

Conclusion and Future Topics

  • Emphasis on the vital transitional moments leading toward the acknowledgment of Jesus’ impending sacrifice and resurrection.

  • Next session previewed the fulfillment of promises given at Caesarea Philippi.

Summary

  • The scriptural and doctrinal significance of witness and revelation discussed, setting the foundation for church governance based on ongoing divine revelation and authority granted through priesthood keys.

  • Links made between Jesus’ teachings, the context of location, and the apostles’ development in understanding their roles as key holders of the faith.