Isaiah 22:19-23 The prophet Isaiah preaches God’s message some eight centuries before the birth of Jesus. His book commences with God grieving over the children of Israel who have disowned their heavenly Father. The prophet labors to steer people back toward God and before the book concludes, they come to see reality as it truly is – God’s splendid gift – and beg to be forgiven for their selfish ways.
Matthew 16:13-20 Two images dominate the Gospel: a rock and keys. Both come from the Old Testament, In the Psalms, God often is called the rock, thereby emphasizing the solid and reliable foundation upon which one can trust unconditionally. Authority is seen in the transfer of keys to a trusted servant of the king.
