The Lord said to Simon, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” – Matthew 16:18-19
Jesus must have had great faith in Peter to lead his church, even though Peter denied knowing Christ after his arrest by the temple soldiers. Peter repented and Jesus forgave him.
What an example for all of us! Christ’s message of love and redemption is made so clear in Peter’s very human behavior. If even Peter, chosen by Christ, can stumble, repent and be forgiven, then we too can repent and experience the love and forgiveness of Christ.