Of 266 Catholic popes, was Peter the first? 

     In Matthew chapter 16, we read that Jesus asked his disciples, Who do people say that I am? They gave him some names.

     But what about you? Who do you say I am? 

     Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

     Jesus replied, Blessed are you...for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church... I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven... 

Seems like Peter was destined to be the church's first pope.

     Then Jesus revealed to his disciples that he was going to Jerusalem and would suffer at the hands of the elders, priests and teachers. 

     Peter - who often thought he knew best - couldn't accept that. He "took (Jesus) aside and began to rebuke him. 'Never, Lord!' he said. 'This shall never happen to you!'" 

     Jesus turned and said to Peter, Get behind me, Satan. You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men. 

     Wow. One minute God reveals truth to Peter. Then, Satan speaks through the same man. We'll look into this and see you here on Monday. 

Monday: the Rock and the rock