The Most Important Keys

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” — Acts 2:38 How many keys do you have? I have several keys that I use often, and we have lots of old or unused keys at home. Jesus gave Peter the most important keys in the world. When Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?” Peter declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:15-16). Jesus affirmed Peter’s declaration, saying it was revealed to him by his Father in heaven, and then Jesus promised to give Peter the “keys of the kingdom of heaven” (16:19). What are those keys? Speaking to a flash mob on Pentecost morning, Peter used the keys of the kingdom. In a ringing speech citing Old Testament proofs that Jesus is the Son of God, Peter proclaimed that Jesus came to save sinners. He died to pay the price of our sin, and he rose from death so that we could have new life in him, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Peter’s listeners were cut to the heart and asked, “What shall we do?” Peter responded by offering the keys of the kingdom of heaven: “Repent and be baptized . . . in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” In addition to your house keys and car keys, do you have the keys of the kingdom? If not, ask Jesus to reveal himself to you and to forgive your sins. And as a forgiven sinner, thank Jesus and ask him to use you to share those keys with the people around you who don’t know him. Help us, Lord Jesus, to share the keys of your kingdom with all who need you. Amen.