Very good analysis. The subject of Jesus’ declaration of the “Rock” was Peter’s ANSWER. That answer, which acknowledged Jesus’ unity with God, is the rock upon Jesus built his Church. Think about it - is that concept, that teaching, not THE fundamental truth of Christianity? If course it is.
This doesn’t denigrate Peter in any way. In fact, Jesus holds him up as exemplifying the faith and understanding that comprises the true “church” of Christianity. But that doesn’t make Peter the LEADER of the Church! Such a conclusion is actually against that very teaching! Jesus had JUST praised Peter for acknowledging JESUS as the head of His Church!
This passage is the crux of the difference between Catholicism and Protestantism, and I personally believe it was done by Jesus to try to STOP anyone from claiming themselves “Pope” in his stead.
On the other hand, throwing the entity of Catholicism out because of the Pope issue is also foolish IMHO. Because the Catholic Church is, nevertheless, a repository of deep wisdom and learning and GENUINE Christianity.
I also believe, however, that it will take Jesus returning and grabbing EVERYONE by the back of the neck to resolve this issue, so I don’t lose sleep over it... anymore...
But name changes matters. Abram becomes Abraham; Jacob becomes Israel. Saul becomes Paul.
No MAN is leader of any Church. The Church is simply a congregation of different people, following the Path. If you want to confess or pray, take it directly to The One that can do something about it. We all are personally responsible for adherence to The Law. We are also personally accountable for our acceptance of the sacrifice our sins. ONLY the blood sacrifices were done away with, as Christ was the single sacrifice for all. Sacrificial shedding of blood was but a symbolic rite to point us towards His death and Resurrection. All other laws are eternal, including keeping the Sabbath. Though we are not to be judged by them, keeping them is a sign that we both know and obey the law, and therefore follow in the path blazed by our Savior.
On another note, it didn’t seem like Yeshua had much love for the church of his day. All he did pointed to a personal walk with God. There will be no man, no President, no King, no Pastor or Pope, that will save us or our nation. No group salvation, just one follower at a time. Church groups are great, for study or social activities. Not so much for fawning and leadership.