Poison Pill (Matthew 16:18)

Poison pill.

When one hears this, suicide, murder, or some other nefarious scheme comes to mind. There is another definition, familiar in the business world. It is a defensive maneuver, designed to protect a publicly traded company from a hostile takeover. Like pharmaceutical poisons, there are a variety of poison pills that a company may avail. They range from issuing more shares to existing shareholders to prevent the hostile shareholder from gaining a majority share ownership or forcing a negotiation with the company’s board with a mutually agreeable buyout price. Despite this defense, it is a costly struggle for both sides and as the name suggests, it is painful. 

The strategy is to avoid an unpleasant outcome. Even with such Draconian measures, a hostile takeover may yet succeed. What hope is there for a company or individual confronted by overwhelming odds?

Thousands of years ago, Jesus Christ led His disciples to the region of Caesarea Philippi. It was an intimidating location, located 120 miles from Jerusalem. Herod the Great had built a massive temple to worship the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar. Worship of the Greek god Pan and Caananite God Baal was active with numerous temples. Wherever one turned, there was evidence of active opposition to God. Satan and his demons surrounded Jesus and His disciples. Outnumbered. No allies. What defense could they muster? Was there a spiritual poison pill they could take to protect themselves?

In this hostile environment, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (Matthew 16:13). Undoubtedly, the disciples of Jesus Christ may have been intimidated. Only Peter was bold enough to answer.

…“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:16 (ESV)

Jesus blessed Peter and powerfully declared…

…and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 16:18 (ESV)

Jesus did not utilize a poison pill but He did lay out His strategy. For the first time, Jesus declared that He would build His Church on this Earth. All His followers would be empowered to establish the Kingdom of God and nothing, not even the gates of hell, would ever prevail against it. Was it a costly struggle? Jesus gave His own life. Was it painful? Jesus was tortured and crucified and died on the Cross. Was it successful? Jesus was resurrected three days later and restored the relationship that sin had broken between God and man. 

A poison pill is a strategic action to ward off a hostile takeover and it may still fail. Jesus faced the greatest hostile force, the power of Satan and sin. His strategy cost Him His life but it forever crushed Satan and death and gave all of mankind the path to salvation and eternal life by placing our trust and faith in Jesus Christ.

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.