“But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
Matt. 16:23
The principles of the Kingdom will often confuse an outsider. In this chapter of Matthew, we hear Peter extolling the divinity of Jesus (vv. 15-17). Peter exceeds the norm with his analysis of what he believes is real and true.
Peter’s insight is as perceptive as it is supernatural. “You are the Christ,” Peter proclaims, “the Son of the Living God,” Jesus responds to this and He praises Peter for his sensitivity.
But, just a short time after he makes his astonishing pronouncement, he is taken apart by Jesus, being solidly rebuked face-to-face. In one clear and singular moment, he expresses a wonderful faith, and then suddenly his personal awareness precipitously crashes. He is now an evil person with Satan’s agenda. (See verse 23.)
I’m not sure why Peter does what he does.
It seems that in the light of this chapter (which actually seems like a bright glare), Peter is devastated. In three years of discipleship, it seems that all he merits is a brutal ‘dressing-down.’ All because he thinks he can correct Jesus, “the Son of the Living God.”
The rebuke is bitter. Peter is being compared to Satan!
I suspect that Peter was ashamed. He most likely wished he had a rewind button. His Savior, Jesus– has given him a new label. And it hurts. Many times, we would become resentful, maybe a bit bitter. It could cause some to walk away, developing an anger that solidifies into a permanent offense. Thank God, Peter doesn’t do anything that stupid.
The correction in the rebuke gives him life and hope.
But who’s to say we would be as correctable? Peter was rebuked in the presence of the other disciples. The publicity was embarrassing. Too many people were watching and listening. Peter will survive this, but he has to learn something valuable.
Our daily commitment to Jesus hinges on our willingness to be undone.
Jesus pretty much rakes us over the coals. He insists on total obedience to His faithfulness. And like Peter, we will learn. It may take some time though.
Every true disciple will be scorched– but incredibly loved.
Broken Believers 