Scripture: Matthew 16: 23
21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
Scripture Commentary
Jesus prepares his disciples for what is to come when he explains that he must suffer, be killed, and on the third day be raised to life. Peter rebukes Jesus for saying this. This is the same Peter who early on says that Jesus is the Son of God; the same Peter who later denies Jesus three times.
Satan tries to use Peter to get Jesus to forsake his mission. This is Satan’s mission for us even today. Satan knows who Jesus is yet he tries to tempt him anyway. And if Satan tried to tempt Jesus, how much more will he try to tempt each of us.
Oftentimes our most difficult temptation comes from those who only try to protect us from discomfort. However, our true protector is Jesus Christ. When we give our lives in service to Christ we truly discover the real purpose of living.
Who do you serve – God or self? Where is your life taking you – to heaven or hell? Is there love in you or hate? Do you give or always take? Do you help or hinder others?
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