Matthew 16:21-23 (ESV Strong's)
From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.
And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.”
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.”
Subject: God's Correction
Imagine the above story as it actually happened with Jesus, Peter and the other disciples siting around and observing their interaction. Jesus had just rewarded Peter a few minutes earlier. Peter had recognized and stated verbally that Jesus was the "Son of God" and Jesus let him know that this truth did not come from his natural heart (flesh and blood) but that the Father in heaven had given him that truth. Jesus then told Peter, in front of all of them, that He would build the church on this same faith Peter expressed!! Imagine how Peter's stock rose in the midst of the disciples. He must have been on cloud nine. Perhaps his chest even began to expand with a slight sense of pride. Then, the above happens. Jesus begins to tell the disciples that, yes, the church would be built on faith, but that faith would be centered around His suffering. Peter rejected that thought. He believed Jesus would be a Conquering King, not a Suffering Servant. Peter's objection was met with Christ's correction. Peter goes from fame to fool. All in a moment's notice. Jesus was willing to correct the disciple He just praised because the correction was needed. Even though it may have been harsh to the disciples, it was done in love. Jesus was going to build the church on the faith Peter demonstrated in the revelation that Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus could not let that faith be taken hostage by Satan to use Peter's flesh and to miss the most important phrases of this narrative: The church would be built on the truth of Jesus sacrifice. God is willing to discipline His children, no matter their station, status or insights. We need to be willing to take that correction so that we can become the person God wants us to be. NO matter our insights previously.
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