Matthew 16:23

New International Version

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.”

For Meditation

Someone has said that “Exuberance may too quickly call Jesus, ‘Lord!’ Only the committed to the Calvary road will prove our discipleship.”

Jesus is Lord and Messiah, we know. We see the lofty title and the privileges of His exaltation, and we find no problem identifying with Him. We can quickly call Him Lord, and that is a high privilege. But have we taken time to ponder on the responsibilities that come with that privilege? Have we considered the pain and suffering He had to endure to become Savior? Do we see how the cross was a must-go for Him—to bear our sins unto death—our death? Do we realize it is our turn to take up our crosses and follow His footsteps in suffering and endurance?

Peter did not grasp this truth that quickly, so he rebuked Jesus when the Lord talked about the Calvary agenda. 

 “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” (Matthew 16:22).

He cared more about the earthly kingdom— “the things of men,” as Jesus called them—than the plan of heaven.

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” (23). 

Sometimes, that is how we feel about the things of God. They are not so engaging to us. We have a different view of what must happen and how things should be. Earthly things become our focus so much that we cannot lift our eyes to see Jesus seated at the right hand of the Father (Col. 3:1-2) and what He is doing for us (Rm. 8:34). We miss what He wants to communicate to us. Instead of being excited about what He has revealed to us, we go like,

 “No, Lord! That is not it. It would be better we do it this way or that.” 

Paul asked philosophically,

“Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”

And Isaiah adds: 

“Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord or instruct the Lord as his counselor?”

Our duty as disciples is to listen to Him and do what He tells us. He is a loving God, and all He does is for our eternal good. Calvary was God’s greatest gift for humankind. It is a privilege we have to cherish and take advantage of and respond appropriately. 

So, have you understood the responsibilities that come with being titled “Child of God” or “Christian?” Have you committed to the Calvary agenda and the walk on the road that leads to the cruel cross? Are you persevering in it?