EXPLORE THE TEXT
We cannot follow Jesus fully until we accept His mission as Messiah and Savior.
21 From then on Jesus began to point out to his disciples
that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem
and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes,
be killed, and be raised the third day.
22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, "Oh no, Lord! This will never happen to you!"
23 Jesus turned and told Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me
because you're not thinking about God's concerns -
but human concerns."
Share what they believe motivated Peter to contradict Jesus's words.
Briefly discuss ways people might mistake their own wisdom
for God's plans and purposes in life.
From page 32 of the PSG.
Help adults consider Peter's motives:
"This was the turning point in the ministry of Jesus.
Not only is this the transition point between the Galilean ministry
and the events in Jerusalem, but it is also a shift in focus for Jesus.
No longer are His teachings about the kingdom and His compassionate
healings the central thrust.
Now Jesus's life moved rapidly
toward the real reason He came. .Presumably Peter knew what was best for Jesus and took it upon
himself to rebuke Jesus for speaking of His impending death.
This may have arisen from Peter's brash personality, or his
supposed 'authority' he had received from Jesus calling
him the 'rock.' Or it could have arisen out of love for
Jesus and fear of the future."
The literal meaning of Satan is "adversary" or "opponent."
Jesus wasn't saying Peter was under demonic influence,
but that he was standing in opposition to God's divine plan for the
salvation of the world.
Has there ever been a time in your own life when you felt
like Peter: ready to "correct" God on His plan
because it wasn't going the way you imagined or expected.
Help adults see their own Peter-like tendencies,
wanting to take control rather than trusting Jesus.
Peter was a good leader, and His faith in Jesus was grounded
in truth. But he hadn't yet realized what would be involved
in truly following Jesus. He didn't realize at this point that it
would cost him everything. Jesus needed Peter to recognize that
his own plan was not God's plan.