“Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke Him” (Mark 8:32).

For what reason does Peter strongly admonish Jesus? Peter reprimands Jesus for speaking about His own Passion. Namely, that the Christ will suffer, be rejected, be killed and rise again after three days.

Peter dares to instruct God how things need to be, not seeking to understand how God designs them best to be.

In this instance, Peter only is seeking to avoid pain and suffering.  While this might seem reasonable, Jesus explains otherwise – the way of our salvation is the way of the Cross.  Peter’s admonishment of Jesus threatens to undue the divine plan for us and for our salvation.

God will permit nothing to stand in the way of Jesus’ salvific mission.

“At this Jesus turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do'” (v. 33).

A disciple is not supposed to be in front of Jesus. A disciple [which means “learner” like a dedicated “apprentice”] refrains from telling Jesus who He is and what He must do.  Intentional disciples always remain behind Jesus so that they may follow Jesus wherever He leads them.

The word Jesus uses to describe Peter being in the wrong place is an especially sharp rebuke. In its original language “Satan“ means “stumbling block” or “obstacle”. In this instance, Jesus calls out Peter as being an obstacle standing in His way, something preventing Him from moving forward with His saving mission.

Heavenly Father, let us never act nor speak as if we know better than You. Permit us never to be an obstacle in Your saving mission for us and for our salvation. Amen.