Dear Explorer,
Read Matthew 16:21-23
And
Read Mark 8:31-33
Biblical scholars tell us that this is the first time that Jesus talked with His disciples about his upcoming death. Earlier we have seen Him mention it in His teachings in very indirect ways. But this is the first time, as far as we know that He began to instruct them about what would happen. What is Peter's reaction?
What is Jesus' response?
Why does Jesus call him Satan?
Jesus knew that Satan was influencing Peter's response. It is very humbling to realize that even a person as close to Jesus as Peter can be used by Satan to hurt others. But it's true. When we sin, do you think it influences other followers to sin, too? What about friends and those who don't yet know about Jesus? When Satan can get a follower of Jesus to throw a temper tantrum or demand their own way, he has succeeded in influencing everyone around them for evil and not for good. It is a serious matter to let Satan influence your walk.
Look carefully at what Peter said (Matthew 16:22) and see if you can find the lies planted there by Satan.
I see two lies behind Peter's statement to Jesus. The first one is, “I know what is best and You don't.” (God doesn't know what's best) and the second one is, “I can control what will happen.” (God seems to not be in control – so I'll handle this!). Do you think that these two lies had any impact on Jesus' beliefs? Probably not because He's solid. But they certainly didn't strengthen Him or encourage Him!
Now, look at how Jesus reacted to Peter's words. Some translations say that Jesus calls Peter a stumbling block or an offense. What is a stumbling block?
When we first moved into our house in California, we found a stumbling block in our backyard. There was a pathway made of large flat stones. Each stone was approximately a foot wide square and mostly flat on the top. They were spaced so that you could comfortably walk around the back yard and not step into the grass or flowers. But one of them was a stumbling block. Every time I stepped on it; it would throw me off the path into the grass. Why? Because it was crooked on the bottom. In fact, this rock had a large triangular bottom. It looked great from the top, but it was, in fact, like a seesaw. When you stepped on it, it would tip and make you fall.
Now, the definition of a stumbling block is a block or rock or stone that looks safe from the topside – but the underside makes it dangerous because it is not level.
Why would Jesus call Peter a stumbling block?
Jesus had just stated that He needed to go to Jerusalem to die. Did Peter's words help Him to do God's will, or make it harder for Him to do it?
I want my words to be encouragement for others so that they can accomplish God's will in their lives. My heart breaks when I realize that Satan has used me to discourage someone from becoming all that God had intended.
In His service, dale
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