Rebuke: Mark 8:33
No mistake on our part can diminish God’s desire to draw us close to Him. We say some crazy things, think some crazy thoughts, and act in crazy ways. We go down wrong paths. Yet, God still calls us back. He wants us to be with Him.
While Peter’s rebuke is wrong, the intention behind the rebuke is admirable. Peter doesn’t want Jesus to die. Peter loves Jesus enough to want what he thinks is good for Jesus. Peter doesn’t understand the victory God has planned through Jesus’ death. Peter’s intention is to genuinely look out for Jesus; it just happens to be all wrong.
That’s the problem with good intentions. We have a saying that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Meaning to do something good is not the same as doing good. Peter doesn’t realize it, but in wishing the best for Jesus He’s putting up a roadblock to God’s grand plan of salvation! Peter thinks he wants the best for Jesus; Peter doesn’t realize that God’s plan for what is best for Jesus is so mind-blowingly huge that there is no chance Peter could understand it until after the fact. Peter’s good intentions turn out to be not-so-good after all.
Here’s where Peter realizes he messed up. Jesus turns on Peter and calls him Satan. Jesus tells Peter to get out of his way. Jesus is content to give a rebuke right back to Peter. The relationship can bear the strain. Peter will learn his lesson and life will go on. Jesus will continue to disciple Peter. The disciples will continue to grow in their understanding.
In Jesus’ rebuke, there’s no reason to believe Jesus is claiming Peter has become Satan. Rather, Jesus is making a comparison. Recall the first moments of Jesus’ ministry. After being baptized, Jesus was tossed into the wilderness and tempted by Satan. Satan tried multiple times to get Jesus to take the easy way instead of following God’s plan.
Peter does the same thing. The Father’s plan is quite difficult. It is so difficult Jesus will weep and ask the Father to take it away. Peter wants the easier way that doesn’t lead to death. Peter is too focused on what He wants and not focused enough on what the Father wants. This is why Jesus calls Peter Satan. Anytime we choose the easy way instead of God’s way, we are buying into the lies of Satan the deceiver.
What’s amazing about God’s love, though, is that Jesus still loves Peter. Even while actively tempting Jesus away from the plan of the Father, Jesus desires Peter to be with Him. Disciples make mistakes. When a disciple makes a mistake, that doesn’t mean it’s time to cast them aside. Jesus can take our mistakes, rebuke us to help us learn, and continue to draw us close to Him. No mistake on our part can diminish the desire God has to draw us close to Him.
