Mark 8:33

Mark 8:33

But turning and seeing his disciples, he (Jesus) rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

In verses 31:32 of Mark 8, Jesus is explaining to the disciples, in very simple language, that he was going to have to suffer many things, including being rejected by the elders and chief priests, death on a cross, and after three days, resurrection. When Peter heard what Jesus was saying, he basically said “no way”…stating in verse 32, “And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.” In Peter’s mind, the thought of Jesus, being persecuted and killed probably seemed nuts…to him it was simply not an option, so he voiced that to Jesus. What Peter was not understanding is that the plan outlined before him HAD to be carried out…it was God’s design for Jesus to become the sacrifice for all mankind. There were no two ways about it, this had to be done! One of the best things that Jesus showed throughout his life was an unwavering commitment to the game plan God had put before him. Even when the heat and stress of the situation was turned up to unbearable levels, Jesus still remained steadfast to God’s will. When Peter rebuked Christ’s message to the disciples, Jesus could have paused and said, “You know, you have a point Peter. This is nuts…I don’t want to endure all that pain…let’s figure out some alternative.” In fact, we would probably have said something similar if we were in the same situation as Jesus. But Jesus didn’t…he understood the game plan and understood the gravity of the situation. Die on the cross, and mankind is rescued from sin and death…Don’t die on the cross and mankind is absolutely doomed. It was an incredible love for God’s people and for God the Father that drove Jesus to remain fully committed to God’s plan. And it was that incredible commitment and love that purchased the hope and peace that we cling to each and every day. In our lives today, God is leading us to where he wants us to be…God has put a game plan in place that is the best designed plan for our lives (see Jeremiah 29:11). But far too often, we get in the way of that plan…we decide that we know what is best…and, whether directly or indirectly, we rebuke God much like Peter did. So we choose our own broken path, thinking we have it all ironed out, only to eventually arrive at the bottom of the hole we dug ourselves into, with no clue how to get back out. Thankfully when we make the mistake of assuming we are “boss”, God doesn’t wash his hands of us. Instead, when we repent for our foolishness and turn back to the Lord, God welcomes us back into his arms, gives us a quick dusting off, then puts us back on this desired path. Quite simply put, the wisdom of God surpasses any and all wisdom of man. Therefore we stand nothing but gain in following his lead…even when the road he puts us on requires some discomfort and pain. We may not understand why or how, and that is ok…that is where faith comes into play. May we always remain faithful to the will of the Father, committed to HIS plan for our lives, and trusting in faith he has it all well under control. To God alone be all glory!