Matthew 16:21-23 Get Behind Me, Satan

From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You." But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." [Matthew 16:21‭-‬23 NASB]

For some context, Peter has just made his famous proclamation, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." [Matthew 16:16 NASB] After confirming Peter's words, Jesus told His disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ.

I'm sure the first desire of the disciples was to proclaim to all, "Jesus is the Messiah! He's come to save Israel!" But Jesus didn't want them to say anything. First, it wasn't yet his time. Second, the disciples still didn't understand what that meant. They were still looking for Him to overthrow the Romans and establish an earthly kingdom in Jerusalem.

So Jesus began teaching them that being the Messiah didn't have anything to do with raising an army and marching in victory against Rome. Rather, it meant that He would suffer and die, and be raised again on the third day.

Peter, no doubt, was still a bit high from his fresh revelation about the identity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I imagine that he was feeling very sure of himself and his ability to hear from God the Father, and be his mouthpiece.

Peter felt free to take Jesus aside and set Him straight. Jesus' words didn't match Peter's expectations of the Messiah, so obviously, a little correction was needed.

Jesus' response was instantaneous and forceful. "Get behind Me, Satan!" He also let Peter know where he had made his mistake. His mind was not set on God's interests, but his own.

I can identify so well with Peter. When you have been used by God, it is easy to succumb to spiritual pride. When you are used to hearing the voice of God, it is easy to insinuate your own voice instead of His. Especially if there is a conflict of interest. Be extra cautious if it seems that God is telling you what you want to hear. That might be a good time to seek counsel from someone else whose opinion and spirituality you trust.

I'm not at all saying that God will not give you what you want. He loves you and wants you to be happy. He also knows that not everything you want is good for you. Also, He has the larger agenda of building His kingdom. That is His higher priority.

Learn to hear His voice. As you grow more accustomed to it, you will grow more confident and capable of discerning between His voice and your own. But always be aware of your own priorities and motivations, that they don't conflict with His.