Devo: Matthew 16:21-23

In the previous verses, Jesus commanded Peter for his faith (Matthew 16:13-20). Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ and the Son of the living God. However, in Matthew 16:21-23, Jesus called Peter “Satan”. Jesus told His disciples the things that must happen to Him.

“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 the third day.” v. 21

Peter could not believe what he heard from Jesus. He did not want Jesus to suffer so he rebuked Him.

“Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to you!'” v. 22

I think Peter’s reaction was something that us human beings would also have had we been in his position. Of course we would not want Jesus to suffer and be killed. However, his response was not in line with the Scriptures. He also did not submit to the authority over him. Jesus explained why Peter’s reaction was of Satan.

“But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.'” v. 23

Take note of the phrases “things of God” and “things of men”. That is a clear contrast. Peter was not mindful of the things of Christ. He was only thinking of physical things. He was not thinking of the purpose of Jesus’ mission. Jesus had to die on the cross.

Just not being mindful of the things of God makes us enemies of God. When we spend too much time on the things of men or things of the world, we do not please the Lord.

Satan took advantage of the fact that Peter was not mindful of the things of God and used him to speak the way he did to Jesus.

“We can be sure that Peter was not aware that he spoke for Satan, just as a moment before he was not aware that he spoke for God. It is often much easier to be a tool of God or of the devil than we want to believe.” enduringword.com

In Matthew 16:17, Jesus said to Peter, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.”

Peter was also not aware that God used him to reveal who Jesus is in the previous story. It’s important that we fix our eyes on Jesus so we will not be used by the enemy. It’s important to be mindful of the things of God and not the things of men.

Father God in heaven, help us to always be mindful of You. Help us to always seek You first before doing and saying anything. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.