Saturday, October 20, 2012

Jesus predicts his own death (Mark 8:31-9:1; Matthew 16:21-28; Luke 9:21-27)


After Peter's confession of faith, Jesus began to explain about his own death.  In particular, he must suffer and die in Jerusalem after being rejected by the elders.  However, he will be raised on the third day.

This probably does not sound like what they had in mind for the Messiah.  This might be why Jesus waited to this point to explain how he will die, although he explained that he would.

Peter takes Jesus aside and tells him that this will not happen.  Jesus gets the attention of all the disciples then rebukes Peter in harsh terms "get behind me Satan".  Peter's confidence (or ego) had grown to the point where he felt he could dissuade Jesus from something.  No.  Jesus declares that this idea had come from Satan.

Jesus does not revoke Peter's role in building this church on account of this.  Rather, Peter is silenced and Jesus moves.  Based on the next story, Jesus still has confidence and trust in Peter.

Jesus uses the occasion to explain that followers of Jesus will have daily choices and obstacles to make (take up the cross, deny oneself).  However, one will find life by doing this.  Coming right after the discussion about Christ's death, it implies that the disciples might be killed for the Gospel.  Likewise, the association with the interaction of Peter suggests that this struggle (1) will be a battle against Satan and (2) the battle might be over one's thoughts just as much it cost one's life.

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