From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men (Matthew 16:21-23).

The words that the Lord spoke to Peter in the hearing of all the apostles must have surely cut deep. Undoubtedly, the words spoken by Peter only expressed the thoughts already in the hearts of all the apostles and it is likely that the words spoken by the Lord to Peter were also meant for all the apostles, as well (Mark 8:33). But to be addressed as the “accuser” by the Lord was very harsh treatment, indeed, for one who was merely trying to protect the Lord. This severe response to the actions of Peter suggest several important lessons to be learned.

First, satan’s attacks on us can come from unlikely places. Peter, more than likely, had no thought of trying to keep the Lord from doing what was right. Very likely his only thought was to keep his Lord from facing death. Perhaps, his motives were selfish–to keep his Lord from leaving him. Whatever the motive, the request of Peter was a temptation to Jesus and He had to put a stop to it immediately. Paul was similarly tempted when Agabus warned him of impending dangers in Jerusalem and he responded by saying “Why mean yo to weep and to break my heart…” (Acts 21:10-13).

Our family and friends and co-workers and fellow Christians can lay down temptations and obstacles before us to keep us from doing the will of God even though they may have every intention of doing good. Our families, for instance, out of fear for our health may warn us to not do some work or to slow down. They mean well, but sometimes their good intentions only serve to hinder the advance of the truth.

Second, we must learn to savour the things of God. To “savour” means “to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intensive to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience)” (Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary). Too many so-called Christians view Christianity as merely an emotional response to stimuli, but it is far more than that. It is a response of the intellect. God said through the prophet Isaiah, “Come now, let us reason together…” (Is. 1:18). Paul, by the Spirit, said that Christianity is our “reasonable service” (Rom. 12:1,2).

We must learn to meditate on God’s word constantly and allow it to guide us in life (Psalm 1). Too many Christians will say, “Well, I feel…” or “I think…” instead of pointing to the scripture and reasoning that “This is what God says.” I was once in a meeting with the elders of a congregation that was fellowshipping error. One of the elders kept saying to us, “What do you want us to do?” Our response was to point out that it is not what we want but what God wants that matters, as we pointed to him the appropriate scriptures. That is the attitude of far too many Christians in our time but it is especially sad when it comes from an elder of the Lord’s church.

Third, we must constantly be on guard against falling from grace. It is significant that just before this incident Matthew recorded Peter’s response to the Lord’s query, “Who do ye say that I am?” (Matt. 16:15). Peter responded correctly and boldly: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matt. 16:16). Peter stood out in his response in that instance. But very soon after, he unwittingly tempted the Lord to do wrong. Later, he, himself, would do wrong in denying His Lord (Matt. 26:74).

Falling from God’s grace is a real possibility (Gal. 5:4; Heb. 12:15). When we think we have arrived, it is just then that we are in the most danger. Paul warned, “Wherefore let him that thicket he standeth take heed lest he fall” (I Cor. 10:12). David had defeated all his enemies when he was tempted with perhaps his greatest temptation (II Sam. 11:1-5). Noah had literally saved the world before he gave in to temptation (Gen. 9:18-21). Peter was ever impetuous and even though he had distinguished himself as a faithful disciple, he was liable to err when he least expected it, even as are we all.

Finally, we can learn from how Jesus handled this situation. Jesus immediately quelled the temptation which He faced. He didn’t waste time to think about it. He didn’t mull it over. His response was immediate and decisive and complete. He wanted the evil out of His way. His response to temptation was “Get behind me,” “Get out of My way!” Too often, because there is already something in the temptation that appeals to us, we allow it to remain unchallenged for a time. Then it continues to draw us in. Remember, we are tempted when we are drawn away of our own lusts and enticed (James 1:14,15). But James also tells us to resist the devil and he will flee from us (James 4:7). Just as Joseph fled Potiphar’s wife, we should flee temptation with all haste (Gen. 39:12).

These lessons and more can be gleaned from this incident in the lives of Jesus and Peter.

Eric L. Padgett