Did Jesus Really Refer To Peter As Satan?

When you read the exchange between Jesus and Peter recorded in Matthew 16: 13-20, you might ask your self, "Did Jesus just call Peter, Satan? How could He do that? Why would He do that?" Here is that exchange from the NKJV): “From that time Jesus began to show to 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. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!’ 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" Matthew 16:21-23 – NKJV).
At first reading, we might think that Jesus’ reply to Peter seems harsh. After all, Peter loved and revered Jesus — he had plainly confessed his faith in Jesus as the Christ. So what on earth would prompt Jesus to address Peter in such a manner? Let's examine it. The very idea that someone would harm Jesus, much less kill Him, was unthinkable to Peter. He was willing to take up arms (John 18:10) and even sacrifice his own life (Matthew 26:35) to prevent any aggression against the Son of God. Most of us would be delighted to have someone as concerned for our well-being. Why then does Jesus scold Peter so sharply, calling him “an offense,” even referring to the apostle metaphorically as “Satan”? (Matthew 16:23 – NKJV). I think to answer this question, we should carefully observe the latter part of Jesus’ rebuke which reads:
“You are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”
Notice that Jesus did not deny Peter’s love for Him, but He recognized that love, to a certain degree, was a selfish one. After listening to the teachings of Jesus for three years, one would think that Peter would have understood God’s plan and purpose in sending His Son, requiring His death as a sacrifice for the sins of others. Even if that fact were not entirely clear to the apostle, something else should have been — if the Lord said something had to happen in order for His will to be accomplished — that was exactly the way it had to happen (Isaiah 55:10-11 – NKJV). There could be no room for argument, compromise, or second-guessing. There’s no question that Peter believed in Jesus’ mission (Matthew 10:5-6 – NKJV; Matthew 15:24; Matthew 18:11; Luke 19:10), but he wanted to see that mission accomplished on terms suitable to him. He desired salvation, but he didn’t want Jesus to suffer and die to make that salvation possible — even if God said it was necessary (Hebrews 10:5-10 – NKJV; Psalm 40:6-8 – NKJV; Matthew 26:39 – NKJV; John 4:34 – NKJV; John 5:30 – NKJV; John 6:38 – NKJV). Peter’s motivation to preserve the life of the Lord he so loved, would seem noble in our eyes. However, Jesus wanted him to understand that no motive is noble if it conflicts with God’s divine plan!

In today’s so-called religious world, we see people who are mindful of the things of men rather than of God. Their motives often appear worthwhile because they say they do not want anyone to be lost. However, they tell folks their sins are forgiven and their souls saved when they have not obeyed God’s commands of repentance and baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21). Focusing only on the happiness of people, they offer them worldly diversions, even though these things are not according to God’s will (Colossians 2:18-23 – NKJV). Sadly, they want people to attend church services, so they make worship an attractive spectacle instead of humble obedience to the Lord (John 4:24 – NKJV; 1 Corinthians 10:31 – NKJV; Colossians 3:16-17 – NKJV; Micah 6:8 – NKJV; 1 Samuel 15:22 – NKJV). They don’t want to offend anyone, so they permit all kinds of anti-biblical precepts under the misconception of "inclusion" or "diversity" such as same-sex marriage and justify those who unrepentantly engage in immorality (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21).

Jesus’ words to Peter prove that even the most sincere individual can be sincerely wrong when that sincerity is not fully subject to God’s will. Peter’s love for Jesus could not be permitted to supersede the Father’s righteous plan for mankind’s salvation ( 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 – NKJV). We would be wise to learn from Peter’s error, and remember that God’s work can only be done God’s way (Matthew 7:21-23), unless He says to us, “Get behind Me, Satan!” (Matthew 16:23 – NKJV). At the moment of Peter's rebuke, his objective was a selfish one by rejecting what God wanted for what he wanted, his will over God's will. Peter's spirit was not acting in line with the spirit of Christ. God’s will in our lives is at the heart and core of what it means to be a true Christian! In this self-absorbed society, it is all too easy to make decisions according to “our own will.” Even some in God’s Church today rarely consider whether their will, desires, and perspectives fail to reflect God’s will. Because of the subtle nature of the Satan-influenced society around us, even God’s people may sometimes be deceived into thinking that their carnal will, desires, and perspectives—unchallenged by people around them—may fully reflect God’s will. They may even be disappointed at the idea that God’s will would direct them to go against society’s expectations.

We must recognize how very important it is to live our lives according to God’s will. As we identify and rid ourselves of self-will and as we pray for God’s will to permeate our lives, our decisions will be full of wisdom and our lives will be greatly enriched. To be in God’s kingdom, we must truly strive to make His will our own. We must work hard, continue to bury our self-will and follow God’s lead into His Kingdom. As we do this, we will arrive there one day soon, together! Above all things, we must do God’s will, always!

Until next time,
-Pat-