TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Mark 8:33
Listen: Mark 8
TODAY’S MESSAGE
It was as if the air was sucked out of the room. Moments earlier Jesus has commended Peter for his recognition of him as God’s Anointed One (see Matthew’s version of this in Matthew 16:17). Now, Jesus levels a devastating rebuke by calling Peter “Satan.” What happened?
Jesus tells his disciples he is going to suffer, die and rise again. Upon hearing Jesus describe God’s plan of salvation, Peter immediately rebukes the person he had moments earlier described as the Messiah. “God forbid it, Lord!” It is to this rebuke that Jesus calls Peter “Satan.” He identifies Peter, in this moment, as one who is directly opposing the plan of redemption. Peter had essentially become a spokesman for the devil. It was a serious moment and Jesus made sure there was no confusion.
Unknowingly, Peter thought he knew a better direction.Watch the video clip below as Student Ministries Pastor Aaron Buer tells us how Peter was standing against what Jesus was trying to do. We do this too. In both large and small decisions, we can stand against what God desires to do in our life. It can be many things from direct rebellion to a laid-back unwillingness to even consider the call of Jesus on our lives.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Consider the expectations you have of God—those things in your life you desperately desire him to fix. Have these expectations, especially if unmet, caused you to be disappointed in God? If they have, pray a prayer similar to this one, “Father, I confess my expectations have come between me and you. I know you desire to fix what is most important. Help me to trust you even when my expectations are not met.”
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
