When Peter realized the significance of Jesus’ life (“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”) he also tried to assert a worldview of prosperity to that role ( “Far be it from you, Lord![d] This shall never happen to you.”). Peter could not equate God’s glory with suffering. I have this same mind block many times. If something arises that causes pain, I want to eliminate it from my life instead of embrace it and learn why the pain is there. At times, I find the pain is a result of other’s sin (those who I love). Even worst is when I discover that it’s a result of areas needing healing in my own life. There’s nowhere to hide with that- only naked transparency before the Son of the living God. The good news is that He calls us to follow His example, to embrace suffering which ultimately in His plan brings healing. Just as going through grief causes our hearts to break but eventually mend. Death to self causes our hearts to break but in time He brings about His glory and purpose. It’s not always about us, but about His purpose for our lives. – Teresa #don’tkickagainsthegoads

Matthew 16:13-17:9 English Standard Version (ESV)

Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock[a] I will build my church, and the gates of hell[b] shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed[c] in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

21 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 on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord![d] This shall never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance[e] to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life[f] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. 28 Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”