“Get thee behind me”

We know the story.  Jesus tells the twelve that He is going to Jerusalem… where He will be handed over to the authorities and killed.  Sobering news.

Peter steps up.  He confronts Jesus and says “No way!”

To which our Lord responds, “Get thee behind me Satan.”

Or does He?

Here is where I want us to challenge our thinking.  I have often heard this story told in a way that puts Peter in an unfair light.  As if Jesus was calling Peter “Satan.”  But I want you to read it a bit different.  I want you to see the scene in a new way that we might be transformed by the renewing of our minds.  Let us see how the scene could play out.

Scene:  Some road outside of Jerusalem.  About mid-day.  The twelve are sitting under the shade of a tree.  Peter is leaning on it.  Jesus has just told His disciples what is going to happen.

(Peter, moving toward Jesus takes him by the arm and begins to speak)

Peter to Jesus:

“Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.”  (Matt 16.22b)

(Jesus, who is facing Peter, turns around so that now Peter will be at His back as He says…)

Jesus to Peter:

“Get thee behind me.” (Matt 16:23a)

(Now with Peter safely behind Him, Jesus appears to be looking directly at someone that no one else can see)

Jesus to Satan:

“Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” (Matt 16:23b)

Were we able to see into the unseen…, were we able to see the chariots of fire and the mountains lined with angels…, were we able to truly know the heart of the Father… could we not imagine our Lord and Savior protecting us this way? 

I can.  I can see Him grabbing me the very second Satan was on his way with his flaming darts, pulling me behind Him, into the shadow of His wings as He commands, “Get thee behind me!” 

He is protecting Peter, and He will protect you.  Is He not our Shield?  Peter could not see what Jesus saw.  He was not aware of the enemy.  Peter, who had confessed the identity of Christ, was now questioning the will of the Father.  And that was an open door for the devil.  Jesus, knowing this, quickly stepped in to protect Peter, and in doing so, taught him.

We, too, have confessed Christ.  We must desire to be in His will always.  Stepping outside the will of the Father will open us to direct attack.

But be encouraged.  The same Jesus who protected Peter will protect you.

Get behind Him!  Follow Him!

SDG