Then Jesus began to tell [the disciples] that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead. As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things.
Key Thought
So often, we as human beings want to decide what kind of LORD we have. Peter had his own conceptions of what it meant for Jesus to be the Messiah. For him, God’s Messiah wouldn’t go to a cross. Such an idea was an outrage. It was impossible. So Peter rebuked Jesus out of his own bias and ignorance. Rather than letting Jesus define his own Messiahship and follow God’s plan, Peter wanted Jesus to conform to what he wanted from him. How have you tried to tell Jesus what it means for him to be your LORD, Savior, and Messiah? What are your expectations of Jesus? Are these expectations getting in the way of your following and obeying Jesus as your LORD?
Today’s Prayer
God, I confess that I find myself selfishly wanting to determine what it means for Jesus to be my Messiah, Savior, and LORD. Rather than following obediently and facing my own cross, I want to be blessed and protected as I am. Father, please forgive me and use your Spirit to conform me into a true follower of your Son. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Mark 8:34-38Luke 14:25-33John 21:15-19Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.