Get Behind Me, Satan!

By Alessandra Velsor

“From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. ‘Never, Lord!’ he said. ‘This shall never happen to you!’ Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.’”—Matthew 16:21–23 (NIV)

I must confess that “Get behind me, Satan!” is one of my most quoted Scripture! I use it jokingly when someone offers me a dessert because I know my body won’t tolerate it like it used to in my twenties. The person I “rebuke” is well-intentioned in their sweet offering, but I know what they want me to eat isn’t the best for me and my health. They don’t sit with me at the doctor's office when I’m being explained my bloodwork and why my triglycerides are high two years in a row. And just like that, I believe Peter is well-intentioned but oblivious with Jesus and His fate; therefore, his words serve as an obstacle to Jesus, just like a donut, sadly, is a stumbling block for me!

I think of a time I may have spoken like Peter because of my love and concern for a friend. Like Peter, I’m very protective of my friends and my intention isn’t to lie to them when they’re in a vulnerable state of mind. This isn’t done to confuse anyone, but instead it’s done with love in mind. Saying a comforting word to a friend that may not be true in a difficult time of their life may seem helpful at the moment, but may not be in the long run. For instance, it may cheer someone up to hear I believe a loved one who is very sick won’t pass away, when chances are they might.

When reading today’s passage for the first time, I thought Jesus’ rebuke was harsh, especially when a few verses prior He was commending Peter for his belief and even declared He would build His church “on this rock.” In other words, Peter would be the one chosen to build the church after Jesus’ death! What an honor!

How could Jesus go from telling Peter, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, . . .You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church . . .” (Matthew 16:15–18 NIV) to “Get behind me, Satan!”? How could He bring him down after such a high? Just like we have the tendency to lie to a loved one to make them feel better, authentic love should drive us to share the truth with loving words.

In this case, these were not so loving words because of the principle in Luke 12:48 (NIV) which says, “who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”Jesus so immensely loved Peter that He had to rebuke him to set him straight because He had plans for him—and if he was the one to set the church’s foundation, he needed to be corrected ASAP.

Satan is real, and it’s scary to think that we all can be a tool for him without intending it. Had Jesus allowed Peter’s words into His human heart and then He backed out of His deal with the Father, that would have been a catastrophe for us all!

Our words matter and can’t be taken back, but our perspectives can be corrected. We must humbly submit to the Father’s will daily and allow ourselves to stay in His presence to align with His purpose, not ours! Our hearts can be misguided if we don’t surrender to Him. Jesus so loves us immensely that He often has to correct us to set us straight because He has plans for us to keep building upon His church.

Pause: Have you found yourself in a situation like Peter? Has a well-intentioned friend ever lied to you to make you feel better? How have both scenarios made you feel?

Practice: If you’ve been a stumbling block to a friend, ask for their forgiveness.

Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy! So often, I put my foot in my mouth and make unwise statements. I’m sorry for being misguided in the name of love. Please direct my steps and my mouth. Help me not be a hindrance to my fellow brothers and sisters, as well as those who don’t know You yet. Help me speak truth in love and be more bold in my rebuke to those who misspeak in Your name. Keep me humble when correction comes my way. Fill me with Your wisdom and knowledge so I can understand You a little bit more. May I gain these things without inflating my ego, so I can truly share You to anyone You place in my life so they can fully know You. Amen.