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Text: Matthew 16:21-23

Looking Ahead: A Sobering Reminder

Introduction

We are examining the behavior of the Apostle Peter as he heard the predictions of our Lord regarding His death at Jerusalem. In the flow of the context Peter had confessed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God, and had received from his Lord a pronouncement of blessing. The Father had revealed this to Peter. The result was saving faith. We who have established a relationship with Jesus Christ understand this pattern of grace--a revelation, a reception, and a relationship. As Peter was, so are we blessed indeed with salvation in Christ.

But our text reveals a sobering analysis of Peter’s response to those predictions by the Lord Jesus. This analysis should stir us to spiritual sobriety, because we ourselves, brethren, are capable of the same shortfalls that brought a firm rebuke to Peter from His Lord. Peter fell short of Christ’s expectations in two ways.

Observations

I.  The Problem with His Mentality

The word "savourest" in verse 23 is the Greek froneo, which means "to mind, to think." Jesus is talking about Peter’s mindset, which is dominated by reason rather than revelation. The verb is singular (Peter is the target), present tense (Peter’s tendency is not isolated to this particular event, which the aorist would have suggested), and active voice (Peter’s shortfall is not attributed to outside influence, which the passive suggests--he is accountable). Brethren, in this age of success-oriented religion we must be sure that our mentality about ministry reflects the mind of God rather than the mind of this age. As Peter was vulnerable, so are we!

II.  The Problem with His Utility

The issue of usefulness in Kingdom work should be at the top of the list of priorities for life. Peter’s utility factor was at the bottom. His utility was diminished when he adopted an adversarial role. The word "Satan" means adversary. The command "Get thee behind" is the Greek word hupago, which means "to bring under." Jesus was admonishing Peter to bring himself under the authority of his Lord rather than injecting his controls into the situation.

Brethren, the potential is within us all to do the same, with the unsavory prospect of playing an adversarial role. It was also diminished when he became a ministerial roadblock. The word "offence" is skandalon, which means a baited snare or trap. The work of redemption required a sacrificial and substitutionary death for sinners. Peter had actually become an obstacle to that end.

Conclusion

Our utility, brethren, depends upon the proper mindset, our yieldedness to Christ’s Lordship and our faithfulness to proclaim a Gospel of blood atonement for sinners. Thankfully, Peter resolved these issues and experienced great usefulness for the glory of Christ his Lord. Brethren, may the coming year find us sober and useful for God!

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