31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. 33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. (Mark 8:31-33 KJV)
Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection
Now that Jesus has led his disciples to believe and confess him as the Messiah, he hoped they could begin to understand his coming suffering, which he began to reveal. He wisely began to tell them about His approaching death and suffering, to prevent the offense they might otherwise take at His crucifixion, to prepare them for the coming trial, and to correct their mistaken belief that the Messiah would be an earthly king.
Jesus taught that he must suffer many things. Although the disciples believed he was the Messiah, they still expected him to soon appear in glory and restore Israel. To correct that, Jesus told them he would be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes; he would be killed and, after three days, rise again. He spoke this plainly and openly (Mark 8:32), not in symbolic language. He spoke freely, with no fear, fully resolved to go through with it.
Peter objected. He took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him. How quick human nature is to resist anything that involves suffering! Peter showed love but lacked understanding. He may have embraced Jesus or tried to pull him aside in protest, unable to bear the thought of his Master suffering. Jesus allowed his disciples to speak freely, but Peter overstepped. We must be on guard against the temptations that come even through our friends.
Jesus corrected him (Mark 8:33). He turned, looked at the other disciples to see if they agreed, and said, “Get behind me, Satan.” Peter didn’t expect such a sharp rebuke, especially after being praised for his faith. But Jesus saw what Peter didn’t.
Peter spoke without fully grasping God’s plan. Seeing Christ’s power, Peter thought no enemy could overcome him. Seeing Christ’s wisdom, he assumed there must be another way. But Peter misunderstood—this suffering was necessary for God’s glory, the defeat of Satan, and the salvation of mankind. Jesus had to be made perfect through suffering to bring many sons to glory. Human wisdom is foolish when it tries to direct God’s purposes. The cross, God’s great act of wisdom and power, seemed foolish to many.
Peter also misunderstood the nature of Christ’s kingdom. He thought it is earthly when it is spiritual. “You are not thinking about the things of God, but the things of men” (Mark 8:33; cf. Romans 8:5). Peter was more concerned with this present life than with eternity. Favoring personal comfort and safety over God’s glory is a common and dangerous mistake—even among Christ’s followers. This mindset shows itself especially during trials, when many fall away. It may seem wise to avoid hardship, but if that means avoiding our duty to God, it is worldly wisdom and will prove to be folly in the end (Luke 16:8; 2 Corinthians 1:12).