What does Matthew 16:21-23 mean?

²¹ From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. ²² Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. ²³ But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. (Matthew 16:21-23 KJV)

Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

We have here Christ’s discourse with his disciples concerning his own sufferings. Christ now began to speak plainly and frequently about his sufferings. Earlier, he had hinted at them, but now he spoke clearly. He had not addressed this directly before because the disciples were not ready to handle such a heavy truth. But now that they were stronger in faith, he revealed it to them. Christ reveals truth gradually, as his followers are able to receive it.

From the time the disciples confessed Christ as the Son of God, he began to show them this. When they had grasped one truth, he taught them another. If they had not been solid in believing Christ to be the Son of God, news of his suffering might have shaken their faith. Not all truths are suitable to be revealed at all times, but must fit the hearer’s readiness.

He foretold the following:

1. The place of his suffering: Jerusalem, the holy city. Though he lived mostly in Galilee, he must die in Jerusalem, where sacrifices were offered.
2. The people who would make him suffer: the elders, chief priests, and scribes—the leaders of the great Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. These, who should have been most supportive, were his fiercest persecutors. Though Rome crucified him, Christ lays the primary blame on the Jewish leaders, who initiated it.
3. What he would suffer: many things, and ultimately death. His enemies’ hatred and his own patience are both evident in the many and severe sufferings he endured.
4. The outcome of his suffering: he would rise again on the third day. This was to maintain their faith. Though he spoke of shame and death, he also pointed to the joy to come. Just as he looked to the glory beyond the suffering, we must also view our own sufferings with hope. If we suffer with him, we will reign with him.

Why did Christ foretell his sufferings?

1. To show that they were part of God’s eternal plan, agreed upon between the Father and the Son. They were no surprise to him, but something he foresaw, which highlights his love.
2. To correct the disciples’ wrong ideas about his kingdom. They expected power and glory, not suffering. Christ needed to teach them otherwise—that his kingdom would involve hardship and opposition. His followers must be told plainly not to expect worldly success.
3. To prepare them for their own share of sorrow and fear during his sufferings. If their Master would suffer, they would also feel the weight of it. Knowing in advance would help them prepare.

Peter objected to this. He said, “Be it far from you, Lord.” Likely, he spoke what others were thinking. He had just heard Christ speak highly of him, which may have made him bold to rebuke Jesus. It is hard to stay humble when one is praised.

1. It was not appropriate for Peter to contradict Jesus or try to advise him. He should have submitted rather than opposed. We must not question God’s plans, even when they seem difficult.
2. Peter’s words reflected human reasoning. He opposed suffering and the cross because they were unpleasant. We naturally resist pain, but that perspective must be balanced by a higher view of God’s purpose. Peter spoke passionately: “God forbid that you should suffer and be killed.” He was urging Jesus to avoid harm, but we cannot measure Christ’s love or patience by our own. Peter may have thought it unlikely that someone so loved by the people could be harmed by the leaders. He also may have trusted in the loyalty of the disciples and the crowd.

Christ was deeply displeased with Peter for this. He said, “Get behind me, Satan.” This was a strong rebuke, more serious than any Peter received, even when he later denied Christ. Christ immediately corrected him. He had just called Peter blessed but now calls him Satan. A good person can quickly fall into error under temptation. Christ spoke to him as he did to Satan in the wilderness.

1. Satan often tempts us through those closest to us. He tempted Adam through Eve, Job through his wife, and Christ through Peter. We must be alert to these tactics. Even acts of kindness can become temptations.
2. Spiritually mature people will recognize Satan’s voice, even when it comes through a friend or a minister. What matters is not who speaks, but what is said. Anyone who tries to turn us away from doing right speaks the devil’s language.
3. We must be honest and direct in correcting even our closest friends when they are wrong. True love includes correction.
4. Any temptation to sin must be rejected immediately.

Why was Christ so upset?

1. Because Peter was becoming a hindrance. Christ was committed to saving us, and Peter’s words tempted him to pull back. Peter was more harshly rebuked for trying to stop the cross than he was for denying Christ later. Christ valued our salvation more than his own safety.
   Peter was called Satan because Christ saw any attempt to stop his mission as coming from the devil. Satan, who later entered Judas to destroy Christ, was now using Peter to try and divert him.
   Peter was an obstacle. Those who try to stop us from doing what God has called us to do are an offense.
2. Peter’s mind was on human concerns, not God’s. God’s purposes often go against our desires for comfort and safety. If we are too afraid to suffer for Christ, we are more in tune with the things of man than the things of God.