From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead. But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!” Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

-Matthew 16:21-23 (NLT)

Have you ever had a tough conversation with a friend who’s struggling with an impossible situation? You would do or say anything to ease his pain or fix the problem. Or maybe your college-bound daughter informs you that after much prayer, she’s decided to take a gap year to serve at an orphanage in Uganda. Even though you’re proud of her decision, you express your concerns because you’re worried about her safety and heartbroken that she’s moving so far away. Or perhaps your parents announce that they’re moving your family to a different state because God has called your dad to a new job. You feel angry and betrayed that they’re taking you away from your school and friends.

When Jesus first shared with His disciples about His death and resurrection, Peter reacted like any close friend would about someone he loved. Surely this can’t be! There has to be another way! Peter scolded Jesus for even talking that way. Jesus rebuked Peter in extremely strong terms for contradicting Him. Although Jesus understood Peter’s loving intentions, He also knew that He had to sacrifice Himself to save Peter, and all of humanity, from sin.

Satan often traps us into leaving God out of the picture. Rather than seeing a situation from God’s perspective, we rely on our own understanding, perhaps out of love for someone else or even selfish motivations (like control or pride). Especially when the plan or decision is difficult or seems irrational to us, we may allow our eternal viewpoint to be eclipsed by earthly concerns.

As Jesus made his way to Jerusalem and then the cross, He continued to submit to God’s plan, despite His own strong emotions, reservations, and even denial by His friends. In His final hours, Jesus shows us how to align our perspective with God’s in whatever situation we face: “Not my will, but Yours be done!”

 

For Further Reflection:

Can you think of a situation where you may have relied on your own understanding instead of God’s point of view? If so, what steps can you take to understand God’s will (for example, reading His Word, spending time in prayer, etc.)?

Jesus, please show me where I need Your perspective in my life today. Please focus my mind and heart on Your will and Your glory so that I can confidently say, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”