Matthew 16:21-23
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Think back to the last two meditations on Peter’s confession of Jesus and Jesus’ response. Then read Matthew 16:21-23.
How quickly the situation changes for Peter in this passage. Just moments after his divinely inspired declaration of Jesus’ true identity, and with the echoes of Jesus’ revelation of the events to come still hanging in the air, Peter utters a message of decidedly different origins.
It would be more comfortable to keep our distance from Peter and put this dramatic reversal down to his impulsive personality, but Peter’s two extremes in this story are really a reminder that we are all capable of being inspired by God to do and say things that build God’s Kingdom, and in the next moment we are just as susceptible to doing and saying things that tear it down.
Take a moment to think about some of your own moments of clarity and goodness. Then think about times you’ve done or said something that misled someone or caused some other type of damage.
Rather than wallow in guilt over your missteps or bask in pride over your God inspired successes, try to find the vulnerable point between the two where you are keenly aware of your need for Jesus’ presence and power. Stay in this place for a moment sharing your thoughts and feelings with Jesus.
Read Matthew 16:21-23 again.
Jesus’ response to Peter in this passage could seem a little over the top and even unkind, but in this moment Jesus is more concerned about Peter recognizing his vulnerability to deception than he is concerned for Peter’s feelings.
Jesus has just declared that his community of “called out” followers, his “ecclesia,” will be built on the basis of Peter’s confession of him as Messiah, and we know from later events in the Acts of the Apostles that Peter’s declaration of the Good News will be a catalyst for the birth of the early Church on the day of Pentecost. It is critical that Peter learn to listen to Jesus and fully trust what Jesus says.
And to be used by God for good in this world, we all need the severe mercy of Jesus that calls out our personal agendas and shines light on areas in which we are deceived.
For the last moments of this time of meditation, contemplate the two verses below – one from the Old Testament prophet Hosea, and one from John’s Gospel:
“Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.” – Hosea 6:1, ESV
“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” – John 15:2, NIV
What might Jesus be saying to you through today’s passage or through these verses?
What will you do about that?
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