Stopping Temptations In Their Tracks: “Get Behind Me, Satan!”

“From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.’ But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me.'”
Matthew 16:21-23 ESV

Does this story throw you off a little bit? Does it seem like Jesus was unnecessarily harsh on Peter, who seemed to mean well?

I’ve been thinking about this passage over the past several months and wanted to share some of my thoughts with you.

Watch the video below to see what I’m learning about those “get behind me, Satan” moments.

For Discussion:

In what specific way are you tempted not to believe in God’s goodness?

Do you have a well-meaning friend who feeds your discontentment with the story God has written for you? How can you respond next time their words tempt you?

Are you willing to trust God with your story? Take a moment in prayer and talk to him about that.