"Then Jesus made it clear to his disciples that it was now necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, submit to an ordeal of suffering at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and then on the third day be raised up alive. Peter took him in hand, protesting, 'Impossible, Master! That can never be!' But Jesus didn't swerve. 'Peter, get out of my way. Satan, get lost. You have no idea how God works.'" (Matthew 16:21-22 MSG)
At first it seemed like Peter was right when he said, "That can never be!" (Matthew 16:22 MSG); but Jesus wasn't happy. He responded with: "Peter, get out of my way. Satan, get lost. You have no idea how God works." (Matt 16:23 MSG)
This made Peter and the rest of the disciples sad. They didn't want Jesus to be killed. Why would Jesus do this? It made no sense at all. Jesus heals. Jesus cares. Jesus can do anything. Why then is Jesus going to … die?
Naturally the evil one wanted to stop this. He knew what Jesus was about to do and he didn't want it to happen. If Jesus didn't die, he wouldn't be resurrected and no one on earth would be saved. Jesus recognized the voice of the devil working through Peter. This is why He said: "Satan, get lost." (vs. 23a), and then He went on to say to Peter, "You have no idea how God works." (Matt 16:23b MSG)
Even though Jesus told them He would be raised to life again, the disciples didn't understand. They thought that they would lose Jesus forever. Jesus was innocent. Death on at the hands of the religious leaders was cruel. Death on a cross was a terrible death. But Jesus died so that anyone who accepts Him will be saved. Jesus paid the price that each of us should have paid.
Jesus then went on to give His disciples another important lesson: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how." (Matthew 16:24-26 MSG)
We are NOT in the driver's seat. Jesus is. It is true that most of us want to be in control, but the thought that I don't have to drive gives me peace and assures me that He cares for us.
A few years ago, I was plagued by a nightmare. I was driving from the back seat of my car. I could not reach my steering wheel, and my dream always ended in an accident. I had this same nightmare over and over again. It did stop plaguing me, however: On the day I surrendered my all to Jesus. I let Jesus be in the driver's seat of my life. He's a great driver and there are never any accidents. It is way better this way!
Trust in Jesus and you will be saved. Don't try to be the driver. Remember, you are only in the back seat and you can't even reach the steering wheel! Only Jesus can drive!
Rob Chaffart
