“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.” (Matthew 16:21-22)
Peter is an example of how people can miss the big picture. Repeatedly. Here, Peter is understandably alarmed by the news of Jesus’ impending abuse and death. His protective response is understandable. Particularly since this is the first time he has heard about it from the mouth of Jesus.
However, the Old Testament had already spoken of the Messiah’s abuse and death: See, for example, the collision between the Son of woman and the seed of the serpent (Genesis 3:15), his piercing (Psalm 22:16, Zechariah 12:10), being cut off (Daniel 9:26), and bearing sins as a suffering servant (Isaiah 53).
This is a reminder that the Old Testament is the foundation for the New Testament. To unhitch from the Old Testament as if it has no bearing on or connection to the New Testament is wrong-headed. And this particular story provides an example of the value of the Old Testament. Assuming he would have responded appropriately, had Peter been more aware of what the Old Testament says about the Messiah, he would not have been rebuked here or in the Garden of Gethsemane when he pulled out his sword to protect Jesus from the soldiers.
Let’s do an unrealistic thought experiment. Imagine if Peter had succeeded and Jesus had simply grown old and died of natural causes. Where would we be today? Trapped under the guilt of sin! Jesus had to die because his sin-bearing death was the Father’s plan to redeem the world.
The somber atmosphere on Good Friday is not inappropriate, but is often misdirected. The somber atmosphere should reflect our sorrow over our sin, which is the reason for the cross. We should rejoice at God’s gracious plan of redemption and Jesus’ obedient death on the cross (Philippians 2:8) on our behalf. Hebrews 12:1-2 (emphasis added) affirms this approach: “… let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Similarly, the joy that is set before us is the knowledge that “Sunday’s coming!” and all that means for our future in eternity.
Father, help me not to let good intentions lead me into beliefs or actions that work against your plan. Please help me to see and accept the big picture of your plan. Amen.
Speak Your Mind