“And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.” -Mark 8:31-32, ESV.

Peter rebuked Jesus! That’s almost laughable. However, a man rebuking God is the epitome of arrogance. I understand Peter’s heart in this, though. He didn’t want Jesus to suffer. He didn’t want Jesus to die and leave them. I can just hear him. “Stop talking like that, Jesus. If that’s really what is going to happen, let’s leave from here and go to some place safe.” Peter was protecting Jesus.

But Jesus didn’t need protection. Jesus had a plan and was working it. Jesus was being gracious by letting them in on the plan. You see, Jesus had to suffer. He had to be rejected and killed, or there would be no salvation, no forgiveness of sin. Peter's protectionism was a sin and, if allowed to happen, would be a detriment to the plan.

What are you doing about the plan of Jesus for your life? Are you quick to say, “OK, Lord. Let’s do this mission trip. I’m on board with this situation that is making me stronger. I am willing to suffer in the short term for your glory and my benefit in eternity. I’m with you, Lord!” Or do you stiff-arm the will of God, like you know better? If so, welcome to Peter’s world! You are laughably arrogant!

Repent of that type of thinking. Don’t handle and manipulate God’s plan. Get on board with it and work it, just like Jesus. -Pastor Mike

BTW, I found a mattress store having a spring sale, so I picked out one. Unfortunately, the rest of the mattress is full price.