Matthew 16:21–23 provides the narrative where Jesus predicts His death, marking a pivotal moment in the scripture.
Jesus didn’t hide the cost of redemption—He revealed it boldly as part of when Jesus predicts His death.
Immediately after Peter’s bold confession, Jesus shifts the conversation to the painful reality of His mission: suffering, death, and resurrection. This is the first time He plainly reveals what lies ahead.
Matthew 16:21–23 (NASB 2020)
21 From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and be raised on the third day. 22 Yet Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You!” 23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s purposes, but men’s.”
Who Was Jesus Speaking To?
- His disciples, preparing them for what was coming when Jesus predicts His death.
- Peter, who reacts strongly against the plan
- Us today, to understand that purpose often comes through pain
What Happened?
- Jesus clearly told the disciples about His upcoming suffering, death, and resurrection just after Jesus predicts His coming death.
- Peter, just praised for his confession, now rebukes Jesus out of misunderstanding
- Jesus corrects Peter sharply, calling him a stumbling block
- He identifies that mindset as aligned with human reasoning, not God’s plan
The Mood: Shocking, Sobering, Corrective
- Jesus is serious and focused on His purpose
- Peter’s emotional response reveals human fear, yet his fear overlooks that Jesus predicts His death for a divine purpose.
- The mood quickly moves from intimacy to firm correction
The Principle: God’s Plan Often Offends Human Reasoning
- The way of the cross doesn’t always make sense to the flesh
- Even those closest to Jesus can misunderstand the mission, especially when He predicts His death and resurrection.
- Spiritual maturity requires embracing God’s purpose over comfort
Audience Response (Then)
Peter likely felt stunned and ashamed. The disciples must have sensed a deep weight as they began to understand what Jesus was truly saying after Jesus predicts His painful death.
This moment exposed how quickly we can speak truth one moment and error the next when our minds are not fixed on the things of God.
What This Means for Us in 2025
We all face moments where God’s plan doesn’t align with our expectations.
- Don’t resist what you don’t understand
- Be cautious about giving voice to doubt
- Realize that truth sometimes sounds harsh when it corrects us. As seen when Jesus predicts His own death.
- Submit to the purpose beyond the pain
Action Steps for Today
- Trust God even when His plan feels painful. He sees what we don’t.
- Don’t let fear hijack your faith. Courage is found in obedience.
- Correct your thinking daily. Align with God’s eternal purpose.
- Accept rebuke with humility. It may be your rescue.
- Focus on resurrection hope, not just present suffering.
Final Prayer
Lord, help me to trust Your plan even when it involves pain. Teach me to set my mind on the things of God, and not be ruled by the fear of man. Correct me when I misunderstand Your purpose, and lead me in resurrection hope. Amen.
God’s plan may include suffering, but it always ends in resurrection. Don’t stumble over what you were meant to surrender to. Remember, as Jesus predicts His own path to suffering, it’s a part of divine purpose.
