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How like Peter we are. We can't bear to envision future suffering.

Ruth Senter

Not long ago, I came across an astonishing scene in the Bible. Jesus had just begun to talk to his disciples about his approaching death. Peter, forever the rescuer, cannot stand the thought that someone he loves is about to suffer. When Jesus tells his disciples he must die, Peter responds, "Never, Lord. This will never happen to you."

Jesus then utters some amazing words to Peter: "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me … " (Matt. 16:23).

Such a strong reaction from Jesus! What did it mean?

For one, it meant Jesus knew that suffering was part of the plan. And he knew how we humans want to avoid pain for ourselves and our loved ones. But in this case, only Satan would benefit if Jesus didn't suffer and die.

"You (Peter) do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men," Jesus continues.

How like Peter we are. We can't bear to envision future suffering. We do everything possible to deflect pain from those we love. We try to fix their breakdowns. We set about to orchestrate their remedy or talk them out of their troubles—"Don't worry. Everything's going to be okay."

When all the while, what God might really want is for us to submit to the suffering in another's life. To speak the truth to them. Everything is not okay. But God is still God.

I wonder how we would respond if a loved one came to us one day and said, "I have to go through this dark valley for awhile." I wonder if we, like Peter, would hastily object. Or would we be willing to trust enough to say, "So you have to go to Jerusalem and die. Lead on. I will be right there beside you."

Things might have been different for Peter, if only he had said it and meant it.

Things might be different for us if only we would do the same.

Ruth Senter has written ten books, has two grown kids, and travels with her husband, a seminary educator.

Copyright © 1997 by the author or Christianity Today International/Today's Christian magazine (formerly Christian Reader).
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