MONDAY, JUNE 10
Scripture: Matthew 16:21-23

The Bible is not silent about this process. We even find some of the strongest apostles in the New Testament had to face and fight a battle with their minds. Matthew 16:21-23 reveals just such a battle. Jesus had just told the Twelve that He was going to go to the Cross. But they could not tell anyone. This interaction with Peter follows. Verses 21-23 says, “From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!’ But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.’” Peter had his mind set on the position he assumed he would have at the victory of Christ. He was looking for the territory he was going to rule. He was not looking at Jesus fulfilling the assignment of the Father by becoming the Suffering Servant. Peter’s mindset was upon his own advancement through his relationship with Christ. Jesus had to challenge Peter because where he was going would lead to destruction. Peter survived to fulfill his destiny and so can we!