Satan’s traps

From that time on Jesus began to say plainly to his disciples, ‘I must go to Jerusalem and suffer much from the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law. I will be put to death, but three days later I will be raised to life.’

Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. ‘God forbid it, Lord!’ he said, ‘That must never happen to you!’

Jesus turned around and said to Peter, ‘Get away from me, Satan’ You are an obstacle in my way, because these thoughts of yours don’t come from God, but from human nature.’   (verses 21-23)

Read Matthew 16: 21-28

Satan is never far away when God has something to say to you. Often he disguises himself in the question ‘why’. He did this with Eve when he tempted her. He also did it with Jesus when he suggested, ‘Why die such an excruciating death to save the world? There must be an easier way.’ Satan is clever in the way he tries to create doubt and mistrust about what God says.

Peter found himself drawn into Satan’s trap. His love for Jesus made him want to save his Lord, but it was Peter who needed saving, not Jesus.

Your Saviour remembered you when his eyes were drawn to his cruel death through this temptation, and he put you first. He loved you more than he loved himself. That shows you how much he thinks of you. And that is why he continued his walk to Jerusalem.

Jesus, my Saviour, you were tempted to bypass the cross and forget about me, but you resisted that temptation. Thank you for loving me so much. Amen.

by Pastor Len Tscharke, in ‘Assurances for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2004)

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