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Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:21–23 (KJV)

  • Matthew 16:21–23 – “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things… and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
    Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
    But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”

  • Colossians 3:1–2 – “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
    Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Devotional

Peter loved Jesus. Yet in Matthew 16, he became a mouthpiece for Satan without even realizing it.

When Jesus explained that He must go to the cross, Peter rebuked Him: “Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.” Peter’s words sounded caring, but they actually opposed God’s redemptive plan. Jesus’ response was startling: “Get thee behind me, Satan… for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”

The issue wasn’t simply Peter’s words; it was his mindset. He was “savoring” (setting his mind on, relishing) the things of man—comfort, safety, earthly expectations—not the things of God—sacrifice, the cross, eternal purposes.

The sermon highlighted this danger for all of us. Satan doesn’t just use obviously evil people. He would love to use sincere Christians whose minds are more shaped by human thinking than by Scripture. If we think like the world, value what the world values, and resist anything costly or uncomfortable, we will often find ourselves standing in the way of what God is doing.

Colossians 3 calls us to set our affection on things above. This is the only way to avoid being co-opted by the enemy’s agenda. When your heart is anchored in eternity, you will be willing to embrace God’s path—even when it includes suffering, sacrifice, or misunderstanding.

Reflection

  • Where are you “savoring” the things of men more than the things of God (comfort, reputation, control, money, ease)?
  • Have you ever resisted something God was clearly leading you (or your church) to do because it was hard, costly, or different?
  • What would it look like in your life to set your affection more fully “on things above”?

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Protect me from thinking like the world and from resisting Thy will when it is difficult. I do not want to be an offense to Thee or a tool in Satan’s hand, like Peter was in that moment. Teach me to savor the things of God—to love what Thou lovest and to embrace Thy purposes, even when they require sacrifice. Set my mind and affections on things above, and align my heart with Thy cross and Thy kingdom. In Thy name I pray, Amen.

Action

Today, choose one earthly attachment that competes with God’s will (for example: entertainment, extra work hours that consistently keep you from worship, a habit that dulls your spiritual hunger).

  • Either remove it entirely or deliberately limit it.
  • Replace that time or energy with something that “sets your affection on things above” (prayer, Bible reading, serving someone, sharing the gospel).