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Daily Devotions

Matthew

Matthew 
Day 
Day 233

A Stern Rebuke

Text: Matthew 16 : 21 - 28

Jesus may have appreciated the sentiments that Peter had in his heart. However, he was absolutely wrong in his theology. He had to correct him sternly.

“But He turned and said to Peter,
‘Get behind me, Satan! You are an offence to Me,
for you are not mindful of the things of God,
but of the things of men.’ ”
MATTHEW 16:23

These words seem particular harsh. How should we understand them?

1. A Deeper Insight

Jesus knew that beyond the words of Peter, beyond his feelings, Satan had taken advantage of this disciple! Peter himself would not have known that his thoughts and feelings could have been influenced by the devil, nevertheless that was true.

There is only one way to deal with any suggestion from the evil one. There must be stern and authoritative rebuke! There must be total rejection of his suggestion! The outworking of Satan would always be contrary to the plans of God, no matter how well disguised they may be!

2. The Things of God – The Things of men

Jesus was totally focused on fulfilling His Father’s plans – even if those plans include suffering and death! God’s perspective and men’s perspective sometimes clash – and in this particularly instance, very much so!

The things of men seldom include the thought of suffering and death. Men prefer things that are easy, comfortable and non-sacrificial! All throughout his life, the human being tries to live a life that does not contemplate pain and suffering!

Satan of course is in support of the things of men – as long as they are contrary to the plans of God! He cleverly hides himself so that men may not see his wicked hand involved. However, he could not hide himself deep enough. Jesus saw through his wiles instantly!

SEEING THROUGH THE WILES OF THE EVIL ONE

Satan revealed his hand in a number of ways. Let us look at some of them mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew.

1. Possession of human beings

This was a dreadful thing to behold. Those he possessed he also afflicted severely (Cf. Matthew 15:21-28).

2. Snatching away the Word of God

In the parable of The Sower, Jesus clearly identified the work of the evil one. Just as soon as the word of God is sown in the heart, he will come and attempt to snatch that word away. This is easily done when the word of God is rejected by those who had hardened hearts (Cf. Matthew 13:1-12)

3. Subtle influence

We are introduced to two ways in which Satan can tempt people:-

a) Direct Temptation

This was something that Jesus experienced! Satan came to Him in the wilderness to tempt Him., face to face!

b) Indirect and subtle temptation

This was clearly evidenced in the way Peter was subtly influenced by Satan! The devil can make use of the best of human intentions and then twisting things just a little bit, bringing about corruption!

DEFEATING THE ENEMY

How does one defeat such a wicked, subtle and powerful enemy! The answer is NOT in exorcism! Let’s study how Jesus taught His disciples a game plan that when applied carefully, would result in the defeat of the enemy. This teaching of Jesus would also enable the believer to thoroughly defeat him.

“Then Jesus said to His disciples,
‘If anyone desires to come after Me,
let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
For whoever desires to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.'”
MATTHEW 16:24-25

1. The principle of “self-denial”

Jesus practiced this principle most consistently in His life and ministry! His very full day bore good testimony of this principle!

2. The principle of following Jesus

If a person truly wants to be a good and faithful disciple, he must seek to walk in the footsteps of Jesus as completely as possible. The disciple is not asked to do the things that Jesus the Master failed to carry out!

3. The principle of total commitment

Total commitment must of course necessitate the possibility of giving up one’s life! Many decided that they would follow Jesus, but when they saw the rigour that characterized His life, not very many became disciples!

These three principles are of critical importance! When cultivated carefully and faithfully practiced, the believer would find that he had indeed defeated the devil himself.