Matthew 16: 21-23,
“From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.’ But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’
This is a great day for the Teacher and the disciples. After three years of friendship, accompaniment and discipleship, Jesus wants to see if the disciples realize who He is and what kind of Message He proclaims.
Matthew 16:13 describes the region of Caesarea Philippi as the area where this conversation took place. The region of Caesarea Philippi was a well known center of worship of Greek and Roman human-made gods, and a pleasant leisure area for the military and powerful leaders. The famous temple we visit there (called Banias today) illustrates the importance and magnificence of the site. It shows the strong Greek and Roman religious attachments to their gods, an influence which will affect the people of Israel under successive occupations.
In verse 15, Jesus asks his disciples “Who am I for you?" Simon, inspired by the Holy Spirit answered, "You are the Christ; the Son of the LIVING God." All of the worshipped gods in this region—Greek and Roman mythologies, animals and human beings—are made by human hands and have no life in them, much less can they give life! Jesus replied, “...this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven...You are Peter (rock) and on this rock I will build my Church.“ At that time, Jesus started to tell them about His passion in Jerusalem, His sufferings, crucifixion, death and resurrection.
For the disciples, according to their expectations as sons of Israel, the Messiah is the Eternal Almighty. How can Jesus speak about suffering and burial in Jerusalem? This declaration contradicts all their beliefs. This is why they refuse the idea of Jesus’ suffering, and why Peter takes the Messiah aside and rebukes Him. (The disciple becomes a teacher and the Teacher is treated as a pupil!) Here we witness God's plan of Love and Salvation, yet human as we are, we like to create our Messiah and not accept Him as He is. Don't we refuse the idea, and much more the fact, of suffering? We are tempted to believe that because we confess Jesus Christ as the Son of the Living God, we will be protected from suffering. We even sometimes blame Him when we undergo serious suffering.
Saint Peter (c. 1468) by Marco Zoppo, depicting Peter holding the Keys of Heaven and a book representing the gospel. Image is in the public domain.
This is where Jesus seems very upset with Peter, “Get behind me Satan, your thoughts are not those of God...” The disciples are completely shocked by this proclamation about the Passion in Jerusalem. They need time to reflect, to meditate, to pray, and to accept continuing their journey with this Messiah—not their imaginary one, but the True Messiah.
Jesus sums up this journey with His disciples by teaching us. Matthew 16:24 says "If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let them deny themselves (our own concept of Christ), carry their cross (join our suffering to His Cross) and follow me (the True Christ). We too need time to reflect and accept that He is Present with us.
The disciples experienced bitter sadness when Jesus was on the way to Gethsemane. He taught them to be confident in the Father's Love and to ask in Jesus Name. John 16:22 "You are sad now"....and 16:26-27, "You will ask in my name; and I do not say that I shall pray to the Father for you, because the Father Himself loves you because you have loved me..."
In times of suffering that lead to doubt, do we firmly trust that He is with us? Are we ready to continue following Him, He who is the Way, the Truth and the Life?