Matthew 16:21-27

Gospel according to Matthew 16:21-27

From that time, Jesus began to reveal to his disciples that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and to suffer much from the elders and the scribes and the leaders of the priests, and to be killed, and to rise again on the third day. And Peter, taking him aside, began to rebuke him, saying, “Lord, may it be far from you; this shall not happen to you.” And turning away, Jesus said to Peter: “Get behind me, Satan; you are an obstacle to me. For you are not behaving according to what is of God, but according to what is of men.” Then Jesus said to his disciples: “If anyone is willing to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever would save his life, will lose it. But whoever will have lost his life for my sake, shall find it. For how does it benefit a man, if he gains the whole world, yet truly suffers damage to his soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man will arrive in the glory of his Father, with his Angels. And then he will repay each one according to his works.

Reflections

Last week, Jesus asked his disciples who they think he is. He was happy with Peter because he gave the right answer that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

In today’s reading, Jesus continues last Sunday’s reading, but he has harsh words for Peter. He says the harshest words that he ever says to anyone, “Get behind me, Satan!”

Why is this huge diference between praise and reproach? It seemes, that Jesus is revealing a crucial truth about himself as the Messiah. The Messiah must suffer and die to accomplish his mission. Without suffering and death, there is no resurrection. His followers must do the same. They have to pick up their crosses and follow him.

Jesus did not want to be mean to Peter but he wanted to warn him from from getting deceived. Those who pick up their crosses and follow Jesus even through suffering are his true friends.

Jesus invites us not to be afraid of losing what is earthly to gain what is heavenly.