Mark 8:33
But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
Mark 8:33
In Mark 8:33, Jesus rebukes Peter with a sharp, personal rebuke: “Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.” This moment occurs just after Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Christ and just before Jesus speaks of his coming suffering, death, and resurrection. Peter’s instinct is protective and loyal—yet misdirected. He resists the path of cruciform leadership that Jesus embodies, offering a human, political, or royal solution instead. The rebuke uses strong language: “Satan” is not a literal demon here but a figure representing temptation and the misalignment of priorities. In Jewish and Greco-Roman thought, “the things of God” refer to God’s redemptive purposes, often costly and countercultural, while “the things of men” point to worldly status, power, comfort, and self-preservation. By turning and addressing his disciples, Jesus exposes a broader clash within the community: the temptation to redefine discipleship in terms of human safety and ambition rather than cross-shaped obedience. The moment also reveals Jesus’ seriousness about the cost of following him.
This verse crystallizes the core call of Jesus’ ministry: discipleship requires alignment with God’s purposes, even when those purposes clash with human expectations. The term “Get thee behind me” signals not just rebuke but repositioning—Peter’s ideas must submit to Jesus’ authoritative mission. The rebuke underscores the eschatological tension of the Kingdom: what seems wise in human terms may oppose God’s plan. It also highlights the ongoing battle between spiritual discernment and worldly wisdom. Theologically, it foregrounds the paradox of victory through vulnerability: Jesus’ path to glory runs through the cross, not around it. The rebuke is both corrective and pastoral, reminding us that faithful following often involves correction by Jesus when our motives drift toward self-advancement, comfort, or political power.
Think about the moments you feel tempted to “help God” by choosing easier, safer, or more impressive options. Maybe you pursue a career path, relationship, or lifestyle for status rather than service. Jesus’ reply invites humility: pause, recheck your motives, and align with God’s redemptive purposes—even if it costs you. Practical steps:
- Before big decisions, ask: Will this advance God’s kingdom or merely enhance my comfort?
- Seek accountability: invite a trustworthy friend to test your motives.
- Embrace cross-shaped leadership: choose paths that serve others, forgive generously, and sacrifice time or resources when needed.
- Stay anchored in Scripture and prayer to discern God’s priorities over cultural pressures.
Peter’s moment isn’t about eradicating ambition; it’s about channeling ambition through God’s design.
Cross-References: Matthew 16:23; Luke 9:23-24; Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 1:25; Galatians 5:16-17