Nougat 8

There are some points in Scripture that require multiple readings for us to grasp; and even then, we are obliged to read in context. Today’s Holy Nougat is one such

“Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.””

Matthew 16:23 NLT

Wow! That still sounds harsh hundreds of years later! And yet, having a sense of the back story, I realize that Jesus’ words were necessary. While I know you can (and should) confirm the facts for yourselves if you are unfamiliar with the same, here goes:

Jesus was tested yet again by the Pharisees and He subsequently alluded to their influence being like yeast. The disciples misunderstood Jesus’ comment, which He then explained. He in turn asked them about their grasp on His identity. Peter responded passionately and accurately. He acknowledged the Lordship AND the Deity of Jesus!

Peter’s response was presented as the logic behind his name being changed (and there’s a lesson in that action for us); so it’s somewhat natural that we expect the next scene to reflect Peter in the lead. And he was.

However, this time, he was wrong. Almost to the eternal detriment of his soul.

You see, it is easy to miss the connection between the first scene of the chapter and this Peter moment. In that first scene where Jesus was tested; the ones who (knowingly) kept challenging His authority and identity were the Pharisees. These were experts who spent most of their waking moments with the Torah, trying to ensure that they understood and obeyed its commandments. Yet they couldn’t see Jesus the fulfillment of the Torah before them. In somewhat a similar manner; Peter, who had just acknowledged Jesus’ Lordship and Deity failed to grasp the Full ramifications of what he proclaimed. Despite the profound spiritual insight, he’d managed to be impacted by Pharasaic yeast!

When Jesus used His Lordship and Deity as the starting point for the ‘prophetic’ word He shared; Peter began to doubt. And the Doubt was manifested as complete devotion. I’m sure Peter had the right attitude and motive. His beloved Master, Teacher and Mentor was predicting His own Death! Spiritual logic flew out the window and one might even argue that Peter began to utilize the spiritual gift given to him. Yessiree

One of the gifts offered to him upon his acknowledgment of Jesus’ lordship was the power to bind and loose. Peter’s denying the validity of Jesus’ words could be seen as him opting to bind the plan for Jesus’ death. It was commendable.

It was also Totally Wrong!!!

And therein lies the caution for us believers; we can still be tempted away from God’s plan when we walk in the gifts of God’s Spirit. No exceptions! Peter’s actions resulted in the stern rebuke from Jesus. If we move past the reference to Satan; we note that Jesus saw Peter’s actions as fleshy (ie human). Galatians 5:16 however; corroborates Jesus’ rebuke as we are warned-cautioned-advised to walk in God’s Spirit, so we don’t fall prey to the lusts of the flesh (leaven/yeast of the Pharisees)! It’s all connected.

Jesus also said that Peter, more specifically his words, were a dangerous trap. This suggests to me that if Jesus have full reign to His own humanity; He might become tempted to go with Peter’s flow. To remain on earth and not die. But if Jesus never died; the curse of sin introduced by Eve and Adam would remain. And Death would seem victorious. Jesus opted to let God’s will prevail.

You see, there’s no time that believers are exempted from temptation. Not even when we are flowing under God’s anointing and manifesting the gifts of God’s Spirit. Some would say that we are likelier to be tempted at that time. The nougat today encourages us to recognize the temptation; denounce the sin and remain under the coverage of God’s Spirit.

I pray we are encouraged.

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May all we seek be found in Christ