“Jesus began to teach the disciples that he—’the Son of Man’ must suffer many things, be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribe; and be killed and rise from the dead three days later. He spoke clearly, not vaguely. Peter was shocked, so he took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, Jesus rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” (pp Mark 8:31–33)
Lord Jesus, I used to read this story with a bit of relief, thinking—“at least I’m not as clueless as Peter. I’d never try to keep Jesus from the cross; and I’d never, ever take Jesus aside and presume to correct and rebuke him.”
But in your kindness Jesus, you have shown me the ways I’m just as rebuke-worthy and grace-needy as Peter. How do I downplay your cross? When do I try to rebuke you, Jesus?
- When I wallow in self-contempt and shame—or default to performance-based spirituality—I deny your cross. From the cross you said, “It is finished!” Not, “I did my part; now y’all do yours.”
- When I indulge a critical spirit, keep a record of other people sins, and fertilize my resentment—I deny your cross. Jesus, you didn’t just die for me; but for others as well. How dare I claim to rest in your cross and grace and yet deny others a taste of the only possible haven and hope for sinners?
- When I grumble about your ways and timing, don’t stay grateful for everything you have already given me, and don’t believe you really are working for my good in all things—that’s the equivalent of me taking you aside and rebuking you, Jesus.
“O to grace, how great a debtor, daily I’m constrained to be”—including this day, Jesus. Hallelujah, thank you, and So Very Amen.
