Today’s scripture recounts a notable interaction between Jesus and Peter. When Jesus shares a message of suffering and death with his disciples, Peter rebukes him. Jesus replies, “Get behind me, Satan” and warns that Peter’s mind is not on the things of God but on human things. How shocked and embarrassed Peter must have been at Jesus’ response!
Often, Jesus’ message did not conform with the disciples’ expectations. Throughout the Gospels we see other moments where Jesus’ actions and teachings do not line up with what the disciples believe their rabbi’s next steps should be.
We often experience the same internal conflict as did the disciples. We may feel a spiritual nudge to take an action that runs counter to our ideals and common sense. Perhaps we feel a growing passion for a specific political or social issue. Or we sense a pull toward a person in need, though their life path is out of sync with our personal values. We may feel drawn toward a kindness that is completely illogical. Perhaps we feel compelled to extend grace that comes at personal cost.
Others—even other disciples of Jesus—may warn us not to pursue the matter that weighs on our hearts. Logically, we may even agree with them. Yet we can’t deny what we feel compelled to do. In such moments, we must decide which voice to follow.
Today’s scripture reminds us that Jesus’ ways are not like ours. Though many of us have followed Christ for most of our lives, heeding God’s call can lead us in surprising directions. God’s voice is more reliable than our own common sense. When we act outside of our own logic and trust God’s Spirit within us, we follow in the footsteps of Jesus.