The Gospel of Mark begins with the announcement of “Good News,” but it’s a bumpy ride at times. As Jesus is becoming more widely known, he explores with his disciples who others say he is (Elijah, John the Baptist, a prophet). Then Jesus asks them directly: “Who do you believe I am?” At first glance, it seems Peter is starting to understand: “You are the Messiah.” When Jesus explains the suffering and descent his journey will reflect, we see Peter’s perception of “Messiah” is more in line with a political messianic ruler. Peter can’t yet envision that Jesus has something very different in mind from what Peter expects. We are often no different. If we’re honest, we often long to be rescued from our pain and heartache by a “messiah” or other type of inaccurate image we have of God rather than being led through our struggle on a journey of descent and formation.

When Peter starts to rebuke Jesus, Jesus’ response is forceful: “Get behind me, Satan.” Mark’s treatment of Jesus’ experience in the desert is brief—only two verses (Mark 1:12-13)—and many scholars wonder if this experience with Peter is the one Mark chose to more greatly emphasize in reflecting the temptation Jesus experienced. It makes sense that in his humanity Jesus wouldn’t naturally be drawn to the path of descent—and a friend tempting him to embrace power and ascent wouldn’t help. That perspective makes you wonder if Jesus’ strong words were less about admonishing Peter and more about the intensity he felt to stay the course and the challenge in doing so. It stirs a compassion for the humanity of Jesus and the magnitude of the task he was embracing.