God's Big Picture!

For Friday, April 8, 2022

Matthew 16:23 NLT: “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.”

Jesus had been telling the disciples about his impending persecution, suffering and death. Peter didn’t want to lose his friend, his spiritual leader. In his mind, Jesus should be exalted, not put to death! But he’s not seeing the big picture.

Calling him “Satan” might seem a little harsh, but Jesus was on a mission from God, and he needed to finish what had been set in motion. I believe Jesus’ primary mission was to take the sin of the world to the place of the dead, leaving mankind suitable for an afterlife in the presence of God the Father. Jesus’ eyes were focused on that goal, and he didn’t want anything or anyone diverting his attention from God’s agenda.

What Jesus gave us was hope. He explained, “What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” Jesus is in the soul-saving business. He knows the big picture!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406