A Simple Explanation of a Powerful Bible Quote
If you’ve ever heard the phrase “Get behind me, Satan,” you might wonder why Jesus would ever say something so harsh, especially to someone as close as Peter. Let’s break down what’s really going on in this famous moment from the Bible, using everyday language.
Where Does This Phrase Come From?
The phrase “Get behind me, Satan” comes from the New Testament, specifically in the books of Matthew (16:23) and Mark (8:33). Here, Jesus is talking to his disciples—his closest friends and followers—about something very serious: he’s telling them that he will soon suffer, be rejected, and die, but that he will rise again.
What Did Peter Say?
Peter, one of Jesus’s most loyal followers, can’t stand to hear this. Out of love and concern, he says something along the lines of, “No way, Lord! This can’t happen to you.” Peter wants to protect Jesus and doesn’t understand why he would need to suffer or die.
Jesus’s Surprising Reply
Instead of thanking Peter for his concern, Jesus turns to him and says, “Get behind me, Satan!” It sounds shocking at first—after all, Peter is just trying to help. But Jesus isn’t actually saying that Peter is the devil. Rather, he’s calling out the influence behind Peter’s words.
Why Did Jesus Say This?
Jesus knows that his mission is to follow God’s plan, which includes suffering and sacrifice. When Peter speaks up, he is—without realizing it—tempting Jesus to avoid this difficult path. In the Bible, “Satan” often represents anything that gets in the way of God’s purpose. So, by saying “Get behind me, Satan,” Jesus is forcefully rejecting anything (or anyone) trying to stop him from doing what he came to do.
It’s Not About Attacking Peter
This isn’t a personal attack on Peter. Jesus isn’t angry at Peter himself; he’s upset about the mindset—focusing on comfort and avoiding suffering—that Peter is showing in that moment. He wants Peter and the rest of his followers to understand that following God sometimes means going through tough times.
The Bigger Picture: Spiritual Struggle
This story also shows a bigger spiritual battle. Even those closest to Jesus can sometimes say or do things that aren’t in line with God’s plan. The temptation to take the easy way out, to avoid pain or sacrifice, is something everyone faces—even Jesus.
What’s the Message for Us?
Jesus’s words remind us that being a true follower isn’t always easy. Sometimes, we have to choose the harder path if it’s the right one. We have to set aside our own desires or fears and trust in a bigger purpose, even when it involves sacrifice.
Key Takeaways
· “Get behind me, Satan” isn’t an insult to Peter, but a rejection of the wrong kind of thinking.
· The phrase shows the tension between what humans naturally want (comfort and safety) and what God wants (faithfulness, even if it’s hard).
· True discipleship means being willing to follow God’s plan, even when it’s tough.
· Everyone can be tempted to put their own plans first, but Jesus calls us to focus on God’s purpose above all.
In short, when Jesus says, “Get behind me, Satan,” he’s drawing a clear line: nothing—not even the good intentions of a close friend—should pull us away from what’s truly right. It’s a powerful reminder to stay focused on what matters most, even when the easier way seems tempting.
Minister A Francine Green – July 2025
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