PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 16

What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?

“You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Matthew 16:23)
Beware the serpent’s hiss, it sounds so right and good.
Peter thought for sure he was serving God’s interest by defending Jesus.
But Jesus sees Satan’s deception at work, and warns him about it.
What are God’s concerns and human concerns?
Every religious person thinks that they represent God’s concerns.
This leads to religious arrogance, control and oppression.
‘Take control of our lives and this world, and make us great again.’
I fear churches and Christians are giving in to the serpent’s hiss again.
Striving for power and control, they act opposite to their Messiah.
Are we becoming the very thing we accuse others of being?
Jesus and Jesus Way of humility and grace is God’s concern.
God willingly embodies humility and grace to rescue and restore creation.
Greatness is not found in defending ourselves, but in giving ourselves.
This is how Jesus restored greatness, and how we should too (Matthew 20:25-28)
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You chose God’s concern for overcoming evil with humility and grace. Help us as Jesus followers to see where Satan is deceiving us with illusions of worldly greatness.