Rebuking Jesus

“He was openly talking about this. So Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him.” (Mark 8:32)

I read this recently and laughed. LOL in fact.

The innocence of Peter here. The verses before tell us Jesus was teaching that He “must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, be killed, and rise after three days.” (Mark 8:31)

Peter didn’t like what he heard. It wasn’t right. It didn’t seem fair. Or proper. Or probably even Biblical to him at the time.

So, Peter took him aside to rebuke him.

(As a side note, I’m glad Peter took him aside to rebuke him. I’m glad he didn’t blast Jesus in a group setting. I know some church people who could learn from Peter on that one.)

Imagine though. Peter rebuking Jesus.

He didn’t like what he was hearing…he didn’t like what Jesus was saying…the direction Jesus was leading…so he offered a bold rebuke.

Wow! That’s almost funny to me.

Peter, the disciple Jesus had recruited, the understudy…the former fisherman…rebuked Jesus. The Master. The Savior. The Creator. The King.

Following Peter’s rebuke, Jesus turned to rebuke Peter. Unknown to Peter…or at least not understood at the time…Jesus had a plan. Already. And, once again, Jesus had the final word

But then the focus of this post changes. Because then there is you. And me.

Have you ever rebuked Jesus?

Ever wanted to?

Be honest.

Has Jesus ever allowed something you thought was unfair? Or improper? Or maybe not even Biblical as you would determine it?

You expected more from Him. You thought, because of His love for you (which is greater than you can imagine) that He would use His power (which is greater than you can imagine) to interrupt time and intercede on your behalf. You thought after all you had done…for Him…as a person. (That hurts to say if it is true, doesn’t it?)

You thought He would write a better story with your life. You thought He would have responded differently than how He has responded.

So, you took Jesus aside and rebuked Him.

Or maybe you were afraid to be that honest. But, if you were honest…really honest…Jesus’ response to your life has disappointed you. Inside, if we could examine your heart…or mine…your reaction to Jesus’ plan was a rebuke. (Maybe you should be that honest. Peter was.)

Don’t be afraid to be honest with God.

As you offer your rebuke, however, learn from Peter’s experience. Remember you may not know or understand, but Jesus has things under control. He has a plan. Already.

As He did when talking to Peter, He will have the final word in your life.

“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.” (Ecclesiastes 11:5)