Peter continues to learn and grow from Jesus’ example and teachings, but on one day, he can’t quite grasp what Jesus is about to tell the twelve disciples.

Jesus has just ask the disciples what people are saying about him in the new territory where they are ministering. They report that some people say this and some say that. Then Jesus asks the disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon gives his well known statement—”You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus calls him “Peter” (rock) for the first time. Wow, that is one up for Peter. No doubt his chest is just a bit puffed up.

As Jesus continues to teach the disciples, he lays a heavy load on them.

31 …the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law, and be killed and after three days rise again. Mark 8:31

Well, in Peter’s mind, that just won’t do. He won’t allow it to happen.

22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord,” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Matthew 16:22

Rebuke him even! Rebuke the Son of the living God. Well, Jesus has a little rebuking to do as well.

33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan! You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” Mark 8:33

Picture this scene. Jesus turns his back on Peter. In essence he is saying that Peter’s words are of Satan. Poor Peter. One up and one down. Jesus reminds them that if they are going to stay with him, they must lead a life of self denial, take up their cross, and follow him.

A few weeks later, they quietly pass through Galilee because Jesus wants to spend some quality time with the twelve, going more in-depth with them. Jesus often refers to himself as “the Son of Man.” Again, he makes that statement to them.

 31 …”The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise again.” 32 But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. Mark 9:31-32

This is the second time he has warned what will happen. Notice that Peter does not jump up to protest this time. He has learned his lesson. We may wonder why they don’t understand. Perhaps they were afraid to “ask him about it” because they saw Jesus’ reaction to Peter the first time. It is very straightforward—be killed and rise again. They can’t quite grasp it. But remember, our hindsight is more defined than their foresight (or no-sight.)

Weeks go by and they are now on their way to Jerusalem, Jesus’ final trip to the holy city. Once again he pulls them aside. Keep in mind that “Gentiles” who mock and flog would be none other than the Romans. And Romans kill by crucifixion.

33 “We are going up to Jerusalem and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and they will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34 who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later, he will rise.” Mark 10: 33-34

It is all more than they can take in. It’s kind of like hearing the doctor say, “cancer” and our minds stop at that point. We can’t process the rest of the words. Perhaps that’s why the disciples simply do not hear “three days later he will rise.”

As you move through your week, ponder the dark cloud that hangs over the disciples’ heads as they proceed on toward Jerusalem. We can’t rejoice in the Easter victory until we have felt the angst and uncertainty of what will come before.

~ Joyce ~