What does Matthew 16:22 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 16:22 depicts an interaction between Jesus and His disciple Peter, immediately following Jesus's prediction of His future suffering, death, and resurrection in Jerusalem.

Peter, driven by his concern and misunderstanding, confronts Jesus in an effort to dissuade Him from what He has just revealed will happen.

Peter's rebuke, "Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee," reflects his refusal to accept the notion of Jesus's suffering and death.

This verse highlights Peter's love for Jesus, but also his lack of understanding of Jesus's mission and the necessary path of suffering that would lead to salvation for humanity.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally believed to have been written by Matthew the Apostle, and is thought to have been composed between 80 and 90 AD.

The verse in Matthew 16:22 comes from a dialogue at Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus had just asked His disciples who they thought He was.

Peter confesses Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of the living God, a statement that is commended by Jesus and is followed by the promise that Peter would be the rock upon which He would build His church.

Immediately following this high moment of recognition, Jesus starts to share about His upcoming suffering and death, eliciting Peter's stark reaction.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Peter's rebuke and Jesus's response (which follows in the next verse) provide insight into the concept of divine necessity and the human aversion to it.

While Peter's intentions were protective of Jesus, they reflected a misunderstanding of God's redemptive plan.

Theologically, Jesus's eventual Passion is seen as a required event within salvation history. The rebuke of Peter illustrates the natural human response to recoil from suffering, while also highlighting the misalignment with God's greater plan.

Practical Applications

In contemporary application, Matthew 16:22 can teach several life lessons:

• It calls believers to trust in God's larger plan even when it doesn't align with what seems right or easy.
• It cautions against letting personal desires or worldly views dictate the understanding of God's will.
• It encourages followers of Christ to embrace necessary hardships that may come in the pursuit of doing God's will.

Cross-References

• Matthew 16:21 - "From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day."
• Matthew 16:23 - "But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."
• Acts 3:18 - "But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled."
• Luke 9:22 - "Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day."

Language Study

The Greek word for "rebuke" used in this verse is "epitimaó" (ἐπιτιμάω), meaning to charge or admonish sternly. Peter's use of "epitimaó" reflects a strong disapproval or censure of Jesus's prediction regarding His own suffering and death.

"Far" is translated from the Greek "hileos" (ἵλεως), which carries a sense of mercy or sparing someone from something. Peter's plea, "Be it far from thee," indicates his desire for Jesus to be spared from such an outcome.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In contrast to other ancient mythologies where gods often manipulated or toyed with human fates, the Christian narrative presents a God who willingly suffers out of love for humanity.

Many ancient myths speak of gods undergoing struggles or battles, but these are typically for personal gain or dominance, rather than for the salvation of others.

Peter's response to Jesus's prediction can be seen as an all-too-human reaction that spans cultures: a desire to avoid suffering and to preserve the present order.

Scientific Perspectives

While Matthew 16:22 does not directly intersect with modern scientific understandings, it does touch on psychological aspects such as denial and cognitive dissonance.

These are terms used to describe psychological responses when individuals are confronted with information that contradicts their beliefs or desires.

Peter's reaction can be seen as a form of denial, wherein he resists the reality of Jesus's necessary path because it does not align with his expectations or desires for what the Messiah's role should be.

Commentaries

Modern biblical scholars and theologans often view Peter's rebuke as a display of both his impulsiveness and his deep love for Jesus.

However, they also frame this incident as a teaching moment where Jesus corrects a common misunderstanding of the Messiah's role.

Commentators point out that despite his misguided rebuke, Peter's response shows the intensity of his commitment to Jesus, even though he has yet to understand the full nature of Jesus's mission.

This narrative demonstrates that following Jesus may conflict with human instincts and requires spiritual discernment to align with God's plans.