Transformed – teen devotion – February 25, 2024
One truth shared: Jesus confronts our deepest issues to provide confidence in following him boldly.
But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
Mark 8:33
What Really Matters to God
As you get older, adults will start to open up to you more. When they do, you realize the people you looked up to are just as human as anyone else. They have their own hopes, dreams, weaknesses, frailties, and fears. It is a bit unnerving, especially when they start to talk about matters of life and death, their own mortality. It is scary and sad to think about a time when those adults closest to you will no longer be around. Wouldn’t it be better if they stayed with you on this earth forever?
Jesus spent every day with his disciples. He was their teacher, friend, and family. Then Jesus began to explain to them that he had to suffer, be rejected, be killed, and rise again. Peter heard all the negative and rebuked Jesus. He didn’t want anything to happen to Jesus. Peter wanted Jesus to stay forever right there with them. Peter missed the mention of “rising again” from the dead. Peter’s concerns were short term and missed the magnitude of Jesus’ purpose.
Jesus rebuked Peter because he was emotionally intertwined with only human concerns. Jesus directs Peter and us to the mind of God. People can’t save themselves. People on their own will wander and die eternally. Jesus’ sacrifice would bring life and immortality to life. The suffering would be worth it.
Jesus knows what is better than what we want. Our hope of the resurrection provides confidence to have some of those difficult conversations on deep matters. We know following Jesus isn’t easy but there is victory over sin, death and the devil that will carry us through.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for facing the consequences of my sin willingly and without fear. There are times I’d rather shrink back from talking about all you’ve done. Please embolden my faith. Bless me with confidence in you. Thank you for providing what I need when I need it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
