The Normal Christian Life
Jesus' words here may seem harsh. After all, Peter's intentions were good. He was trying to encourage his Friend with some positive thinking. But God's ways and perspective differ radically from ours. That's why they will never be popular in and with the world. The self-denial that is part of the crucified life (Gal 2:20) is an offense to a world that seeks self-esteem, self-gratification and self-realization. This world wants all of God's good promises but shuns "the offense of the cross."
"From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things... and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!"
But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."
Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."
Matthew 16:21-25