Bible Study Anyone understand what Jesus meant in Matt 16:23?

[kickedoutofchurch]

This is a very interesting verse especially what Jesus says at the end.

But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." Matthew 16:23 NASB

Anyone know why Jesus said that Satan only has his mind on the things of man?

Kicked

 

[TOG]

This is a very interesting verse especially what Jesus says at the end.

But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." Matthew 16:23 NASB

Anyone know why Jesus said that Satan only has his mind on the things of man?

Kicked

The word "satan" in Hebrew means "adversary". It is sometimes used as a proper name of our greatest adversary, but I think that in many cases it would be better to translate it rather than render it as a proper name. I think this is one of those cases.

The TOG​

 

[AirDancer]

Satan wants to deceive as many of mankind as possible, so those will not have their focus on serving our Lord.

Mankind has a tendency to create idols; attention is diverted from what we should be doing for our Lord and instead, look elsewhere (those idols) to occupy us.

 

[Chopper]

This is a very interesting verse especially what Jesus says at the end.

But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." Matthew 16:23 NASB

Anyone know why Jesus said that Satan only has his mind on the things of man?

Kicked

Yes it is interesting Kicked! Peter had no right to rebuke his Master in the first place, and if it wasn't for Satan influencing him, he wouldn't have. Apparently, Satan tried to hinder Jesus' role in being a sacrifice for sin. He used Peter for that. Jesus' message to Peter and Satan was that their minds were on man's selfish motives, not spiritual.

 

[kickedoutofchurch]

Yes it is interesting Kicked! Peter had no right to rebuke his Master in the first place, and if it wasn't for Satan influencing him, he wouldn't have. Apparently, Satan tried to hinder Jesus' role in being a sacrifice for sin. He used Peter for that. Jesus' message to Peter and Satan was that their minds were on man's selfish motives, not spiritual.

Great answer IMHO.

 

[Kathi]

Yes it is interesting Kicked! Peter had no right to rebuke his Master in the first place, and if it wasn't for Satan influencing him, he wouldn't have. Apparently, Satan tried to hinder Jesus' role in being a sacrifice for sin. He used Peter for that. Jesus' message to Peter and Satan was that their minds were on man's selfish motives, not spiritual.

Yes, Chopper my friend.God's Blessings to you.

 

[Eugene]

To me Peter was merely confronted for being a puppet in the hands of Satan, and yielding to the flesh of his desire at that moment. He was corrected with the following verse in Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

 

[kickedoutofchurch]

Yes it is interesting Kicked! Peter had no right to rebuke his Master in the first place, and if it wasn't for Satan influencing him, he wouldn't have. Apparently, Satan tried to hinder Jesus' role in being a sacrifice for sin. He used Peter for that. Jesus' message to Peter and Satan was that their minds were on man's selfish motives, not spiritual.

As I think more about this situation with Peter, more verses come to mind. Look at what Jesus is rebuking Peter (and Satan) for.

Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You." Matt 16:22 NASB

To me, this is Peter (and Satan I guess) saying "you shall never go to the cross"! However, I see Luke 20:13-15 saying that Satan wanted to kill the Son of God.

The owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’ 14 But when the vine-growers saw him, they reasoned with one another, saying, ‘This is the heir; let us kill him so that the inheritance will be ours.’ 15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What, then, will the owner of the vineyard do to them? Luke 20:13-15 NASB

Thoughts?

Also, we know that Satan did not know the true purposes of God or he wouldn't have killed him.

None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory 1 Cor 2:8 NASB

Kicked

 

[reba]

Mat 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.

Question .... Could Jesus have said "Get thee behind me, Satan" as sorta like Hey you Peter to get Petes attention... then been saying to Peter acting /talking that way is not of God?

 

[Kathi]

Peter was speaking for Satan like his adversary.It is very easy for us as humans to become a spokesperson for Satan.It is especially easy when we lose sight of God's plan for us.Jesus rebuked Peter to get him back on track.

 

[DRS81]

This is a very interesting verse especially what Jesus says at the end.

But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." Matthew 16:23 NASB

Anyone know why Jesus said that Satan only has his mind on the things of man?

This is actually a really powerful scripture teaching humility to the Father. Nothing was going to stop Jesus from dying on that cross. wow. If that ain't love....

John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Satan cares about the flesh, and following the flesh brings death.
God cares about the spirit, and following the spirit (Holy Spirit) brings life.

 

[iLOVE]

The story picks up in Luke 22:31-34 NIV.
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”

34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

Jesus is telling us because of Peter's pride God will allow Satan's request. This clearly shows two things; Satan can only test Peter's faith and not all of him as he has requested in v.31. Second, Jesus loves us so much He will go after the lost sheep whose faith has failed them and those whose faith that has been broken.

"And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

 

[Sinthesis]

It is a stumbling block to the Jews that their Messiah could ever be crucified, so they deny Jesus is their Messiah. Even though Muslims accept Jesus was the Jewish Messiah, when they claim that Jesus wasn't really crucified they are falling prey to the very same mindset that afflicted Peter in Matt 16:22

 

[BigSodaExposer]

I think maybe cause Peter had elements of Satan in him. He was leaning more to the world. Falling asleep in the garden of gethesmane when he was supposed to be watching like Jesus told him to. Denying Jesus three times before the cock crowed thrice. I think he was still Lukewarm at that point.

 

[kickedoutofchurch]

This is actually a really powerful scripture teaching humility to the Father. Nothing was going to stop Jesus from dying on that cross. wow. If that ain't love....

John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Satan cares about the flesh, and following the flesh brings death.
God cares about the spirit, and following the spirit (Holy Spirit) brings life.

Boy, these are all very good answers IMHO. I especially like what DRS81 said. This verse has been "sticking" with me for a while and I think that DR hit it on the HEAD. I interpret this as "we have one mind, but it can be flowing in the direction of one of two master minds". One master mind is of the flesh or natural man and one is of the Spirit or God/Jesus himself. 1 Cor. 2:16 says that we have the mind of Christ (Spirit), but since we are still in the flesh, we still can "walk" or chose to listen to the mind of the flesh. The flesh and the Spirit are OPPOSING to each other, so in essence there are really only two minds that think and operate totally differently. One is flesh and loves self and the other is spirit and others-centered love. The mind of the Spirit (Christ) and the mind of the flesh and they oppose each other Galatians 5:17

My point is that we know Jesus is the ONE (master)mind of the Spirit, but the part that blows me away is that Jesus says to Satan in Matt 16:23 "you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's."

I interpret this as Jesus talking not only to Peter, but to Satan himself and I interpret it as Jesus telling us who the one (master) mind of the flesh is. That he is the false vine whereas Jesus is the true vine. John 15:1 If Jesus said he was the TRUE vine, then there must be a false vine too. Thus, I see Jesus as saying directly to Satan "you oppose God's way of thinking but instead are always thinking like (natural) man or the flesh" which results in the "fruits of the flesh". Look at Romans 8:6 as it talks about a person who agrees and follows along with the mind of the flesh that I am referring to. This can even happen in a believer any moment when they are not operating in faith. I am starting to think this "mind of the flesh" is ONE mind just like Jesus is the one mind of the Spirit.

For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace Romans 8:6 NASB

According to Romans 8:6, we can only set our mind (agree with the thoughts of) on one of two different things - flesh or spirit.

Now, let's look at what James says about where the thoughts or "mind of the flesh" is located.

This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic James 3:15

I read this as saying there are ALSO two kinds or sources of wisdom that are completely related to this discussion. One is from above and is the very wisdom of Christ himself and one is from "below" which is from the Earth is natural and demonic. Who is the one mastermind of this natural, demonic wisdom?

Look at what Paul is saying in Colossians 3:1-7

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. Col 3:1-2 NASB

Now, he goes on to talk about the things that are of "below" on Earth or of Earthly thinking of the mind of man.
5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. Colossians 3:1-7

Isn't this a lot of evidence to show us that Christ himself is the mind of the Spirit and "things above" and that there may be ONE mind that is the "mind of the flesh"? This "mind of the flesh" is the one who is creating "earthly", "natural", demonic thoughts which Jesus calls "man's interests" in Matt 16:23.

Probably pretty radical for some, but I have been living by 1 Thes 5:21 for a couple years now where we are told to "examine everything carefully"

But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good 1 Thes. 5:21 NASB

Thus, I love to test and examine EVERYTHING per Paul's instructions above. I love to go deep into God's Word and ask him questions that no one has asked before, instead of being told what to think. I have seen so many powerful revelations this way and I hope you get many yourself too.

God bless,

Kicked

 

[for_his_glory]

Yes it is interesting Kicked! Peter had no right to rebuke his Master in the first place, and if it wasn't for Satan influencing him, he wouldn't have. Apparently, Satan tried to hinder Jesus' role in being a sacrifice for sin. He used Peter for that. Jesus' message to Peter and Satan was that their minds were on man's selfish motives, not spiritual.

Could not have said this better as Peter was not yet indwelled with the Holy Spirit and was only speaking from the flesh. Flesh is the only way that Satan can intervene.

 

[Chopper]

Could not have said this better as Peter was not yet indwelled with the Holy Spirit and was only speaking from the flesh. Flesh is the only way that Satan can intervene.

You got it Debbie, your statement about Satan using the flesh is oh so right. If we could always be conscious of walking in the Spirit like it says in Romans Chapter 8 we'd be so much better off.

Say, how is your ministry ourchurch.com doing? And how is Steve these days, any prayer requests? I'd be honored to pray for you or your ministry.

 

[BigSodaExposer]

Boy, these are all very good answers IMHO. I especially like what DRS81 said. This verse has been "sticking" with me for a while and I think that DR hit it on the HEAD. I interpret this as "we have one mind, but it can be flowing in the direction of one of two master minds". One master mind is of the flesh or natural man and one is of the Spirit or God/Jesus himself. 1 Cor. 2:16 says that we have the mind of Christ (Spirit), but since we are still in the flesh, we still can "walk" or chose to listen to the mind of the flesh. The flesh and the Spirit are OPPOSING to each other, so in essence there are really only two minds that think and operate totally differently. One is flesh and loves self and the other is spirit and others-centered love. The mind of the Spirit (Christ) and the mind of the flesh and they oppose each other Galatians 5:17

My point is that we know Jesus is the ONE (master)mind of the Spirit, but the part that blows me away is that Jesus says to Satan in Matt 16:23 "you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's."

I interpret this as Jesus talking not only to Peter, but to Satan himself and I interpret it as Jesus telling us who the one (master) mind of the flesh is. That he is the false vine whereas Jesus is the true vine. John 15:1 If Jesus said he was the TRUE vine, then there must be a false vine too. Thus, I see Jesus as saying directly to Satan "you oppose God's way of thinking but instead are always thinking like (natural) man or the flesh" which results in the "fruits of the flesh". Look at Romans 8:6 as it talks about a person who agrees and follows along with the mind of the flesh that I am referring to. This can even happen in a believer any moment when they are not operating in faith. I am starting to think this "mind of the flesh" is ONE mind just like Jesus is the one mind of the Spirit.

For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace Romans 8:6 NASB

According to Romans 8:6, we can only set our mind (agree with the thoughts of) on one of two different things - flesh or spirit.

Now, let's look at what James says about where the thoughts or "mind of the flesh" is located.

This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic James 3:15

I read this as saying there are ALSO two kinds or sources of wisdom that are completely related to this discussion. One is from above and is the very wisdom of Christ himself and one is from "below" which is from the Earth is natural and demonic. Who is the one mastermind of this natural, demonic wisdom?

Look at what Paul is saying in Colossians 3:1-7

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. Col 3:1-2 NASB

Now, he goes on to talk about the things that are of "below" on Earth or of Earthly thinking of the mind of man.
5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. Colossians 3:1-7

Isn't this a lot of evidence to show us that Christ himself is the mind of the Spirit and "things above" and that there may be ONE mind that is the "mind of the flesh"? This "mind of the flesh" is the one who is creating "earthly", "natural", demonic thoughts which Jesus calls "man's interests" in Matt 16:23.

Probably pretty radical for some, but I have been living by 1 Thes 5:21 for a couple years now where we are told to "examine everything carefully"

But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good 1 Thes. 5:21 NASB

Thus, I love to test and examine EVERYTHING per Paul's instructions above. I love to go deep into God's Word and ask him questions that no one has asked before, instead of being told what to think. I have seen so many powerful revelations this way and I hope you get many yourself too.

God bless,

Kicked

Very interesting post. For awhile now I have been thinking about all the demons having ONE mind. Revelation 17:13 "These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast." I never thought about the opposite also being true. Flesh VS Spirit. Great read.

 

[for_his_glory]

You got it Debbie, your statement about Satan using the flesh is oh so right. If we could always be conscious of walking in the Spirit like it says in Romans Chapter 8 we'd be so much better off.

Say, how is your ministry ourchurch.com doing? And how is Steve these days, any prayer requests? I'd be honored to pray for you or your ministry.

God is truly blessing the web site and I pray it is a blessing to others. Steve is doing great and thank you for asking. No prayer request at this time, but you can always keep the ministry in your prayers.

 

[TimothyW]

The word "satan" in Hebrew means "adversary". It is sometimes used as a proper name of our greatest adversary, but I think that in many cases it would be better to translate it rather than render it as a proper name. I think this is one of those cases.

The TOG​

I like TOG's answer. Peter was saying that Jesus must not be killed and raised on the third day. Jesus knew that this was God's purpose in sending Him. By opposing Christ's purpose, Peter became an adversary in that moment. Peter was later reinstated. Jesus later said (in verse 25) “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." Peter did lose his life for Christ's sake, and Peter will inherit eternal life with Christ.