Mat 16:21-28 | Family | STEP | To show ; that is, plainly. Before this, he had only given obscure intimations of his approaching death.

Matthew 16:21-28

To show; that is, plainly. Before this, he had only given obscure intimations of his approaching death. Rebuke him; this showed the self-sufficiency of Peter, his forwardness to express his opinion, and his liability to err.

Shall not be; this was in direct opposition to what Christ had said should be, and what was essential to the salvation of men; showing that Peter was not infallible, but was often wrong. "As with a hammer of iron, Christ here crushes carnal prudence in Peter." We have infallible evidence of the fallibility of Peter, and that he was not, in character, conduct, or authority, above the other apostles. Get thee behind me; a similar expression to what Christ had before used with regard to Satan, the great adversary of God and man.

Thou savorest not; thinkest not. Peter did not coincide in his views with God, but with men in opposition to God. God caused this evidence to be placed upon a permanent record, that all might know that such as exalt Peter above his fellow-apostles, in this savor not the things that be of God, but those that be of men, and expose themselves to the rebuke of the Saviour, "Get thee behind me." Come after me; follow my directions.

Deny himself; abstain from all indulgences which stand in the way of duty.

Take up his cross; resist the pleadings of carnal policy and appetite, and submit to whatever may be needful, in order to obey God. The life of disciples of Christ is one of self-denial. They must make sacrifices, and it is wise to do so, for it is the way to avoid the greatest loss and obtain the greatest gain. Whosoever will save his life--lose his life; whosoever shall save his temporal life by renouncing the Saviour, shall lose his eternal life; and whosoever shall lose his temporal life by following the Saviour, shall secure his eternal life. The Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father; the splendors of the godhead at the day of judgment, when those who have suffered for him on earth will reign with him in heaven. Not taste of death; not die.

Coming in his kingdom; coming to set up, extend, and render efficacious his reign over his people on earth, in preparation for their everlasting reign with him in heaven. There seems to be here a special reference to the awful manifestation of his presence and power in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish state, by which was shadowed forth his final coming to judge the world.