New Testament
Matthew 16:22
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Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "Lord, may this never happen to you!"
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Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
What Matthew 16:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, takes Jesus aside to express his strong disapproval of the idea that Jesus would suffer and die. Peter's reaction shows his deep love and concern for Jesus, as he cannot fathom the thought of his teacher facing such hardship. This moment highlights Peter's misunderstanding of Jesus' mission, which includes suffering for the sake of humanity. Peter's rebuke reflects a common human instinct to protect loved ones from pain and danger. However, it also reveals a lack of understanding of God's greater plan for salvation through suffering. Jesus' response to Peter, which follows in the next verses, emphasizes the necessity of His suffering and the importance of aligning with God's will rather than human desires. This interaction serves as a reminder that our intentions, even when rooted in love, can sometimes conflict with God's purposes.
How to apply Matthew 16:22 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize that our protective instincts for loved ones may not always align with God's plans. We should seek to understand God's will, even when it involves difficult paths. Trusting in God's greater purpose can help us support others through their struggles.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Foretells His Death (Matthew 16:21–28)
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 16:22 mean?
Matthew 16:22 shows Peter's strong disapproval of Jesus' prediction of suffering and death. It highlights Peter's love for Jesus and his misunderstanding of the necessity of Jesus' mission, which includes suffering for humanity's salvation.
What is the significance of Peter's rebuke in Matthew 16:22?
Peter's rebuke signifies a common human instinct to protect loved ones from pain. It also illustrates a misunderstanding of God's plan, as Peter cannot accept that Jesus must suffer to fulfill His mission.
What does Jesus' response to Peter imply in Matthew 16:22?
Although Jesus' response follows in the next verses, it implies that suffering is essential to His mission. It emphasizes the importance of aligning with God's will, even when it contradicts our protective instincts.
How does Matthew 16:22 relate to the theme of discipleship?
This verse relates to discipleship by showing that following Jesus may involve accepting difficult truths. It reminds us that true discipleship requires understanding and supporting God's plans, even when they involve suffering.
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