It Is Necessary in the Nature of the Case

From that time forth began Iesous to show unto his disciples, how that he must (dei: it is necessary in the nature of the case) go unto to Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.  Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, "Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee."  But he (Iesuos) turned, and said unto Peter, "Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offense unto me: for thou savorest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men." Matt. 16:21-23

It was on the coast of Caesarea Philippi that the Iesous unveiled to the disciples that he was/is the Christos, the Son of the living God.  It was Peter who voiced their collective confession.  It was to Peter to whom the Iesous said, "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hades (kingdom of the dead ones), shall not prevail against it (Matt. 16:18)."

Matthew records that immediately after the self-revelation of himself to the disciples as the Christos another powerful revelation takes place.  The Iesous confesses to the disciples his proscribed life imperative.  The language that he uses is poignant and compelling.  The Iesous did not make this confession to the disciples in order to elicit their support or sympathy.  He wanted them to know the intrinsic trajectory of his life.

The Iesous purposely uses the word 'must' or in the Greek Text 'dei' which means 'it is necessary in the nature of the case.'  There was no other way.  There was only one way to complete God's redemptive mandate.  This is powerful pastoral counseling with its focus on a tragic inevitability tied to forensic hope.  It is important to remind ourselves that when we face tragedy or grief we can hope in God.

Peter misses the overall content of the message and deconstructs its meaning for selfish ends.  Peter's interpretation of the Iesous's message portends a violent encounter with the power structure that eventuates in his death. This much was accurate and to be commended, but it was Peter's solution to avert such a tragedy that is suspect and Satanic.  Peter sought to undo God's plan with a rebuke to the Iesous.  "Far be it from thee, Lord"  formulates a toxic appeal, and "this shall not be unto thee" are pleas against the determined council of God.

Peter's specious and fallacious argument is immediately recognized by the Iesous.  Peter's fallacious reasoning originates in the Satan, the opposer in a legal case.  The Satan seeks to undermine and destroy the plan of God by overthrowing the divine council through those who are close to and possess a knowledge of God.

Peter's words recall once again "Yea, hath God said (Gen. 3:1)."  The Satan enters in at the point of deep revelation in order to sow the discontent of his hellish design.  The Iesous rebukes Peter for his unconscionable complicity with satanic mockery of the plan of God.  Beware, of the velvet words that conceal the dagger of betrayal.  Trust only in the Iesous.  He leads us in the paths of righteousness, nowhere else.

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