by Kathy Howard

Crazy talk, right? Surely these statements came from someone without a firm grip on reality— someone who doesn’t understand the way life works.

Actually, these statements, while not quotes, directly reflect teachings of Jesus (check out the hyperlinks). And yes, they are crazy by the world’s standards. Worldly wisdom says things like:

  • Protect yourself at all costs.
  • Grab all the success and notoriety possible.
  • You are number one. Put yourself first.
  • Do what’s best for you. If you don’t take care of yourself no one else will.

Whether we admit it or not, this kind of “wisdom” influences all of us. These messages have flooded our minds since childhood, shaping our worldview and forming our thought patterns. Much of it sounds right, even to sanctified ears.

Human wisdom hasn’t changed much over 2,000 years. The Apostle Peter also suffered from a bad case of carnal logic. His response to Jesus’ declared mission—to go to be killed in Jerusalem—is the most blatant evidence of his affliction.

The event, which marks the commencement of the Lord’s final journey to Jerusalem, ironically comes on the heels of Peter’s great messianic confession (Matthew 16:13–20). Unfortunately, knowing Jesus is Lord does not necessarily equate with humbly submitting to His authority.

“From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” (Matthew 16:21, NIV).

What?! At the height of His popularity and influence Jesus intended to suffer and die? Jesus’ use of the words “must go” reveal that this plan was not up for debate. The Father had revealed His will—the very plan of salvation—and Jesus was determined to submit to that will obediently and completely.

And He let Peter and the other disciples in on it. Incredible! But instead of responding with awe and wonder, the disciples responded with shock.

The wisdom of the world won the battle in Peter’s mind. Taking Jesus aside he rebuked Him, found in Matthew 16:22. “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!”  

Peter thought he was protecting Jesus. To Peter, the wisdom of God seemed illogical and irrational. How could Jesus’ suffering and death be anything but bad? Peter reacted from his own wisdom and did not grasp the upside-down values of the kingdom. By death there is life.

Today we shake our heads at Peter’s nearsightedness. Yet we often do the same thing. Rather than submitting to God’s divine wisdom and omniscience we rely on our own limited knowledge and act in ways that seem wise in the world’s eyes.

For instance, we may avoid suffering even if it means acting against God’s direction or we ignore parts of God’s Word that are inconvenient or seem outdated.

We do not have to think like the world. Peter grew in his obedience to God’s wise authority and so can we. Peter learned that God’s superior plan often collides with the ways of this world because God has eternity in mind.

Let’s ask God to help us see the world’s “wisdom” for what it is: flimsy and fleeting. Then we can submit to His true wisdom and embrace His perfect plan for us.

Kathy Howard is the author of Unshakeable Faith: 8 Traits for Rock-Solid Living. This 8-session Bible study explores the life and teachings of Peter to help readers experience a faith that will weather every storm of life.

All Scripture quotations from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.