When Jesus said, "Get thee behind me, Satan," it was a powerful moment full of meaning. This phrase shows us how serious Jesus was about His mission and how quickly even good intentions can go wrong when they don't line up with God's will.
Where Does "Get Thee Behind Me, Satan" Appear?
The phrase is recorded in the Gospels, especially in Matthew 16:23 and Mark 8:33. After Peter confessed that Jesus was the Messiah, Jesus began to explain that He would suffer, be killed, and rise again. Peter, full of love but lacking understanding, rebuked Jesus, saying, “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!”
“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.” — Matthew 16:23 (KJV)
“But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.” — Mark 8:33 (KJV)
Why Did Jesus Call Peter "Satan"?
At first, it seems harsh. Peter wasn’t trying to harm Jesus. But Jesus saw something deeper. Peter was unknowingly tempting Jesus to avoid the cross — the very reason He came. Satan often tempts by offering easier ways. Jesus recognized Peter’s words as a stumbling block.
- Peter spoke human wisdom, not God's will.
- Jesus had to stay focused on His mission.
- Anything that tries to block God's plan must be firmly rejected.
We are reminded in Proverbs 14:12:
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." — Proverbs 14:12 (KJV)
A Real-Life Example
Imagine a friend who encourages you to skip something hard God has called you to do — maybe moving to help others, forgiving someone, or standing up for truth. They may mean well, but they are pulling you off course. That’s what Peter did without realizing it.
| Situation | Response | Lesson |
|---|---|---|
| Friend suggests easy way | Jesus rebukes the suggestion | Stay loyal to God's plan, even when it's hard |
| Temptation to avoid pain | Jesus stays firm | Obedience often means sacrifice |
| Good intentions gone wrong | Jesus corrects lovingly but firmly | Love must be rooted in truth |
We can learn from Galatians 1:10:
"For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." — Galatians 1:10 (KJV)
Other Times Jesus Resisted Satan
This wasn't the only time Jesus faced the devil. In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. Satan offered Him shortcuts: glory without the cross. Each time, Jesus replied with Scripture. Finally, He said:
“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” — Matthew 4:10 (KJV)
This example ties closely to Deuteronomy 6:13:
"Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name." — Deuteronomy 6:13 (KJV)
What We Can Learn Today
Jesus' words remind us to:
- Know God's plan by reading the Bible.
- Recognize when temptation comes in sweet or easy packages.
- Be willing to say no — even to people we love — when it leads us away from God.
Helpful tips to apply this lesson:
-
Pray for wisdom daily (James 1:5):
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." — James 1:5 (KJV) -
Stay grounded in Scripture (Psalm 119:105):
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." — Psalm 119:105 (KJV) -
Gently correct friends (2 Timothy 4:2):
"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." — 2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV) -
Trust God even when His way is harder (Isaiah 55:8-9):
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." — Isaiah 55:8 (KJV)
Bible Verses to Remember
Here are a few more verses to strengthen you when you're tempted:
| Verse | Message |
|---|---|
| James 4:7 | "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." |
| 1 Peter 5:8 | "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." |
| Ephesians 6:11 | "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." |
| 2 Corinthians 2:11 | "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." |
| Romans 12:2 | "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." |
A Final Thought
Standing firm against temptation isn't about being rude or angry. It’s about being clear that nothing and no one comes before God's will. Even when the voice sounds loving or wise, if it leads you off God's path, you must boldly say, "Get thee behind me, Satan."
