Former Blackout Artist

Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, “Never, Lord!” he said; “This will never happen to You!” Matthew 16:22

We cannot understand Peter’s words unless we know how loyal a follower of Jesus Peter was, despite his fear-driven denials when Jesus was arrested. What was wrong with his words was not his loyalty or obedience, but his sympathy. Jesus had just stated God’s divine purpose for Him in his coming suffering, death, and resurrection and Peter, out of sympathy, felt that this was all wrong. And in reply, Jesus, in no uncertain terms, gave Peter the strongest rebuke He would give to anyone.

We err in the same way out of equally good intentions. Sympathy says, “Oh no, you should never have this trial, this difficulty.” When we do this, we err in two ways. The first is that without meaning to, we accuse God of doing wrong…