Aug. 30, 2026

Peter was having a pretty good week.

He had just boldly confessed Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” But when Jesus explained that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed, and rise again, Peter couldn't accept it.

His response?

“This shall never happen to you.”

Jesus answers: “Get behind me, Satan.”

In this message, Deacon Mike Sander explores why Jesus responds so strongly and how Peter's words echo the temptations Jesus faced throughout His ministry.

The temptation was simple: avoid the cross.

But Jesus knew why He had come.

🌎 The world tells us to put ourselves first.
🙏 Jesus calls us to deny ourselves.
✝️ Jesus tells us to take up our cross.
👣 And He calls us to get behind Him and follow.

Following Jesus isn't always easy. Satan continues to tempt us toward the things of this world and away from God's will. We cannot overcome that struggle on our own—we need the Holy Spirit to lead, strengthen, and guide us.

And thankfully, our salvation doesn't depend on our ability to perfectly follow.

Jesus already did what Peter tried to stop Him from doing.

He went to the cross for you and for me. He carried the sins of the world, died, was buried, and on the third day rose again in victory over sin, death, and the devil.

So take up your cross. Deny yourself.

And get behind Jesus.