In Matthew 16:23, Jesus delivers a sharp rebuke to Peter: “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” This moment isn’t just about Peter—it’s a wake-up call for all of us. Jesus was pointing out the difference between God’s eternal priorities and our limited, human thinking. Peter didn’t want Jesus to suffer, but in trying to protect Him, he was unknowingly opposing the very mission that would bring salvation to the world.
This verse challenges us to examine whether our mindset is aligned with God’s purposes or just shaped by comfort, fear, or logic. It reminds us that following Jesus often means embracing hard truths and trusting God’s plan over our own. If you’ve ever struggled with understanding God’s will versus your own desires, you’re not alone—and this passage speaks directly to that. Keep reading to explore what the Bible really says and how you can start thinking with the concerns of God in mind.
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If you’ve ever read Matthew 16:23, you’ve likely come across Jesus saying something shocking to Peter:
“Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
That’s a strong rebuke. Jesus calls Peter—one of His closest disciples—“Satan” and says Peter is focused on the wrong things.
So why would Jesus say this? What exactly are the “concerns of God”? And how can we avoid making the same mistake Peter made?
Let’s break it down clearly and directly.
The Context: What Happened Right Before This?
To understand any verse in the Bible, context matters. In Matthew 16, a few key things happen:
- Peter confesses Jesus as the Messiah
In Matthew 16:16, Peter says:
“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus praises Peter for this answer, saying it was revealed to him by God, not by human understanding (verse 17). So far, so good.
- Jesus predicts His suffering and death
Just a few verses later, in Matthew 16:21, Jesus begins to explain that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed, and then rise again on the third day. - Peter rejects Jesus’ plan
Then Peter rebukes Jesus in verse 22, saying:
“Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!”
That’s when Jesus responds with the now-famous line:
“Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Matthew 16:23)
What Are the “Concerns of God”?
Let’s start by defining what Jesus means when He says “the concerns of God.”
God’s concerns = God’s will, purposes, and eternal plan
God’s main concern in this passage is this: the salvation of humanity through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Jesus was sent to fulfill a divine mission—to lay down His life as a sacrifice for sin (see John 3:16, Isaiah 53, Hebrews 9:26). Peter’s objection, though well-meaning, was actually opposing that mission.
Peter didn’t want Jesus to suffer and die. That made sense from a human point of view. But from God’s perspective, the cross was essential.
So when Peter tried to stop Jesus from going to the cross, he was unintentionally standing in the way of God’s redemptive plan.
What Are “Human Concerns”?
Jesus contrasts God’s concerns with “merely human concerns.”
Human concerns = What we naturally want
This includes things like:
- Avoiding pain or suffering
- Pursuing comfort, safety, or success
- Expecting a Messiah who conquers enemies, not one who dies on a cross
- Valuing what’s temporary over what’s eternal
Peter wasn’t trying to be evil—he just didn’t understand that God’s way is often very different from ours.
Isaiah 55:8-9:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
Peter had in mind what he thought was best. But it didn’t align with what God knew was necessary.
Why Does Jesus Call Peter “Satan”?
It seems extreme. But Jesus wasn’t saying Peter was Satan. He was pointing out that Peter’s words echoed the same temptation Satan had used earlier.
Back in Matthew 4
Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, trying to get Him to:
- Turn stones to bread (satisfy hunger),
- Jump from the temple (prove Himself),
- Bow down to Satan in exchange for worldly power (Matthew 4:1–11)
All of those temptations had one thing in common: avoid the cross.
That’s exactly what Peter was suggesting: “You don’t have to suffer or die.”
So Jesus recognized this as the same underlying temptation—a shortcut that would derail God’s plan.
Lessons for Us Today
This passage isn’t just about Peter. It’s about us too.
1. You Can Be Right in One Moment… and Wrong in the Next
Peter got it right when he confessed Jesus as the Christ. But just moments later, he completely missed the point.
This shows how easy it is for even sincere believers to be influenced by human thinking instead of God’s truth.
Proverbs 14:12:
“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”
2. Don’t Try to Protect Jesus From the Cross
Sometimes we want a version of Jesus that brings us comfort, not sacrifice.
But Jesus didn’t come just to inspire us—He came to die. Any teaching or belief that downplays the cross is out of step with God’s concern.
3. Be Careful What You Call “Good”
Peter thought he was protecting Jesus. But good intentions aren’t always aligned with God’s will.
Something can sound loving or wise and still oppose God’s plan if it contradicts Scripture.
Romans 12:2:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is…”
How to Keep God’s Concerns in Mind
So how do you avoid the mistake Peter made? How can you keep God’s concerns front and center?
Here are 4 practical ways:
1. Know God’s Word
God’s concerns are revealed in Scripture. The more you know the Bible, the better you’ll understand what matters to God.
2. Submit to God’s Will—Even When It’s Hard
Jesus submitted to God’s will, even when it meant suffering.
“Not my will, but yours be done.” – Luke 22:42
3. Evaluate Your Motives
Ask yourself: Am I making this decision based on what’s easy, comfortable, or popular—or what’s right according to God?
4. Stay Humble and Teachable
Peter got corrected—and later grew from it. Don’t be afraid of correction. Let God refine your thinking.
Final Thoughts: Whose Concerns Are You Focused On?
Jesus didn’t rebuke Peter because He hated him. He did it because He loved him. Jesus wanted Peter (and us) to understand something vital:
You can’t follow God while clinging to human agendas.
Peter eventually did get it. After the resurrection, he boldly preached about the cross, even though it cost him everything.
You and I face the same choice every day:
Will we think like the world, or will we embrace the mind of Christ?
Philippians 2:5
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…”
Let’s choose God’s concerns—even when they challenge us.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus rebuked Peter for opposing God’s plan of salvation through the cross.
- “Concerns of God” = God’s will, eternal priorities, the cross, and redemption.
- “Human concerns” = comfort, safety, misunderstanding God’s purposes.
- We can follow Peter’s example—not in his mistake, but in learning from correction and aligning with God’s plan.
Let me know if you’d like a printable version, sermon outline, or small group questions based on this content.
FAQs: “Why Did Jesus Say ‘You Do Not Have in Mind the Concerns of God’? [What the Bible Actually Says]”
1. Why did Jesus say, “You do not have in mind the concerns of God”?
Jesus said this to Peter in Matthew 16:23 after Peter tried to stop Him from going to the cross. Jesus was correcting Peter for thinking from a human perspective, rather than aligning with God’s eternal plan of salvation.
2. What does it mean to have in mind the concerns of God?
To have in mind the concerns of God means to prioritize God’s will, purpose, and plan—especially the redemptive mission of Jesus through the cross—over human desires like comfort, safety, or worldly success.
3. Why did Jesus call Peter “Satan” in Matthew 16:23?
Jesus called Peter “Satan” because Peter’s words echoed the same temptation Satan used in Matthew 4—trying to get Jesus to avoid suffering and the cross. Peter was unknowingly becoming a stumbling block to God’s mission.
4. What are “human concerns” in contrast to God’s concerns?
Human concerns include things like self-preservation, comfort, power, and avoiding pain. These are natural desires, but they often conflict with God’s higher purposes, like sacrifice, obedience, and eternal redemption.
5. Was Peter wrong for trying to protect Jesus?
Peter wasn’t evil in his intentions—he genuinely cared. But his perspective was limited to human reasoning. His desire to protect Jesus was misguided because it opposed God’s greater plan through the cross.
6. How can we avoid making the same mistake as Peter?
We avoid Peter’s mistake by knowing Scripture, submitting to God’s will even when it’s hard, examining our motives, and staying humble enough to accept correction and grow spiritually.
7. What does this verse teach about following Jesus?
It teaches that following Jesus requires aligning with God’s will, not just seeking what feels right to us. True discipleship often means denying ourselves and embracing God’s path—even when it includes suffering.
8. Where else does the Bible contrast God’s thoughts with human thoughts?
Isaiah 55:8-9 is a key passage: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” says the Lord. This reminds us that God’s perspective is always higher and more eternal than ours.
9. What is the significance of the cross in this passage?
The cross is central. Peter was unknowingly trying to stop Jesus from fulfilling His mission. Jesus’ rebuke makes it clear: without the cross, there’s no salvation. It’s the very heart of God’s concern for humanity.
10. What’s the main takeaway from Jesus saying “You do not have in mind the concerns of God”?
The main takeaway is that even good intentions can oppose God’s will if we’re not grounded in His Word. We must constantly align our minds with God’s purposes, not just human logic or emotion.
