Jesus says something surprisingly strong to Peter in today’s Gospel: “Get behind me, Satan!”

Why would Jesus call Peter “Satan”?

Just moments earlier, Peter had proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah. But when Jesus explained that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer, die, and rise again, Peter objected: “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.”

Peter’s reaction is understandable. He loved Jesus and did not want Him to suffer.

Jesus was not saying that Peter had literally become the devil. The word “satan” has the basic meaning of “adversary” or “opponent.” At that moment, Peter had become an obstacle to God’s plan because he was trying to persuade Jesus to avoid the Cross.

Earlier, during the temptations in the desert, Satan had tempted Jesus to choose an easier path, that is, to seek glory apart from the suffering and obedience His mission would require. Now Peter, without realizing it, was placing a similar temptation before Jesus: “Lord, there must be another way. You do not have to suffer.”

Peter meant well. He became an obstacle not because he hated Jesus, but because he loved Him and wanted to protect Him from suffering. Sometimes the voice telling us, “Avoid the cross,” does not sound evil. Sometimes it sounds loving and reasonable.

That is why what Jesus says next is so important: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”

Peter says, in effect, “Lord, avoid the Cross.”

Jesus responds, “Take up your cross and follow me.”

We can understand Peter because we are human beings who want Christianity without crosses. We want God to remove our problems, protect those we love, answer our prayers quickly, and make life easier.

Christianity does not teach that suffering itself is good. Jesus healed the sick and comforted those who suffered. Abuse, addiction, and injustice should not simply be accepted as “my cross.” When suffering can reasonably be relieved, we should try to relieve it.

But some crosses cannot simply be removed. We do not need to look for crosses. Life eventually gives each of us one. Some realities we cannot change, and sometimes we willingly accept sacrifices because we love. Love sometimes has a cross attached to it: A husband may care for his wife as her health declines. An adult child may accompany an aging parent who needs increasing help. Parents may worry about a son or daughter who has made painful choices. Someone may grieve the loss of a spouse. Another may face loneliness, financial uncertainty, disappointment, or a future very different from what was planned.

This is where Peter’s mistake can become our mistake. Sometimes the easier path seems like the better path. But not every path that removes difficulty is necessarily God’s path. Following Christ sometimes means remaining faithful when faithfulness is difficult, forgiving when forgiveness costs us something, fulfilling responsibilities when we would rather walk away, and doing what is right even when it requires sacrifice.

Jesus does not simply say, “Carry your cross.” He says, “Take up your cross and follow me.”

That changes everything. Perhaps today we can ask ourselves: What cross am I trying to avoid? What difficult act of love, responsibility, forgiveness, or faithfulness is Christ asking of me?

We may not have chosen the cross before us, but we do not carry it alone. Christ walks ahead of us. And for those who follow Him, the Cross is never the destination. Jesus always leads us to the glory of the resurrection.