Peter just heard that he was to be the rock on which Jesus would build his church. He was feeling good, like maybe he had some advice to give for this whole venture. He's just trying to keep the plan on track for the revolution and installment of Jesus as King and Peter as right hand man!

But Jesus had other plans.

Jesus' parables and teachings are not about "how to live a better life" or "how to get in good with the people at the top". He's talking about something different entirely, a different kingdom that is not of this world (John 18:36). Beware that you're not seduced by the teaching of this world and forget the Kingdom!

"Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist." (Matt 11:11). Being great in the Kingdom of God makes you enemies among the Kingdom of Man. John was like Moses, who "considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward." John preferred to be thrown in prison and risk death rather than be silent about what was right.

Peter had courage, but also fear. Winston Churchill said, “Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.” Jesus is compassionate towards him even in his fear and doubt.

Jesus was in pain and grief over the death of his cousin. Still he found room in his heart for compassion.

They say "yes", but they may be deceiving themselves. Maybe they thought, "oh good, I'm not a lawbreaker so I won't be thrown into the fire".

Don't deceive yourselves friends, "for all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God" (Romans 3:23)

The NET translation says "the seductiveness of wealth". This gave me pause as I was reading it this morning sitting on my couch under a blanket with hot coffee, while the garbage men drive past all bundled up in the 27 degree weather. Wealth is seductive because it enables comfort.

Do not let comfort prevent you from getting out there and being "doers of the word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22).