It was perhaps two years into Jesus’ ministry before He spoke clearly about His upcoming death and resurrection though He did allude to these events earlier (Mat 9:15, 12:40). We read in Matthew 16:21, “From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.” Peter took exception! He even rebuked Jesus saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” Peter’s view of Messiah’s mission did not include His suffering and death at the hands of others. He, like many, was looking for a Messiah who would destroy Israel’s enemies and rule forever as King! This was an errant view for Jesus said, “Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” (Luke 24:26) The suffering, death and resurrection of Messiah must precede His entrance into glory as King.
This view of Peter’s was Satanic (Mat 16:21-23). In fact, the devil tempted Jesus to receive the kingdoms of the world without the suffering of the cross (Mat 4:8-11). This way of receiving the kingdom was the way of man. The way of God or “the things of God” included the death and resurrection of the Messiah as a means to populate His kingdom with forgiven subjects. Jesus, the Son of God, died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day! Repent of your sins and believe on Christ that you may enter His kingdom!