A mission from God

Mark

When Peter tried to dissuade Jesus from his mission (dying on the cross), Jesus said to him: "Get behind me, Satan!"
This statement seems awfully strong at first, but after I read a commentary by William Barclay, I understood more of the situation that occurred in this passage of Mark 8.
We can be fully intent on following our mission.  In fact, if it is a God-given vision that we need to carry through, we should stick to it wholeheartedly, regardless of the cost.  Jesus said in a later part of Mark 8 that we have to take up our cross and follow him, if we truly want to follow him.  Since he has already led the way, we can follow him with assurance that he will see us through.  However, it may still be difficult or painful at times, and our nearest and dearest friends might try to help us avoid the trials in our way, with good intentions at heart.  Peter was trying to help Jesus avoid this painful struggle he had to endure, and Jesus himself struggled with the idea of handing himself over to die (as evidenced in his prayer in the garden of Gethsemane).  How close to his heart would these words from a friend come, and how tempting to follow them?  Peter had to be rebuked quickly, so as to avoid even more temptation.
We have to be careful of advice from our friends.  It may seem like wise counsel, to avoid difficult situations, but if you truly have a mission from God, you need to follow through whatever the cost, knowing that Christ is on your side.