IMITATE JEHOVAH'S WAY OF THINKING

 Consider one occasion when Peter did not reflect Jehovah's thinking on matters. Jesus had told his apostles that he would have to go to Jerusalem, be handed over to the religious leaders there, endure torture, and then be put to death. (Matthew 16:21) Peter may have found it hard to accept that Jehovah would allow Jesus-the hope of Israel and the promised Messiah-to be put to death. (Matthew 16:16) So Peter took Jesus aside and said: "Be kind to yourself, Lord; you will not have this happen to you at all."  (Matthew 16:22) Because Peter did not reflect Jehovah's thinking on the matter, he was not thinking in agreement with Jesus. 

Jesus' thinking was fully in line with that of his heavenly Father. Jesus said to Peter: "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, because you think, not God's thoughts, but those of men." (Matthew 16:23) Peter may have had good intentions, but Jesus rejected Peter's advice.  There is a lesson for us. Leading a self-sparing life was not Jehovah's will for Jesus. On that occasion, Peter learned a valuable lesson about making God's thoughts his thoughts. 

Next time: IMITATE JEHOVAH'S WAY OF THINKING - Conclusion

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