Peter, though realizing that Jesus is the Christ, has failed to understand what Jesus’ mission is. He thinks that Jesus has come to free the people of Israel from Roman rule. Therefore, when he hears Jesus talking about suffering and dying, he rebukes Jesus. Jesus is not the kind of Messiah that Peter expected. A rejected Messiah was unthinkable to Jewish convictions and hopes. But the suffering and death of the Son of Man is the necessary the means of fulfilling his messianic mission.1 Jesus’ death will come not as the triumph of the opposition but as the fulfilment of the divine purpose, to be welcomed rather than bewailed.2
32 And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.