This week, I was reading Matthew 4 in Greek which then led to the following insights.
The setting: two scenes from the Gospel according to Matthew, framed by the same Greek phrase: ὀπίσω μου (opiso mou), meaning “behind me.” The changing of a single word at the front reveals the profound and painful tension on the one path of discipleship.
The Call to a Place: “Δεῦτε ὀπίσω μου” (Deute opiso mou) – Come, behind me. Matthew 4:19.
By the Sea of Galilee, Jesus issues an invitation. Δεῦτε (Deute) – “Come!” (plural). It is a summons to move from where you are to where He is. The destination is not a doctrine, but a position: behind me (ὀπίσω μου – opiso mou). Peter and Andrew leave their nets to take this place. It is the posture of a learner, a follower, one who walks in the wake of the Master, going where He goes, seeing what He sees. To be “behind Jesus” is to be aligned with His person and His direction.
The Correction to the Same Place: “Ὕπαγε ὀπίσω μου” (Hypage opiso mou) – Go, behind me. Matthew 16:23.
Much later, at Caesarea Philippi, Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ. Yet moments after this revelation, when Jesus explains that the Messiah’s path leads to suffering and death, Peter objects. He takes the Lord aside and begins to rebuke Him! The disciple now presumes to advise the Master.
Jesus’ response is swift and shocking: “Ὕπαγε ὀπίσω μου, Σατανᾶ!” (Hypage opiso mou, Satana!). Ὕπαγε (Hypage) basically means “Go!” or “Go away.” The command in 16:13 is not merely to depart; it is sharply directional: “Go behind me.”
In his desire for a triumphant Messiah, Peter had stepped out of line, moving from a follower behind Jesus to an obstacle in front of Him. The title “Satan” stings because it reveals the spiritual truth of his action: he has become a stumbling block, an adversary to God’s redemptive plan, which is the way of the cross.
Thus, the rebuke is not a dismissal from the company of Jesus, but a command to return to the proper place for a disciple. “Get behind me” is thus a call to “Abandon our position as an advisor. Relinquish our agenda. Return to the posture of a follower.” This is mercy from Jesus.
The changed word exposes a dynamic rhythm:
Δεῦτε (Deute – Come), is the **gracious summons** to the place behind. (Matt 4:19)
Ὕπαγε (Hypage – Go!) is the **gracious correction** back to that same place. (Matt 16:23)
The Place of the disciple.
“Behind Jesus” is where a disciple belongs
It is not merely the starting point; it is the constant. Whether beckoned or rebuked, the designated location never changes. It is the place of learning, not leading; of submission, not setting the agenda. It is where He breaks the wind and we find shelter.
Self-denial and the disciple’s cross
Jesus immediately clarifies this for all disciples: “If anyone would come after me (ὀπίσω μου – opiso mou), let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matt 16:24). The way of self-denial and the cross can only be walked from behind Jesus. Any other position makes the cross seem like a mistake to be avoided.
Reflection and application
Where has the gracious “Come!” led us into new faith? And where might the rebuke “Go!” be God’s kindness today? Is there a relationship, an ambition, a cherished plan, or a deep fear where we have subtly stepped in front of Jesus, offering counsel instead of taking council from His Word?
The rebuke, “Go behind me,” is not the end of the journey. It is the redirection that saves the journey. It is the call to return to the only place from which we can truly see—and follow—our Lord.
Amen.
Read more about Davin here!