Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

CHAPTER XVI. 255
"21. 5[ From that time forth began Jesus to
show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto
Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders, and
chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and be raised
again the third day."
Christ's death without the belief of his divinity,
is a matter of scandal and offence. Three sorts of
persons generally persecute Christ : the rich of the
world, covetous or ambitious ecclesiastics, and con-
ceited scholars. The whole knowledge of Jesus
Christ is comprehended under his life of sufferings,
his sacrifice on the cross, and his life restored to him
again. The spirit of Christianity disposes a man to
bear life with patience, to receive death with joy, and
with faith to expect the resurrection, and the life of
the world to come.
" 22. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke
him, saying. Be it far from thee. Lord : this shall
not be unto thee."
Man, blind as he is, is always ready to find fault
with the conduct of God, and to judge of his ways
and designs. Human reason cannot comprehend
that it is necessary to be crucified in this world;
much less can it reconcile the belief of Christ's in-
carnation and divinity with his sufferings and death.
The more what he has done and suffered for us is
above the reach of our understanding, the more
adorable also is his wisdom and love ; and the more
unbounded, and without reserve, ought our gratitude
and fidelity to be.
" 23. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get
thee behind me, Satan ; thou art an offence unto
me: for thou savourest not the things that be of
God, but those that be of men."