Critical is a term that can mean the point at which change takes place. We think of it is terms of criticism (unfavorable spoken or written critic). In fact is it a catalyst for change. He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men” (Matthew 16:23). That statement was a critical response from Jesus to Peter, to an attitude and action. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” (Matthew 16:22). Peter was reacting to the news that Jesus was going to be killed. Peter desired for something to change – he didn’t want Jesus to be killed. Jesus wanted Peter to change, and see what His death would mean to the kingdom of Heaven.

Over the past couple weeks I have heard people teach that critical messages (teaching) are not of God. The strange thing is during the act of teaching against critical messages, each teacher taught a critical message on critiquing. Another strange thing is the Bible is filled with critical messages. Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees… How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?—but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 16:5, 6 & 11, 12); is a prime example.

The idea of a critical teaching is not condemnation but to bring about change. Condemnation is the result of being stopped before the change takes place. With condemnation one only hears what needs to be changed and gets trapped in a feeling of guilt or self-righteousness (excuses). Jesus wasn’t telling Peter that he was stuck listening to Satan and only seeing the things of man. Jesus was coaching Peter to come all the way and see the things of God. If you are trying to get somewhere by walking the wrong way, wouldn’t you want someone to tell you. The challenge is to do it in love. Jesus does it by reminding Peter that it is not Peter Jesus has issue with, but with Satan the deceiver.

© 2009, Tim D. Coulter Sr.