will eventually be vindicated, after his suffering, as God sets up the kingdom at last. Jesus is both warning his followers that this is how he understands his vocation and destiny as Israel’s representative (i.e. the Messiah), and that they must be prepared to follow in his steps. So important is this message that opposition to the plan, wherever it comes from, must be seen as satanic, from the Accuser. Even Peter, Jesus’ right-hand man, is capable of thinking like a mere mortal, not looking at