What does Mark 8:33 mean?
Mark 8 seems to demonstrate repetitions of the temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness (Mark 1:12–13; Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13). Here, Satan—via Peter—again tempts Jesus to save the world with a short-cut. In Matthew 4:8–10, Satan offers to give up his hold on the world and humanity if Jesus will worship him. Then, as now, Jesus knows that there is no way to truly save the world without the cross.The problem with Satan's offer is that it is the near-sighted "thing of man." Without Satan's influence on earth, life would undoubtedly be easier and more peaceful. Although mankind would still sin, that sin would not be strategically manipulated and amplified by demonic forces. But without the cross, there is no eternal life. In our natural state, sin still separates us from God, and even without Satan's interference, there is no way we can change that.
Peter has taken Jesus aside (Mark 8:32), but the disciples are close and keep track of the conversation. Shortly before, Jesus commends Peter's words, saying, "on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). Now, Jesus strongly rebukes Peter in front of the men for whom he speaks. If Peter and Jesus had been alone, Jesus would have dealt with Peter in private (Matthew 18:15–20). When Peter denies Jesus in the vicinity of John (John 18:15–18), Jesus reconciles with Peter while John tags along behind (John 21:15–20). But when Peter makes a foolish statement in front of the disciples, Jesus must correct the situation so that the truth is clear to everyone present.