Peter had just declared that Jesus was the promised Messiah (Luke 9:20) – the Son of God, specially anointed to represent heaven on earth.  But this new realisation of who Jesus was became the beginning of the road to the cross, because even religious people would prefer God to be remote, and not close up and personal.  Religious leaders liked to think of themselves as 'brokers' between God and the people, and they enjoyed all the perks of the 'middle-man'.  But now it was clear, at least to the disciples, that Jesus was not just another religious 'broker': He carried the full authority of the Godhead.  If people could come straight to God by coming to Jesus, the religious hierarchy would become irrelevant.  And so it proved to be.  That is why they would fight back.  The only way to maintain their power and social position was to kill Jesus (Matthew 27:18).

None of their scheming took Jesus by surprise.  What we see so clearly as believers, was hidden from the religious leaders.  If they had understood how their murderous plans would result in them being unseated, they would never have crucified Him (1 Corinthians 2:7-10).  The plan of salvation through the death of Christ was conceived in eternity past, before creation, and before sin spoiled God’s perfect world (1 Peter 1:20).  God would deal directly with all people through Christ alone (Romans 16:25-27).

The idea of God dealing directly with the people He loves is frightening to religious leaders, who hide behind shadowy mysticism to maintain their power grip over people.  The church has often been tempted to go back to those Old Testament days in which direct access to God was almost impossible, when the system of priests and sacrifices provided the only way to God.  But now, Jesus says that He is the only way (John 14:6).  Jesus is both the great High Priest and the perfect sacrifice for sins - all we need is Jesus.  Religious brokers are redundant.  Yes, we need evangelists to explain the gospel; teachers to help believers to understand God's Word; and pastors to encourage us to do what it says.  But we come to God through Jesus Christ alone (Romans 5:6-11).

However, the rebellious human heart still wants to be in control, and is uncomfortable having God too close; even for those who are religious.  The old struggle over the dangerous identity of Jesus continues. To resist Him is to be in danger of His wrath (Romans 2:5-8), but to submit to Jesus is to place oneself into potential danger from those people who hate to be reminded of God's presence too close (Acts 7:51-60).  However, those who submit to the Lord also know His Holy Spirit's presence to escort them through the dangers and give them joy as they witness to His powerful salvation.