Nailed It.  Slang

Nailed it is an expression used to comment on the successful, skillful, or clever completion or performance of something. It’s often used sarcastically in reference to efforts that comically failed.  (Dictionary.com)

How many of us have been at a high point, only to come crashing back to earth in spectacular fashion?

If we embark on the adventure of following Jesus with our whole lives, undoubtedly we will have moments like these.  Crystal-clear clarity followed by a fantastic fall from understanding.  

If you read Mark 8:27-38, you’ll see both of these.  Peter correctly identifying Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah—the anointed King that God’s people were long-expecting. Jesus then tells his friends what must happen to him—suffer, rejection, be killed, and after three days, he will rise again.  Peter pulls Jesus aside and rebukes him.  One definition of “rebuke” is this:  “The practice of pointing out another’s mistake, fault, or sin for the purpose of correcting behavior.”  (Lexham Cultural Ontology Glossary). In other words, Peter was trying to correct Jesus.  Just think of it—telling Jesus he is wrong!

Peter nailed it.  In both definitions.

Jesus, in turn, rebukes Peter.  He plainly tells Peter that he does not understand the mind of God in this, and is influenced by the ways of others.  Jesus then calls out to the crowd with the other disciples and teaches this:

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”  (Mark 8:34)

Our lives following Jesus will be ones where we can expect correction from our Lord.  And, we must learn to discern which of our desires need to be denied, and which ones expressed.  This all involves trusting that Jesus is the source of all wisdom for our lives today, and following Him truly leads to abundant life.  If Jesus truly is the Christ—as Peter correctly said—will we entrust ourselves to Him and what He wants to do in us and through us for the world?