Knowing The Word in Luke 22:31-34

Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial

22:31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

Comments

All four gospels recount Peter’s three-fold denial, but Luke alone mentions Satan’s role. Without Luke, we would have a lesser understanding of this Thursday night. The “you” in “Satan demanded to have you” is plural, indicating Peter was the representative of all the disciples whom Satan will test. The “you” in “when you have turned again” is singular, stressing his representative role. That Peter will be sifted like wheat should remind us of Satan testing Job. It appears from this account that God allows this testing to happen and that he will use it for his greater purposes. Peter did not realize the seriousness of his immediate future or his own weakness. Jesus had specific, divine knowledge, and he shared it so that when Peter did deny him, he would know Jesus would not reject him.

Application

If you were Peter, how would you react to Jesus’s accusation of a three-fold denial? How well do you know yourself? Peter is such a great person for each of us to study. The gospel accounts of him do not hold back his flaws. He is a great reminder that despite our weaknesses, Jesus will never disown us. Others may, but he will not.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me today to grow into a deeper trust in everlasting life, to believe in your love that is now and ever shall be, and to hope in the resurrection clothing you will give me on the great day of Resurrection when I shall see my Savior face to face.