Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read Luke 22:31-34.
TEXT: (Jesus said) "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan
demanded to have you, that he might sift you like
wheat" (Luke 22:31).

Jesus predicted Judas' betrayal. Now He turns to
Peter, whose name means rock. But this time
Jesus doesn't call him "Peter"; instead, He repeats
his name, "Simon, Simon," to show His deep concern.

Jesus draws back the spiritual curtain to expose the
devil, who stands behind all that Jesus will soon suffer:
Judas' betrayal, Peter's denial, the murderous vote of
the Jewish leaders, the cowardice of the Roman
governor, and the cruelty of the Roman soldiers. In
Peter's case Satan demanded that God hand him
over to be crushed and sifted. But where Satan
demands, Jesus prays. He tells Peter, "I have prayed
for you that your faith may not fail."

Peter's faith will be sorely tried in the hours to come,
but Jesus makes a bold and comforting prophesy,
"When you have turned again, strengthen your
brothers." Peter's pride and self-confidence will be
crushed and sifted like wheat, but the Holy Spirit will
safeguard his faith to keep it from failing.

Jesus speaks of the future; Simon speaks of the
present. He is proud and confident that he will not fail.
He is ready to go with Jesus to prison or even to death.
So Jesus explicitly predicts his coming denials: "I tell
you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you
deny three times that you know Me."

The Son of God's prophetic word trumps Peter's
confident self-assurance. But it will take the rooster's
crow and a telling look from Jesus to convince Peter of
that fact-and to recall him to repentance, the first step
to forgiveness and restoration.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, like Peter, sometimes I'm confident in my
strength and abilities. At other times I'm utterly
defeated. Forgive my sins and fill me with Your Spirit,
that I may walk in Your great strength. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)