Don't Let the Sifting Set You Off

Introduction:

Luke Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial / 22:31–38 / 212

After describing the disciples’ glorious roles in the kingdom of God (22:29–30), Jesus turned to the immediate trials they would face. First, Jesus warned Peter of his future denial. Second, Jesus warned them all to prepare themselves for the coming troubles, by rhetorically commanding them to keep their purses, bags, and swords. Peter and the disciples’ response appears to be commendable. Peter enthusiastically reaffirmed his commitment to Jesus, even if it meant death or imprisonment. The disciples were preparing themselves to withstand the enemy. But in all their enthusiasm and energy, they should have taken a clue from what Jesus was doing: he was praying. He had already prayed for Peter (22:32), and he would soon spend the entire night in prayer (22:39–46).

Exposition

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

After the Lord has told them about their glorious kingdom roles Jesus informs Peter that more trouble is on the horizon

Satan has desired- satan has asked permission

Luke: An Introduction and Commentary 6. Prophecy of Peter’s Denials (22:31–34)

The Greek appears to mean ‘Satan has obtained you by asking’: there is the thought that the petition has been granted. In passing we notice that Satan has no rights here; he may ask, but it is God who is supreme. It follows that the trials and testings that come to God’s people are only those that he allows.

God allows things in our lives in order to get the best version of us in the end.

Jesus is not only talking to Peter but to all of the Disciples- to have you the you is plural and includes all the Disciples

Simon Simon= let me make it clear to you because you believe that you can do things that you are not prepared for

that he may sift you as wheat- this means that Peter and the other disciples were going to go through some serious and severe Trials

satan didn’t want to just upset them but to crush them

sifting is the separating of the useful from the useless- but over sifting will destroy the useful and render it useless

if our faith falter no matter how determined we may believe in our hearts we are we can falter

But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”…

Luke Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial / 22:31–38 / 212

But Jesus assured Peter that although his faith would falter, it would not be destroyed, for he said,

Luke Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial / 22:31–38 / 212

Jesus had intervened on Peter’s behalf, asking that Peter’s faith may not fail. Jesus prayed for faith, not the removal of the test. Apparently he knew that Peter would fail; otherwise, there would be no need for Peter to “turn back.” Yet Jesus was confident of this turning back and also understood that, having faced this trial, Peter would be able to strengthen his brothers (that is, his fellow disciples, and later his fellow believers).

God is seeking faith that withstands the trials and tests

His prying for us is the power of this scripture because when Jesus prays all of His prayers are answered as He asks

he prayed that his faith not fail

Luke: An Introduction and Commentary 6. Prophecy of Peter’s Denials (22:31–34)

Jesus is confident of the ultimate issue and speaks of the time when you have turned again, or, as Rieu puts it, ‘once you have retraced your steps’. When that happens Peter is commanded strengthen your brethren. He who has been through deep waters has the experience that enables him to be of help to others (cf. 2 Cor. 1:6).

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Twenty-One: In the Upper Room (Luke 22:1–38)

The word converted in Luke 22:32 means “turned around.” Peter was already a saved man, but he would soon start going in the wrong direction and would have to be turned around. He would not lose the gift of eternal life, but he would disobey the Lord and jeopardize his discipleship.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Twenty-One: In the Upper Room (Luke 22:1–38)

Peter was a brave man, but his courage failed him and he denied his Lord three times. “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12