The Way to Follow Jesus According to the Gospel of LukeSample

Day 21 - Luke 22:31-71

Handling Denial

At the Last Supper when Jesus told the disciples that He was about to suffer in fulfillment of the prophets, Peter proclaimed that he would suffer and die with Him!

In Luke 22:31, Jesus revealed that Satan had asked to “sift” Peter. The original meaning of “sift” is to shake someone apart or break a person down. Jesus used this metaphor to warn that Satan wants to shake Peter’s faith so forcefully that he will fall. But Jesus said He “pleaded in prayer” so that Peter’s faith would not fail and after he repented that he would strengthen his brothers.

When Jesus spoke to Peter he used the plural form of “you,” meaning Satan’s “sifting” would include the other disciples as well.

Two realities to consider:

1. Jesus knew Satan would get his request to test Peter (and the others).

2. Jesus knew (after pleading on behalf of Peter) that he would be restored.

Spiritual “contests” were for real for Jesus, the son of God, and they are real for his followers. There are times when Satan will get his way and it will appear as a victory.

But with your “pleading” along with believing and trusting that Jesus is interceding on your behalf, it can be a different outcome that God can use for good.

Are you “pleading” on behalf of others whose faith is being sifted?

Or do you need to plead on your own behalf for God to strengthen your faith and restore you?

Take hold of the certainty that God hears and delivers!