Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat.
Verse 31 surprised me. I don’t remember that Satan asked permission to test the disciples. At this point in the narrative, I’m usually so focused on the cross and the disciples’ failings before Jesus gets there that I slip into narrative autopilot. But this fits with what Jesus is leaving in place at His death—disciples who love Him deeply, who trust Him completely, and who will comfort, support, and educate His people.
Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Jesus knows the disciples will falter leading to the cross. He also knows that they are the future of His ministry on earth, that they need to know that despite all their missteps and failings, they are fiercely loved by their Savior and uniquely worthy of His calling on their lives; they *can* do what Jesus calls them to after His death. This is what Jesus is leaving in place at His death.
Luke 22:33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”
Precious Savior, You have shown me in this passage that we have to humble ourselves before You before we can fully arm ourselves with Your strength. The disciples had to falter in their own strength so they could succeed through Yours. Help me to lay down my pride, to humble myself, so that I can move forward in Your strength alone. Amen.
Luke 22:34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
Have a blessed day.