Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission, knew the secret of strength through weakness. Complimented once by a friend on the impact of the mission, Hudson answered, “It seemed to me that God looked over the whole world to find a man who was weak enough to do … More

Weakness

 

Jesus explains to Peter how Satan wanted to crush he and the other disciples like grains of wheat (v. 31). He hoped to find only chaff and blow it away. However, Jesus assured Peter that He had been praying for him; and his faith, although it would falter, would not be destroyed (v. 32). It would be renewed, and he would become a powerful leader. We can be encouraged to know that Christ also prays for us as He did for Peter. He knows what we experience (Heb. 4:15), and He makes intercession for us (Heb. 7:25).

Peter tells Jesus that he is ready to go to prison and die with Him (v. 33). Then Jesus tells Peter how he will deny he even knows the Lord three times before the rooster crows the next morning (v. 34). Jesus then turns to His disciples and tells them they will need to bring bags, money and swords as they will be facing hatred and persecution and will need to be prepared (vv. 35-38). Just as the Lord allowed Peter to experience difficulties, He allows us to experience difficulties and trials. It seems that he wanted Peter to learn several things:

  1. Humility - Peter said he wouldn’t deny Jesus even if it meant death. He had to learn that he wasn’t as strong as he thought. He had to learn to submit to the Lord with humility.
  2. Love for others - Peter needed to understand how much God loves all people, not just Jews (1 Peter 4:8; 1:22), and he needs to be concerned about all (Acts 10:28).
  3. Submission to God - Peter needed to learn that his will and God’s will are not always the same but he needs to follow his master (John 21:18-19).

Application

 

Just as Peter had many lessons to learn, I still have many lessons to learn. Peter needed to learn humility, love for others and submission to God, and these should be high on my priority list.

Luke 22:31-38 (English Standard Version)


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