Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

Topic: Weakness
Passage: Luke 22:31–38

January 9, 2021

Commentary

 

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 (NET)

31 “Simon, Simon, pay attention! Satan has demanded to have you all, to sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!” 34 Jesus replied, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know me.”

35 Then Jesus said to them, “When I sent you out with no money bag, or traveler’s bag, or sandals, you didn’t lack anything, did you?” They replied, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now, the one who has a money bag must take it, and likewise a traveler’s bag too. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was counted with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me is being fulfilled.” 38 So they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” Then he told them, “It is enough.”