Daily Bread 2011 - Luke 22
Daily Bread 2011 – Monday, April 4th, 2011 Luke 22
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
What Does This Mean?
Luke’s gospel gives us many details that the other gospels don’t. In this scene of Jesus’ last supper with his disciples, we are privy to this scene of Jesus with Simon Peter. He shares with Peter that Satan has plans against all of the disciples. Since Satan knows his power is limited, he must ask Jesus for permission to do this. But Jesus prays for Peter’s faith, and also intimates that when Peter repents that he will be there to strengthen the other disciples.
Then, if you read the rest of the chapter we see Peter’s threefold denial of Jesus at the cross. It’s hard to know why Peter denied Jesus, most likely it was out of fear and an attempt at self-preservation. As the prophecy regarding Peter’s denial comes to fruition, we see Peter outside weeping bitterly. One can only imagine the eye contact Jesus had with Peter after his third denial, and how low Peter must have felt. Fortunately, in John 21, we see Jesus restoring Peter to be His apostle to the world.
What Does This Mean For Us?
Peter’s experience is probably not foreign to you, if you are Jesus’ disciple. There are times we are ready to do anything for Jesus, but then when push comes to shove we shrink away in fear. Especially early on in our journey of following Jesus, there are a lot of highs and lows of our faithfulness to follow Him wherever He leads us.
I remember when I was in college and had strayed from Jesus, a group from Campus Crusade for Christ came by the fraternity to see if I might be interested in bible study. My response was to deny them and in effect I was saying, “I don’t really know the man!” Fortunately Jesus gave me another chance to be his follower, and now “go figure” I am a pastor.
When have you been tempted to deny Jesus in public when called upon to take a stand for your faith? As Satan tried to discourage Jesus’ disciples, He will likely try to dissuade us from taking a stand for Jesus. But remember Jesus is praying for you to stay strong and He has the last word in regard to your life and salvation.
Thank you Jesus for praying for us and protecting us from the wiles of the evil one. Help us to stand firm when we are asked if we know You. Help us to stand firm and proclaim that you are truly the Messiah, the Son of God. Amen.
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
What Does This Mean?
Luke’s gospel gives us many details that the other gospels don’t. In this scene of Jesus’ last supper with his disciples, we are privy to this scene of Jesus with Simon Peter. He shares with Peter that Satan has plans against all of the disciples. Since Satan knows his power is limited, he must ask Jesus for permission to do this. But Jesus prays for Peter’s faith, and also intimates that when Peter repents that he will be there to strengthen the other disciples.
Then, if you read the rest of the chapter we see Peter’s threefold denial of Jesus at the cross. It’s hard to know why Peter denied Jesus, most likely it was out of fear and an attempt at self-preservation. As the prophecy regarding Peter’s denial comes to fruition, we see Peter outside weeping bitterly. One can only imagine the eye contact Jesus had with Peter after his third denial, and how low Peter must have felt. Fortunately, in John 21, we see Jesus restoring Peter to be His apostle to the world.
What Does This Mean For Us?
Peter’s experience is probably not foreign to you, if you are Jesus’ disciple. There are times we are ready to do anything for Jesus, but then when push comes to shove we shrink away in fear. Especially early on in our journey of following Jesus, there are a lot of highs and lows of our faithfulness to follow Him wherever He leads us.
I remember when I was in college and had strayed from Jesus, a group from Campus Crusade for Christ came by the fraternity to see if I might be interested in bible study. My response was to deny them and in effect I was saying, “I don’t really know the man!” Fortunately Jesus gave me another chance to be his follower, and now “go figure” I am a pastor.
When have you been tempted to deny Jesus in public when called upon to take a stand for your faith? As Satan tried to discourage Jesus’ disciples, He will likely try to dissuade us from taking a stand for Jesus. But remember Jesus is praying for you to stay strong and He has the last word in regard to your life and salvation.
Thank you Jesus for praying for us and protecting us from the wiles of the evil one. Help us to stand firm when we are asked if we know You. Help us to stand firm and proclaim that you are truly the Messiah, the Son of God. Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment