LUKE 22: 31-38
SATAN’S DEMAND [JESUS’ LAST NIGHT SERIES]
[Job 1:6-12 / 1 Peter 4: 12-19 / Romans 8:18-25]
Once again we are looking at Jesus’ last night before His crucifixion. Here Jesus tells how Satan had sought to have the disciples in order to sift them (Job 1–2; Dan. 10:13) and lead them to fall away from Jesus. Jesus then foretells that Peter would deny Him three times that same night before the rooster crows. However, He assured Peter that in spite of Satan’s desire to put them through difficult times, Peter’s tested faith would not fail. Though he would wavier, he would be restored, and would be the leader of the disciples.
Jesus attributes Peter’s coming defection to the direct activity of Satan. Christ tells Peter of the devil’s design upon him and the rest of Jesus’ disciples. Satan comes as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, from the highest leader to the least among us. How do we survive
such debilitating attacks?
I. PETER'S DENIAL FORETOLD, 31-34.
II. ADVICE FOR THE FUTURE, 35-38.
Jesus turns to Peter and tells him some dreadful news starting in verse 31. “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat,’
Christ now tells Peter of the devil’s design upon him and the rest of Jesus’ disciples. The repetition of Peter’s former name adds weight to the warning. The asking and obtaining seem to be alluding to Job (Job 1:6–12; 2:1–6), whom the devil solicited and obtained permission so that he might sift him as wheat.
The first occurrence of “you” in Satan has demanded to sift “you” the Greek word “you” (hymas) is plural, referring to all of the disciples [in contrast to Peter, who is addressed (v. 32) by the singular “you” (sou)]. This seems to be a reference to the testing of the faithfulness of all Jesus’ followers.
Sifting is a part of life and an expected reality for all followers of Christ. We have all felt and will feel the pain of sifting. It is the process of separating the useful from the unnecessary. It is accomplished by crushing and sorting for the purpose of finding the nourishing seed or core from the trappings (chaff) that hide it.
[Three methods of threshing were in use in ancient times, and in some places in the East today. Jesus seem to be referring to THE FLAIL METHOD. A flail was used for threshing small quantities of grain. Ruth (Ruth 2:17) & Gideon (Judges 6:11) used such a wooden instrument. The cut stocks or sheaves were beaten in an attempt to break loose or free the grain. With the grain dislocated it needed to be separated or recovered from the chaff. Winnowing was accomplished by the use of either a broad board or shovel or a wooden fork which had bent prongs. With this instrument, the mass of chaff, straw, and grain was thrown against the wind.
When the grain and straw, not as yet separated, are thrown into the air, the wind does its work. Since the grain is the heaviest, it naturally falls quickly down. The straw is blown to the side into a heap, and the lighter chaff and the dust are carried beyond (into a flattened windrow).
When the winnowing process is over, then comes the sifting of the grain. The wheat or barley will still be more or less mixed with certain amounts of chaff, little stones, and perhaps some tares. Sifting is therefore necessary before the grain can be ground into meal. The sifter seats herself on the floor, and shakes the sieve which contains the grain, until the chaff begins to appear on the top, and this is blown away by lung power. The stones are removed as are also the tares. The wheat then is ready to grind or pound into the flour which is used to make bread.]
The metaphor of sifting implies separating what is desirable from what is undesirable. Here the thought is that Satan wants to prove that at least some of the disciples will fail under severe testing (i.e., putting them through difficult times). The accuser of the brethren (Rev 12:10) was insinuating that he would find chaff enough in their faith, if indeed it was actually real at all. He demanded permission to try them, particularly Peter the most outspoken of the group. Note that like Job Satan could not sift them unless God gave him permission. The Accuser demanded to be able to sift them, that he might show them to be chaff, and not wheat.
From the preceding argument about their personal greatness, Satan may have accused the disciples before God as following Christ for self-interests, aiming at enriching and advancing themselves in this world just as Lucifer accused Job.
The troubles that were now coming upon them, called sifting, would try what there was in them: but this was not all; Satan desired to sift them by his temptations, and endeavor to draw them into sin, to cause them loss and injury. [Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 1903.]
In verse 32 Jesus foretells Peter the blessed outcome of the sifting and the reason for it. “but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Jesus did not promise to remove Peter’s impending test. On the contrary, He predicted that Peter would fail the test by denying Christ three times (34). Trials are to be expected in the Christian life. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” said the missionaries in Acts 14:22. God uses these experiences for our good (Romans 8:28), to refine our character and strengthen our faith (1 Peter 1:6–7; James 1:2–4,12), and to make us more like Jesus (Romans 8:29).
Our trials and testings do not come without the notice or help of our Lord. How encouraging is the fact of our Redeemer’s never-ceasing intercession for us (Rom 8:34; Heb 7:25)! He pleads for us and along with us. Whenever we experience a test, Jesus is with us to strengthen us and intercede for us (Philippians 4:13; Romans 8:26–39). In challenging times, it’s reassuring to remember that Satan’s power to sift Peter as wheat was limited by Christ’s intercession. When Satan comes after us, we should remember that Jesus Christ always lives to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25).
Peter’s denial did not mean that he had ceased, within himself, to believe in the Lord. Nevertheless his denial was so contrary to his former spiritual state that he would need to “return” (epistrepho) to Christ. The whole experience though, far from disqualifying Peter from Christian service, would actually end with a responsibility for him to strengthen his brothers.
Before Peter’s threefold denial, he was overconfident, trusting in his own strength (Lk 22:33). But after being sifted like wheat, Peter learned that failure is possible because the flesh is weak (see Mark 14:38). Now that he understood how easy it is to fall, Peter would have more compassion and mercy for others with a greater ability to help them avoid or thorough their trials.
When Peter came face to face with his own weaknesses and denial, he became Peter the Rock. We need not be ashamed of our weakness, of our fallenness or humanity. It can become a valuable asset. Peter went on to be an unmovable rock in the kingdom, crucified upside down by choice because he felt unworthy to be crucified in the same manner as his Lord. This vacillating, insubstantial man is transformed into a new man by Christ. [Bruce Larson and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Luke, vol. 26, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1983), 316–317.]
Though we may fall in our time of temptation, yet we shall not be utterly cast down or out. Though there may be many failings in the faith of true believers, yet there will not be a total and final failure of our faith. It is rooted firm in our eternal soul and will continue to grow until it pulls us back to the Lord (Heb 10:39). Then faith will once again quench Satan’s fiery darts.
Why? Because of the mediation and intercession of Jesus Christ our deeply imbedded faith though sometimes sadly shaken, will not be killed. If we were left to ourselves, we would fail; but we are kept by the power of God and the prayer of Christ. The intercession of Christ is for all that believe which is an encouragement for us continue the good fight and pray for ourselves, and for others too. [Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 1903.]
Peter’s overconfident reply is found in verse 33. ‘Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.”
Peter, however, protests vigorously that he will never abandon Jesus. He declares his resolve to cleave to Christ, whatever it cost him.
While Peter is overconfident here, his devotion to Jesus does eventually lead to both imprisonment (Acts 12:1–19) and martyrdom (as recorded in the early church letter 1 Clement Luke 5:4). [John D. Barry. Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Lk 22:33.]
To further reassure Peter that He would be there for him Jesus foretells Simon’s denials in verse 34. Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”
Jesus indicates that Peter’s denials will take place before dawn. This prediction will sink deeply into his being after he acknowledges his failing and bring him to bitter tears.
Our society certainly needs technical specialists, but along with that we have a desperate need for life specialists—those who can reach out to others because of their own deep hurts. Because of what you have experienced you can empathize with the pain of others, and assure them that they are going to make it. Each of us, because of our painful experiences, is a specialist in how to survive in life to the glory of God. [Larson & Ogilvie, 317].
II. ADVICE FOR THE FUTURE, 35-38.
Before concluding this last teaching with His disciples, Jesus has some further words to say. Times and circumstances vary and God’s direction to His followers may vary as they did in verses 35 & 36. ‘And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.
The dialogue ends with Jesus warning His disciples that everything is about to change. Jesus points out to them that they had never lacked anything while they were with Him even when were sent out to minister for Him (9:3) unprepared and without money or sandals. They had been welcomed because of Him everywhere they went, but all that has changed. Now that He was to be taken away from them, they would have to make preparations for their ministries including a purse, a bag, and a sword for personal protection. The world is about to turn on them in hatred because of him. They are now to go out ready for anything. The change in Jesus’ instructions indicates that a crisis is coming. The coming crisis is explained in verse 37.
Jesus was about to die and be numbered with the transgressors because Scripture must be fulfilled in Jesus. Verse 37. ‘For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.”
This verse is one of several clear quotations of Isaiah 53 in the NT. Jesus quotes Isa 53:12 as a reference to His imminent crucifixion alongside two criminals (Luke 23:32).
The disciples respond in verse 38 that they had two swords. ‘And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”
The disciples after enquiring among themselves find they have two swords, of which one was Peter’s. Galileans generally traveled with swords. Christ wore none Himself, but He was not against His disciples’ wearing them. But he indicates how little he would have them depend upon them when he said, “It is enough.” Since two were hardly enough to defend the group, the swords may simply be a vivid symbol of impending crisis, not intended for actual use. The sword of the Spirit is the sword which all the disciples of Christ must have and effectively use.
Some interpreters understand Jesus words in conjunction with the quotation from Isaiah and conclude that by possessing two swords they would be classified by others as transgressors or criminals.
IN CLOSING
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).
We may also rest assured that nothing happens to us without God’s permission & all is used to work out His own unique will in each of our lives. The matchless providence of God rules and overrules in the affairs of men.
Jesus promised Peter something every repentant believer craves, another chance. Jesus knew that the apostle Peter was going to stumble over his own self-confidence and zeal by denying Him. Yet the Lord saw beyond this devastating failure to the disciple’s repentance and restoration. When He assured Peter that He had prayed that his faith would not fail, He was saying in effect, “Peter, I forgive you and have prayed for you. You will be bounce back after your fall.” The Lord was aware that the outcome of the sifting and denial experience would be Peter’s increased ability to strengthen his brethren.
If you’ve had a spiritual reversal, don’t give up. Christ can restore you. You can be useful to Him again, even after a hard fall. Your faith will bounce back, and God’s forgiveness will enable you to go on.
If you are repentant like Peter, you too can trust the Lord to give you another chance. Confess your sin and experience God’s forgiveness, healing and restoration (1 Jn 1:9). God’s forgivnss always comes with another chance.
PRAYER: We come before You, exhausted, hurting, and in need of restoration. The trials we face sometimes seem unbearable. We are tired of experiencing pain and frustration. Please help us to understand that the trials and the tests we face are to produce in us endurance, hope, and good character. Please continue to give each one of us the strength we need to not only get through each day, but to do so with JOY! We lay down our pride, our selfish desires, and our negative attitudes. We ask that You transform us from the inside out in Jesus’ name!
Jesus Christ, we admit I have sinned against you, humbly we come asking for forgiveness of our sins. May the blood of Jesus Christ wash us and purify us from every inner uncleanliness. Father, look upon us with mercy and close every door we have opened to the enemy to come in and afflict us. Father, open our spiritual eyes and reveal to us what is behind every repeated affliction and long-standing problem in our lives. Show us the root cause of our problems and give us grace to follow what you lay on our hearts so that You can break every chain of the enemy that is tying us down.
Father, remember us O Lord and wipe away our tears. Heal our broken hearts, repair and restore every area of our lives that has been battered and shattered by sin, by our carelessness and ignorance or by enemy attack and demonic activities. Help us to grow in Your grace and knowledge even as we endure the various kinds trials and temptations necessary to mature our faith and walk. Please give us a fresh beginning and restore to us the joy of Your salvation.
BENEDICTION: Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
