Luke 22:31-34 (NIV)
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”
Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
Most people focus on Peter’s tragic denial of Jesus. And, in precise fulfillment of this prophecy, he did deny even knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crowed the next morning.
Peter was absolutely positive that he would stand strong beside Jesus, no matter what happened. But Jesus knew better, because, even though Peter was steadfast on the outside, Jesus could see his heart that would quickly retreat from threats when Jesus was not there.
But just as important as that fact is the fact that Jesus was already praying powerful prayers that would enable His closest followers to recover, repent, and return to faith in Him on the other side of the upcoming trial. ALL of the disciples would flee, deserting Jesus in His moment of greatest need. But Jesus was praying specifically for Peter, that after he failed, that he would turn back and would then strengthen the faith of his brothers.
And, in the end, that is what happened. As soon as the resurrected Jesus appeared to Peter, he was once again in the center of action, and quickly became one of the pillars of the new community of faith called the Church.
Father, this is just a short passage, but so full of significance for me today, especially in light of the revelation in Hebrews 7:25 that Jesus is even now interceding for all of His people. That means that when I fail, when I fall, when I give in to fear and uncertainty, there is always Jesus’ strong prayer for me that I will not only turn back, but that after I have been restored, I will help others to find that same restoration for themselves. Thank you for this enduring hope! Amen.
