There is much to learn from today’s text. Though we will only be covering four verses in Luke’s Gospel there are several lessons to learn from them that we don’t want to overlook.
Luke 22:31–34 (NLT) “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So, when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.” But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
Once again, we will make use of Gary Crossland’s “Merged Gospels” (below) to harmonize the events of today’s text with the other Gospels. #253. Peter’s Denial is Predicted – (Matthew 26:31-35, Mark 14:27-31, Luke 22:31-34, John 13:36-38)
Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Wherever I go, you are not able now to follow Me, but afterward you will follow Me.” Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now?” Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away this night because of Me, because it is written, ‘I will strike down the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee. But Peter answered and said to Him,” Even though all might fall away because of You, yet I will not fall away.” [And the Lord said,] “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked of you for himself, to sift (you) as wheat. And I prayed for you, that your faith would not fail. And you, when you turn, strengthen your brothers.” And he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go both to prison with You, and to death. I will lay down my life for You.” And Jesus said to him, “Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly I say to you, Peter, that today, this very night, a cock will not crow twice before you will deny three times that you know Me.” But Peter kept saying to Him insistently, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.” All the disciples said the same thing as well.
Prayer: Lord, help us to know our weaknesses and limitations and lean on You
that we might continue to grow in faith.
Pastor Mike