"Simon, Simon"

April 2, 2015

“Simon, Simon”

Blessings folk!

The disciples were eating a meal with Jesus.
The last meal they would have together.

Jesus was sharing profound things with them.
Their reaction?
They were arguing as to which is the greatest.

Read the following passage.
See the context.

Note what the Lord says...especially when He speaks directly to Peter.

Luke 22:24-31
24 And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest.
25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’
26 But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.
27 For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.
28 “You are those who have stood by Me in My trials;
29 and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you
30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Today, look at what the Lord told Simon/Peter.
What truth do we see?

  1. Satan had demanded permission to sift Peter like wheat. Satan must receive permission from the Lord - see Job. The sifting of wheat is the process of separating the real/valuable wheat from the useless chaff. Satan did not desire to do so to “improve” Peter. He desired to revealed the “chaff” in Peter. He desired to destroy Peter. The Lord knew this. The Lord knew that the process would be to His glory.
  2. “But!” Jesus had prayed for Peter. What did He pray? That Peter’s faith would not fail. Though Peter would soon deny/fail, he would know that the Lord had prayed for him
  3. Jesus now gives a command. Strengthen your brothers. When? After you have turned again! This means Peter would turn away, but he would “return”.

More later.

For now, know that…
  • the Lord knows
  • nothing comes our way that the Lord does not know about
  • the Lord prays for us
  • the Lord desires for us to turn to him

Do so.