The Last Supper

“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, strengthened your brothers.”

-Luke 22:31

This verse is taking place at the Lord's Last Supper in Luke 22. It is a very powerful verse... lets delve into it!

A dispute had broken out among the disciples as to which of them was considered to be the greatest. Jesus, turning to Simon (Peter) said, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat." When a name is repeated in the sacred writings (i.e. Simon, Simon), it appears to be always intended as an expression of love, manifested by a warning voice (we see this with Moses & Abraham in Exodus 3:4 and Genesis 22:11).

Jesus was basically warning Peter, "While you and the others are contending for supremacy, Satan is endeavoring to destroy you all: but I have prayed for you, as being in most danger." Jesus said this to Peter because he foresaw Peter's upcoming denial. Satan had already placed the seed of betrayal in Judas's heart, and the others were in danger as well because Satan wished to "sift" them. What did Jesus mean when He said: "to sift"? To sift means to toss them to and fro as wheat is in a sieve; that is, to afflict and distress them by scattering them both from Christ, and one another; by filling them with doubts about Jesus being the Messiah and Redeemer: and by frightening them with the fears of enemies. 

But Jesus said to Peter, "...I had prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthened your brothers". Satan sifted Peter (with permission), found a weakness, and Peter denied Christ; however, after all was said and done he ended up becoming a bold witness. He was the mouthpiece for the disciples. Satan fired a dart at him, temporarily knocked him down, but then he came back and strengthened his brothers - just like Jesus had prayed! In the end, Peter ended up giving his life for Christ! Amen!!!

Did you take notice that Satan asked permission to "sift" them, just as he has to ask permission to sift us? The devil cannot tempt man unless he receives 'permission.' He desires to do all evil; he is permitted only to do some. How awesome is it that our "enemy" has to answer to our "God" before he can even touch us? This is an amazing demonstration of Christ's authority! We see this again in Job 1:7-12. Satan is the prince of evil. One of his works is to try the faith of believers to place temptations and trials in their way, that they may be tested. God gave Job into his hands, that it might be seen whether he would be found faithful, or would apostatize (renounce Christ). 

Can you think of a time when Satan tried your faith? Satan desires to have US as well. We must always think about the ambush Satan lays for us. He desires to have us in his hands, so that he may try us. It's his desire to toss you and scatter you... and also to cast you out. He is a roaring lion, seeking to devour us!

These verses should encourage us because all of our "sifting" (trials, hurts, brokenness, and temptations) Satan meant for evil, but God intended for good!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Instead of wondering why God allowed these bad things to happen, I can now see how it made me a stronger person. Remember - trials breed spiritual maturity! Peter came out a better leader after being sifted! God knew what he was doing. He is always in control! 

My prayer tonight is that we all remain strong in the faith and remember to keep our eyes on the prize -- Christ! May our faith never fail us and may we finish well!