THURSDAY OF HOLY WEEK: Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-39, John 13:1-17:26
And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."
Luke 22:31-32
What happened: The evening began in the Upper Room. Jesus was with the disciples as He gave the incredible teaching known as the Upper Room Discourse (John 13-16). Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. Upon leaving the Upper Room, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane where He was arrested. Later that night Peter denied knowing the Lord.
Key thoughts: So many things that took place that night that were of great importance that it is hard to pick one event on which to focus our attention. Let’s consider one set of events that likely impacted Peter the most.
In the Upper Room, Peter insisted on his fidelity to Jesus, stating, “Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be." Jesus, seeking to turn down the volume of Peter’s pride, replied, "Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times. But [Peter] spoke more vehemently, ““if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!"" (Mark 14:29-31).
As most of us know, Peter denied Jesus exactly as Jesus foretold that he would. And as most of us know, after Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus restored Peter (John 21:15-17).
Judas betrayed Jesus and Peter denied Jesus. Why was Peter restored and Judas was not? I believe the chief answer is found in Jesus’ words to Peter in Luke 22:31-32:
And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."
Because Peter was truly one of Jesus’ sheep (and Judas appears not to have been), Jesus prayed for Peter in conjunction with Peter’s denial.
Application: Why do we not all end up like Judas? Why are we who often fail, as Peter failed, forgiven and restored? Because Jesus prays ceaselessly for His people (Hebrews 7:25).
When we do not fail, and even when we do, and when we are forgiven and restored, let us remember it is not because we are so faithful. It is because Jesus prays for us!