Peter was so sure of himself when Jesus warned him about satan desiring to have him and sift him like wheat. Jesus added that even though this was what satan desired, He’d already prayed for Peter that his faith wouldn’t fail and that once converted, he would strengthen others.
But Peter was in a good place in his head. At that moment, he told Jesus he’d go with him to prison and to death! He was so sure! But Jesus didn’t let the conversation end on Peter’s glowing words: “I’ve got your back, Jesus.” He told Peter that’s not correct. Jesus said Peter would deny he knew Him three times before a rooster crowed that day.
The reality was Peter wasn’t as ready as he thought he was. Jesus told him what would happen, but Peter shot Him down with how he knew he would handle things (minus the pressure of the moment). He knew he’d never let Jesus down.
But then, the controlled environment from which Peter spoke was no more. Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot and arrested. Peter, now fearful and uncertain, followed the crowd from a distance. Under pressure, he responded entirely differently from the one he proudly exclaimed a short time ago. Peter didn’t raise his hand to go to prison with Jesus, as he proclaimed earlier.
Someone recognized Peter as one of Jesus’ followers, and the denial started. Someone else noted that Peter was a follower a second time, and again, Peter denied he knew Jesus. And, for the third time, someone said yes, and Peter was one of them. While cursing, Peter again denied knowing Jesus, and a rooster crowed. Instantly, he was thrown back to his conversation with Jesus, telling him this moment would be.
I love this passage because Jesus didn’t leave Peter in a lurch but prayed for him before the trouble came. Yes, Peter found out the hard way that Jesus was right, and the prayer in its’ entirety was completed.
Lord, help me to accept whatever You say because it is accurate, regardless of how we feel at a particular moment.
And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. Luke 22:62 (KJV)
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. Luke 22:31-33 (KJV)
Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. Matthew 26:69-75 (KJV)
In the Master’s Service,
Author/Pastor Michele D Robertson
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV)