Luke 22:31-34 –Find strength through prayer

The Upper Room had suddenly become still and silent. The bickering over who was the greatest had stopped and the whole mood was sombre. The disciples must have all felt ashamed of their self-centredness and worldly outlook about greatness. But what was to come would be even more humbling. At least it was for Peter. In verse 30 we see Jesus assuring them of their future roles. Immediately following His assurance, the Lord turned to Peter personally and tenderly hinted to him of his impending failure. The other Gospels tell us that Peter was not the only one who fell away. In fact, every one of the disciples also fell away. Luke specifically singled out Peter. Perhaps, he was the one whose voice had overpowered the rest in their dispute.

In verse 31, Jesus started by revealing that it was Satan's intention to cause Peter's downfall. That old scheming, conniving devil had sought for the Lord's permission to stumble him. Satan wanted to sift Peter like wheat. Although Jesus' disclosure would have alerted Peter but he couldn't quite believe what he had heard. We find great relief from what the Lord had said here. We learned that nothing can happen to us outside of the Lord's approval. The tempter cannot have his free hand on us without the go-ahead from the Lord. Everything that will happen to us, can only take place with the full knowledge of the Lord. Isn't our Lord gracious?

To assure Peter, the Lord revealed to him that it would not spell his end, as the Lord Himself had already prayed for him. In asking him to strengthen the brethren when he "turned again," the Lord was indicating that Peter's fall would not be a permanent thing, but that he would be restored. As the Lord prayed for Peter then, He is praying for us today. What a privilege to know that He is also our eternal intercessor. The author of the book of Hebrews said that as our permanent High Priest, "(Jesus) He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them (us included)"(Hebrews 7:25).

In verse 33, in the uneasy atmosphere of that Upper Room, the outspoken Peter vehemently vowed that he would be willing to go both to prison and death with the Lord. But the Lord would never say anything that would not happen. So He told Peter in verse 34, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.” From this scene here, let us be reminded to walk gingerly before the Lord. To be slow to anger and slow to speak. But to be quick to listen and obey. These might just help us to avoid the necessity of having unpleasant circumstances in life to stir us out of our complacency, and prideful boasting. Remember, being sincere is one thing, but having the gumption to see it through is quite another. For all his bravado, this once confidence Peter would finally give in to his cowardice, and deny the Lord.

Peter was a man who spoke too fast, boasted too much but prayed too little. He shot off his mouth at many junctures of his journey with Christ. And just shortly before his infamous denial, the Lord had to tell him and James and John, to get up and pray that they might not fall into temptation (Luke 22:46). This warning to Peter is a timely reminder for us to be slow to speak and quick to hear. And also to stay prayerful through life. Your connection to the Lord is vital in overcoming temptation.