(Luke 22:31-38) Promises of Danger and Development

(Luke 22:31-38) Promises of Danger and Development

by Stephen Davey
Series: Sermons in Luke
Ref: Luke 22:31–38

In this message, Stephen Davey unpacks Jesus’ profound conversation with Peter and the disciples in Luke 22:31-38, where Jesus prepares them for the trials ahead. Despite warning Peter of Satan's desire to sift him like wheat, Jesus offers reassurance by praying for Peter’s faith and promising that his failure would lead to spiritual growth. Through Peter's denial, we witness both the humanity of failure and the divine power of restoration. This message reminds us that, like Peter, we have an Advocate who intercedes for us, and that our failures are not the end, but part of our development. Join us as we explore how Jesus’ promises of danger, defense, and development remain relevant for believers today.

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Transcript

Several years ago, I was at a gas station one night, while I was there at the gas pump, a man pulled up on the other side – looked like his wife was in the front seat and his daughter in the back seat.

When he got out, his little girl was wanting something from the gas station convenience store. He laughed and said to me that he always tried to get out of his car quick enough before his daughter had a chance to ask him for something.

I said, “I know what you mean – my kids love this place – they usually want gum, or candy, or those little white powdered doughnuts that come six to a pack – okay, those are for me.”

He said, “How many kids do you have?” I said, “Four”. He said “Wow”. I said, “You want one?” He said, “I have only one child and that’s expensive enough – you have four children – wow, man, what do you do for a living?”

I hesitated – it was late – it was cold – I was tired. I didn’t feel like beginning an evangelistic conversation.

Maybe I could tell him I raise sheep – that would be true – if I tell him I’m a pastor, he might want some on-the-spot counseling, or the answer to why evil exists in the world if there is a God – something simple like that.

But I went ahead and told him – only because I knew God was listening.

When I told him I was a pastor of a local church in Cary, he said, “Which one?” When I told him, he said, “I can’t believe it, we were just now talking about visiting that church this Sunday – we’ve been looking for a church home – come here and meet my family.”

As I went around to their car, I this little conversation with the Lord, “Lord, that was a test – it was late, it was cold, I was tired – now I’m happy to talk – but I actually failed to represent you as I should have!”

The good news is that only this man would know that I failed, besides the Lord.

Well, how would you like to have throughout church history a record of your failure to represent the Lord as one of His disciples?

How would you like your moment of hesitation, or selfishness, or pride, or cowardice, put into the record of scripture, to be studied by millions of people for last 2,000 years?

Well, as we’ve already learned in our study through Luke, the Lord has as much to teach us from the failures of His people, as their successes.

We’re not going to get to the courtyard scene today, where Peter fails the Lord, but we are at the point where Peter could’ve avoided it.

So let’s pick up our study today at Luke, chapter 22, and as you’re turning, let me remind you that Peter’s denial didn’t suddenly take place in the Courtyard, it had already begun, in the upper room.

Jesus promises spiritual danger.

He says here in verse 31:

“Simon, Simon, (repeated for emphasis) behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat…” Luke 22:31

But just consider the implications of what Jesus just said – “Simon, Satan demanded to have you” – the verb means, “he demanded permission – or, he asked permission to receive you.”

This reminds me of the permission Satan had to receive from the Lord to persecute Job. It’s a reminder that Satan is our adversary, and he hates those who follow God.

But he’s on a leash.

But just because he’s on a leash, held by the hand of our sovereign God, that doesn’t mean we don’t avoid him and resist him

Jesus never says to Peter, “Look, the devil wants to make you fail, but don’t worry – you got this!”

No – “Simon, Satan already has you and the others in his sights – he wants to take you all down – discredit your testimony, destroy your effectiveness, steal your joy .”

The Lord uses the analogy here of sifting wheat. In these days there was a small handheld thresher when someone wanted only a handful of kernels.

They would put the wheat heads into onto this thresher and then rather violently shake it back and forth to separate the kernels from the chaff – and then they’d blow the chaff away.

Jesus is telling Simon that the devil himself wants to personally shake his world and blow his life and his testimony – he wants to blow it away.

Now the key to this conversation here is the fact that Jesus doesn’t put a period at the end of verse 31 – it’s a comma – Jesus isn’t finished – in fact, He adds another promise here, in that:

Jesus promises supernatural defense.

verse 31 again:

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, (comma!) but I have prayed for you …”

Satan’s has you in his sights . . . but!

Satan wants to destroy you . . . but!

I have prayed for you – already!

You’ve got a powerful adversary, but you’ve got an even more powerful advocate – you’ve got a Defense Attorney –

Jesus actually shifts here, back to a singular pronoun – He’s saying, “But I have prayed specifically for you Simon.”

Now we know from John 17 that the Lord prayed for all His disciples just as earnestly.

Imagine how long Jesus’ prayer list must be – your name’s on it too as one of His disciples!

The reality is, Jesus knows every disciple will fail Him – every disciple will fall to temptation – every disciple will talk when they should stay quiet and stay quiet when they should speak up.

Let me tell you, the one thing you and I do consistently is fail Jesus. And if you don’t believe that, you need to talk to your wife. We don’t excuse it – we must quickly confess it.

Which is why the believers have been given this amazing reassurance in I John. He’s writing to believers and says in 1 John 1:8:

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8)

In verse 10

“If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” (1 John 1:10)

1 John 2:1

“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But, if anyone does sin (the class condition in the original language can read – and you will – But if anyone does sin and you will) we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 2:1)

Propitiation means satisfaction – Jesus satisfied the just demands against, by paying the penalty for our sin.

And now He’s praying for us in our battle – that we’ll be strengthened, even through times of failure and sin.

I personally believe that a source of discouragement today as a disciple of Christ is that we tend to think only of Jesus dying for us, or rising for us, and forgetting that He is praying for us.

The Bible says in Hebrews 7:25 that Jesus is ever living to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25).

The Roman system of law allowed for an advocatus, from which we get our word advocate.

An advocatus represented their client in the courtroom and spoke on their behalf.

We have an Advocate – a Defense Attorney – and our Lord has never lost a case.

Jesus promises spiritual development.

Notice again here the first part of verse 32:

“But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.” Luke 22:32a

Don’t miss this here: Jesus isn’t saying here, “Peter, I’m praying that you will never fail me” – no, Jesus has already prayed for Peter and He already knows that Peter will fail.

So why does Jesus tell Peter that here?

Jesus doesn’t pray for us because He doesn’t know what He’s gonna do with us after we fail – He’s letting us know that He prays for us because we are going to wonder what He’s gonna do with us after we fail.

The Lord already knows that Peter’s failure is just hours ahead where Satan will gain the upper hand – but Jesus effectively says here to Simon Peter and the rest of the disciples and to you and me today,

“I represent you as your Advocate – you are my client in the court of heaven, I’m praying that even in your failures your faith will become stronger.”

He’s praying that Peter’s sin will lead him to greater insight and spiritual development.

John Kennedy, a Scottish pastor in the 1800’s once wrote on this text these words: “For all your guilty yesterdays, all your sinful todays, and all your unknown tomorrows, Jesus promises, “’I have already prayed for you.’”

––John Kennedy (1819-1884) (Source: Dale Ralph Davis, Luke: The Year of the Lord’s Favor (Christian Focus, 2021), p. 173)

Now with that, Jesus adds this little phrase here in verse 32:

“And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:32b

The idea here of turning implies repentance has occurred. (Source: David E. Garland, Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: Luke (Zondervan, 2011), p. 869)

One translator said it this way: Jesus said to Peter: “[Repent] and retrace your steps.” (Source: Hendriksen, p. 974)

You’re not starting over as a believer, you are simply retracing your steps back to where you got off track.

“Peter, after you’ve gotten back on track, after you’ve retraced your steps back home – sterizo – strengthen – your brothers.” That verb gives us our word for steroids.

Peter, you’re gonna strengthen the spiritual muscles of believers one day.

Look again here at verse 32:

“And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:32b

Not “if” but “when”. This is a sweet prediction from the Lord, which must’ve helped dry Peter’s bitter tears . . . he still had a future and a purpose and a ministry to other believers.

He’s telling Peter – and every disciple to this day – your failure is not fatal.

Now – I have to remind you that at this point, everything Jesus is saying is going in one ear and out the other. Peter isn’t really listening.

And because of that, Jesus adds more details about his denials:

Jesus promises serious denials.

Verse 33:

Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Luke 22:33

Matthew’s gospel account reads:

“Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” Matthew 26:33

“These other disciples don’t have what it takes. But Lord, but I will go with you to prison and to the death!”

I think Peter expected Jesus to give him a hug. A little plastic trophy – “Most courageous disciple”.

Instead Jesus responds here in verse 34:

“I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” Luke 22:34

“Peter, you’re not gonna die with me – you’re gonna deny Me.”

Notice how verse 34 begins: Jesus says, “I tell you, Peter” . . . that’s another way of saying “Peter, look at me – I have something to tell you.”

Whenever my mother used to say, “Stephen, look at me, I have something to tell you.” I knew it was not going to be a compliment.

Jesus might’ve even raised his voice some, “Peter, I’m telling you – there’s a rooster in your future.”

Now think about this: for the Lord’s prediction to come true – people will have to ask Peter if he knows the Lord, in order for Peter to deny it; for a rooster to crow, there’s gotta be some chickens around somewhere.

So if Peter is as smart as he thinks he is, he will avoid people and he will avoid chickens – and if he sees a rooster, he’s gonna run.

But where does Peter go? Into a crowded courtyard – that’s where people and domestic animals would be milling around – why would he go there? Because he thinks Jesus got it wrong.

By the way, there’s nothing in the New Testament accounts that say this rooster was a block away – over in the next neighborhood. I have every reason to believe that this rooster is gonna walk right up to Peter and let it rip.

Now here in the next few verses, the Lord makes a fifth and final promise.

Jesus promises severe difficulties.

Verse 35.

And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” Luke 22:35

Jesus reminds them of their earlier evangelistic trip recorded in Luke chapter 10, where they were sent out empty handed – no food, no extra sandals or clothing, no money – and the Lord miraculously provided for them.

But now that’s gonna change. The Lord will still provide, but more subtly, and not without the disciples experiencing difficulty as the dispensation of the church age will soon begin.

Jesus says to them, here in verse 36:

“But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” Luke 22:36-37

I believe the Lord is describing the disciples post-resurrection ministry. (Source: Davis, p. 174)

Think about it: when the Lord was with them physically, they never went hungry. No disciple fell out of the boat during a storm. The enemies of Christ were supernaturally restrained.

But that’s all gonna change.

Now this sword wasn’t for the sake of aggression or violence; it wasn’t to save their lives from martyrdom.

Which is why Jesus will tell Peter to put his sword away, in the Garden of Gethsemane a few hours later.

The sword was simply standard equipment for travelers; it was common equipment on the highway where robbers and wild animals hid in the shadows.

It won’t be long before these men will travel their known world, most often by themselves.

  • Matthew will end up martyred in Ethiopia;
  • Phillip will be martyred in modern day Turkey;
  • Thomas will make it to India where he will serve before being martyred near the city of Chennai.

When I traveled to preach in Chennai, I visited the little chapel that commemorated his ministry.

Jesus is simply delivering the news that their ministry is about to radically change. It’s going to be difficult and dangerous as they travel the world.

So now, Jesus tells them, “Plan ahead; don’t go unprepared; get your money together and pack some extra sandals and put food in your backpack and carry a sword to ward off bandits and wild animals.

One author called this: “The Disciples Defense Starter Kit.” (Source: Davis, p. 175)

Now what’s interesting is that the disciples missed the point, because they did a little inventory among themselves – verse 38:

And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” (We’ve got two swords among us) And he said to them, “It is enough”. Luke 22:38b

Which means, “Enough of that kind of talk.” As if to say, “You missed the point.” Of course, they will understand what He means, later on. (Source: Swindoll, p. 487)

Now here’s the question for every disciple to this day – where do you see yourself in this conversation between Peter and Jesus?

Are you defiant with the Lord’s will today – resisting His authority? Trying to redefine His word to suit your sin?

Peter is arguing here with the Son of God – and Satan must’ve been smiling as he hears Peter tell Jesus that He’s wrong.

Perhaps you don’t see yourself in this scene as defiant, but distant.

You’re a believer, but you’ve strayed – and perhaps you alone know it’s true. You need to turn around – retrace your steps back to where you once were, serving the Lord, reading His word, confessing your sin.

Retrace your steps back home.

Perhaps you’re discouraged today about your failures in the past, discouraged about your present situation, or as you look just up ahead.

Remember, beloved, you have an Advocate –

  • -He’s taken care of your past;
  • -He’s teaching you in the present;
  • -He will triumph with you in 1147the future.

And all along the way, Jesus is praying for you.

And let me tell you, all of Jesus’ prayer requests about you will be answered – at the right time, in the right way, for the right reason.

He ever lives to make intercession for you.

Imagine, He lives to talk to God the Father and God the Spirit about you.

Robert Murray M’Cheyne, another Scottish pastor, was known for saying,

“If you could hear Jesus praying for you in the next room, you would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is indeed praying for you right now.” (Source: Robert Murray M’Cheyne (1813-1843))

Distance makes no difference . . . He is praying for you and me, today.

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