Peter's Denial

[Jesus said] “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” (Luke 22:31-34 ESV).

 

When Jesus celebrates the Passover Meal with the disciples for the last time He foretells of His coming suffering and death, established a new Sacrament to give us His own body and blood in bread and wine, and exposed the betrayer who will set it all into motion. In this description of the meal found in our reading for today, He turns to the leader of His disciples, bold and impetuous Peter. His words seem totally at odds with the Peter we meet in the Gospels. There we find him confident, strong, though impulsive at times. But Jesus knows.

With deep concern and tender care He speaks Peter's given name twice, "Simon, Simon." Back when this disciple expressed his faith that Jesus was God's Son, the promised Savior, the Lord had given him the name Peter, which means "rock." But this night Peter will be the furthest thing from a rock as he crumbles before servant girls and soldiers.

Confident in his foolish pride, Peter will put himself in great danger. Satan will seek to use that bitter moment of denial to shake Peter with deep guilt and regret in an attempt to crush his faith. Peter's leadership will be severely hampered as he asks how he could possibly remain one of Jesus' chosen apostles.

However, it in this moment that Jesus gives all of us the secret to any success or victory in life we may achieve. Jesus reassures Peter: "I have prayed for you" (v. 31). It is one of my personal favorite moments of Passion Week. I have often found myself in the midst of a miserable failure and remembering the truth that it is the voice of Jesus who prays on my behalf. It is Jesus who has secured my forgiveness and grace for eternity. No matter what plans Satan may have to “sift me like wheat” Jesus has already taken care of that in full. The gracious voice of God's Son will overpower the tempter's foul accusation. By Jesus' power, Peter will turn from his denial, and follow his Savior yet again. Then a restored Peter will strengthen his brothers and sisters. As we recall the depth of Peter's fall and see Jesus' gracious restoration, Peter's experience encourages us to leave behind our guilt and regret and boldly trust in Jesus' full and complete forgiveness for all our sins and failings. Like Peter I can go forward, knowing that truth!