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 22:31-34 KJV)
Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial
Next, he addressed Peter’s coming denial. He warned that Satan had asked to sift all the disciples like wheat (Luke 22:31). Satan wanted to expose them as false, especially Peter. But Jesus said, “I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail” (Luke 22:32). Though Peter would stumble, his faith would not completely collapse. Jesus’ intercession would sustain him.
He then charged Peter, “When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Once restored, Peter was to use his experience to help others.
Peter declared boldly, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death” (Luke 22:33). He meant it sincerely, even if he didn’t understand his own weakness. Unlike Judas, Peter didn’t set his heart on betrayal. True disciples desire to follow Christ, even into suffering.
Jesus replied, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day until you deny three times that you know me” (Luke 22:34). Christ knows our hearts better than we do and foresees our failures. But he also knows how to strengthen us.