“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.” —Luke 22:31 & 32

The Last Supper

…announced to Pharaoh, “This is what the LORD says: At midnight tonight, I will pass through the heart of Egypt. All the firstborn sons will die in every family in Egypt, from the oldest son of Pharaoh, who sits on his throne, to the oldest son of his lowliest servant girl who grinds the flour. Even the firstborn of all the livestock will die. Then a loud wail will rise throughout the land of Egypt, a wail like no one has heard before or will ever hear again. —Exodus 11:4-6

…community of Israel must slaughter their lamb or young goat at twilight. They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and top of the doorframes of the houses… the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt. —Exodus 12:6-7 & 13

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. —Luke 22:19-20

And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before i suffer.” —Luke 22:15

Jesus’ death is the central event to which all the history of God’s relationship toward man has been moving.

Transition: That is the context for verses 31 and 32. The decisive battle is about to be fought and the enemy is working so very hard.

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you… —Luke 22:31

Satan’s encounter with the King

7 The LORD said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” 8 And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” 9 Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? 10 Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” 12 And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So, Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. —Job 1:7-12

God is in control

…that he might sift you… —Luke 22:31

God allows sifting

…that he might sift you like wheat. —Luke 22:31

Peter is wheat – not chaff.

…but I have prayed for you… —Luke 22:32

Prayer in the Sifting

Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? —Romans 8:34

If you feel under attack, take comfort in knowing He is praying for you.

…that your faith may not fail. —Luke 22:32

Satan Sifts Faith

“But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” —Job 7:11

Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. —Matthew 26:74

“And without faith it is impossible to please God.” —Hebrews 11:6

Importance of faith to ALL things

He does not pray for the test to stop…but that faith continues in it.

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

Purpose of the Sifting

Some of the rarest pearls have been found in the deepest waters, and some of the choicest utterances of believers have come from them when God’s waves and billows have been made to roll over them. The fire consumes nothing but the dross and leaves the gold all the purer. —Spurgeon

Call to Communion

No lamb was on the table because the lamb was at the table.