3/3/10 Luke 22
But I have prayed for you
(Lk 22:32)32but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
The disciples were in a dispute over who was regarded as the greatest among themselves. Jesus confronts their pagan way of thinking and tells them how to look at themselves from Jesus perspective. In a sense, who is greater Me (Jesus) or you (disciples)? The answer is obvious. Then observe closely my life and see what I am doing, notice I am serving. Jesus assures them that they will be in His kingdom, but there is difficulty ahead. Jesus addresses Simon (Peter) and says to him the Satan has demanded permission to sift “you.” The “you” is plural speaking of sifting all the disciples like wheat. The idea here is to make things very difficult for you. “But I have prayed for you,” the “you” here is singular so it is addressed to Peter exclusively. Jesus prayed that Simon’s faith would not fail and that he would strengthen his brothers. Jesus prayer is in perfect unison with the Father’s will. Jesus knows that he is going to be betrayed and that he will be sentenced to death, as according to the Father’s will. Jesus knows that this is going to be a difficult time for the disciples. As we continue to read we know that Peter’s denies Jesus three times and upon hearing the rooster crow Peter leaves the courtyard and weeps bitterly.
We do not know that Jesus prayer is answered positively until chapter 24 when the women bring a report to the disciples that Jesus is has risen from the dead. In Luke 24:11 their report appeared to be nonsense and those present did not believe. But in Luke 24:12 someone did believe, someone did have faith, someone had been prayed for and he led the way, it was Peter. Verse 12 says that Peter got up and ran to the tomb.
Who can you pray for today that their faith may not fail, even when they might experience temporary defeats or you see potential danger ahead? Take time to pray for someone who is in the midst of a difficult circumstance. Pray that their faith would succeed and become stronger for God’s glory and the potential of strengthening others.
Prayer:
Father I thank you for prayer. It is a privileged to bring you my needs and to seek your will and join you in your work. I ask that you would protect me from temptation and evil. Reveal to me your will where I can strategically pray for others and see their lives flourish and produce fruit, in Jesus name. Amen.