Luke 22:31-38 - A prediction of denial

22:31-34

We now get the famous prediction of Peter’s denial of Christ. Jesus tells us that Satan had asked to sift all of them. This is reminiscent of the beginning of Job where Satan goes before God seeking permission to have a go at Job. In both case, Job and Peter, Satan was allowed to do certain things, and deep weaknesses and flaws in Joba and Peter were exposed, and much trouble was caused to them. Yet in both cases they were ultimately stronger, not because of anything within themselves, but because of the grace of God. The workings of God, and what He allows Satan to do, can sometimes seem strange, even to the point of being totally wrong, but in all cases we can trust the Lord and His wisdom.

Jesus says He had prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail. Now look at what happened. On any human level of understanding Peter’s faith did fail, and in a major way. He denied the Son of God three times. Yet he still “followed” Jesus. He was there at the tomb, he was with the disciples in all the events after the cross. Then he had that famous meeting with Jesus recorded in John’s gospel. Even when we have failed badly, we need to to stick with God’s people, and keep on holding on to Jesus in hope. Peter protested his dedication and commitment, and no doubt was sincere in this, but Jesus knew the deep weaknesses in Peter, just as He knows the deep weaknesses in you and me.

22:35,36

Some time ago Jesus had sent them out telling them not to take a purse, bag or sandals. They had obeyed Him and had everything they needed.  Now He tells them to take a purse, bag, and even to buy a sword. This is a lesson against applying particular instructions (ie instructions given for a particular occasion) as universal commandments. There may be times when we have to “live by faith” in the sense of having no visible means of support, but this does not mean that in general we do not act “sensibly”, making sensible provision for practical needs. There is a danger of us being super-spiritual idiots.

22:37,38

Jesus then quotes from Isaiah 53:12. We should note that while just one verse is quoted, it may well be intended that we understand that Jesus had the whole section in mind. Jesus knew what was going to happen, and why it was going to happen. He knew that the events prophesied in Scripture were being fulfilled. The disciples remain oblivious to all this and are focused on the practicalities, ie how many swords they have. When things are beyond our understanding we tend to find comfort in focusing on things we can handle. As a wee aside we have another example against an overly literal interpretation of parts of Scripture. Jesus’ earlier words could have been taken as implying everyone should have a sword. Having two between them was regarded as sufficient.