A faith struggle

Jesus' struggle for our faith

Luke 22:31-32, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.

Here are found two verses that invite us into the battle of faith. Some of the words are weak in their translation. Satan is asking to sift the apostles but the work "ask" is much stronger and is only used here in the New Testament. We could really say, "Satan demanded," which is not outside his character. He continues to this day demanding control of our soul. This verse reminds one of the conversation between Satan and God as they considered the character of Job.

Job 1:9, "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan informs God that the only reason Job is who he is results from God's blessing and protection but strike him and he will curse you.

This appears to be the reality Satan would desire for Jesus' disciples as he wants to sift them as wheat, hoping they will forsake the Lord. This too is reflected in Psalm 1:4, "Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away." This is the result of not delighting in the law of the Lord. In the sifting of the grain, the emphasis is not on the chaff but those who are faithful because they remain true to the teachings of Christ.

The term "you" in verse 31 is plural indicating Satan's desire to sift all the disciples. He wants to find some weakness  in each of them and exploit it. He knows if he can defeat the leaders, doubt will exploit the followers and they will be pawns in his hand.

Jesus responds with his practice of prayer. The term translated "prayer" is very strong. Literally is means "to beg, out of want or need" The term is used other places in the New Testament especially in regard to deliverance of demons as in Luke 9:40, "I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not." This follows verse 38 where he begs Jesus to do the same.   Now this is intercessory prayer by Jesus based on Peter's needs.

The "you" here is singular as Jesus addresses Peter specifically. The reason for Jesus' intense prayer is "In order that your faith will not fail." The emphasis is on Peter's faith "that it may not fail." The only other time the term "fail"  is used is Luke 16:9 speaking of money, "when it fails." When money runs out we are destitute and look for other sources. Jesus' prayer is that Peter's faith would be enough to withstand Satan's storm.

What is this faith Peter possesses? John 17:8, "I gave them the words that you gave me and they accepted them. They know with certainty that I came from you and they believed that you sent me." This is the faith that Jesus prays will not fail. The emphasis is on the content of faith which is effective for life. I John 1:1-2 declares the same faith which was revealed from God.

"And when you have returned, strengthen your brothers." Here is the common term for repentance. With Jesus, he had no "if" but "when." Jesus soon told Peter how he would deny the Lord. Jesus had no doubts that Peter would return to the Lord, which he did. Strengthen means to "make firm or confirm." This is an imperative or a command. It is detailed further in John 21 when Jesus asks Peter if he loves the Lord. Jesus then commands, "Feed my sheep." The fulfillment is seen further in Acts 2 as Peter explains the meaning of Pentecost.