At his last Passover meal with his disciples, Jesus gives Simon Peter — and indirectly the others — both troubling news and a reassuring promise.
The bad news first: Satan demanded to sift the disciples, to shake them, to test them as wheat is sifted. His aim is clear: to make them fall, to destroy them, to separate them from God for good. The devil wanted to destroy them, every one of them.
And this diabolical plan was already under way. Indeed, at the beginning of this same chapter of the Gospel according to Luke, it is written that Satan had entered the heart of Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve:
Evil had therefore already won a first victory in the person of Judas. From then on, the enemy’s goal was to reach the other eleven disciples, especially Simon Peter, recognized as the spokesman of the group, a leader among his brothers.
This reminds us that we too can be, at any moment, a prime target of the devil’s attacks. No believer is safe from his schemes and his assaults.
But here is the good news: Jesus prayed for Peter! He knew what was going to happen. Nothing surprises our Lord. Through his omniscience and foreknowledge, Jesus is always one step ahead of events. He had seen in advance that Peter’s faith would be severely tested. And that is why he speaks these powerful words to him: “I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail.”
This verse is the heart of the story. And it is not only a word for Peter. It is also a word for us today. Yes, you who are reading these lines, Jesus has prayed — and still prays — that your faith will hold firm.
However difficult the season you are going through, keep this truth anchored in your heart: Jesus intercedes for you. He watches over your faith. He does not leave you alone in the face of trial. His love never weakens, and his prayer sustains you in the darkest moments.
Romans 8.34 recalls it forcefully: “Christ died; more than that, he was raised, he is at the right hand of God, and he intercedes for us.”
Hebrews 7.25 adds: “Therefore he is able to save completely those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them.”
If today you are still standing, despite the storms and struggles, it is because Jesus is praying for you. His prayer carries you. His prayer protects you. His prayer assures you of victory, even when all seems lost.
So let this word nourish your faith and anchor you in peace: “I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.”
Finally, this truth should not only comfort us, but also move us to gratitude. May Christ’s permanent intercession on our behalf prompt us to give him thanks every day, and to strengthen our brothers and sisters, as Peter was urged to do.
Amen.
Pastor Joël PRUDENT