Sifting

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of 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.” - Luke 22:31-32

What an interesting couple of verses. Let's start with the first two words - "Simon, Simon." That's weird. Why did Jesus call Peter "Simon?" When they first met, Jesus Himself changed Simon's name to Peter.

"You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which is translated as Peter)." - John 1:42

And now Jesus is calling him Simon again? Why? Think about it. Jesus is just about to be crucified in that opening verse. And Peter was just about to deny Jesus three times, although Peter denied that he would.

But the interesting part of Jesus talking to His disciples that day was this:

"Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat."

What in the world is going on here? Jesus then goes on to say that He was praying specifically for Simon. That his "faith would not fail." Why didn't Jesus just tell Satan "No! You can't 'sift' any of my disciples?"

I think it's because Jesus WANTED Peter to be 'sifted.' Why? Perhaps to teach Peter something about what true faith is. It is not denying Jesus. It's not that Jesus didn't love Peter. He did. It's because Jesus loved Peter that He wanted to teach him to fully embrace his beliefs - no matter what the cost. 

In one of them most vivid and chilling passages in the Bible, Jesus doesn't say a single word.

"Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly." - Luke 22:60-62

Sifted.

I think that was the moment when Peter truly changed - from Simon into Peter.

I read that story and wondered about my own faith. Would I too deny Jesus if my life depended on it? Would you?

And how about the sifting we have already encountered in our own lives. Have we emerged stronger because of that sifting?

I hope so.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4

[The following song is from a little-known rock band from Sweden. The second verse speaks of Peter turning away when Jesus looked at him.] 

Pitiful - Blindside