Luke 22:31-32 in The Living Bible (TLB):

³¹ “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have you, to sift you like wheat, ³² but I have pleaded in prayer for you that your faith should not completely fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up the faith of your brothers.”

Commentary

Verse 31: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have you, to sift you like wheat,”

• Personal Address: Jesus calls Peter by his given name, Simon. He repeats it. This signals the gravity of the situation and His personal concern.
• Satan’s Request: The phrase “Satan has asked to have you” highlights Satan’s desire to test Peter (and the other disciples) intensely. This phrase emphasizes his desire for a deep challenge. The imagery of sifting like wheat suggests a process designed to challenge their faith severely. It aims to separate the faithful from the unfaithful.
• Intense Testing: Sifting wheat involves shaking it violently to separate the grain from the chaff. This process symbolizes severe trials. These trials aim at revealing and purifying true faith.

Verse 32: “but I have pleaded in prayer for you that your faith should not completely fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up the faith of your brothers.”

• Jesus’ Intercession: Jesus reveals that He has specifically pleaded in prayer for Peter. His prayer is that Peter’s faith, though tested, will not completely fail. This shows Jesus’ deep concern and proactive care for Peter’s spiritual well-being.
• Anticipation of Repentance: The phrase “when you have repented and turned to me again” acknowledges that Peter will fail. He will deny Jesus. It also anticipates his repentance and return to faith. This reflects Jesus’ foresight and hope for Peter’s restoration.
• Strengthening Others: Peter is given the responsibility to “strengthen and build up the faith of your brothers” after his repentance. This underscores the role of restored believers in supporting and encouraging their fellow believers. They particularly help those who also face trials.

Theological Insights

• Divine Awareness and Prayer: Jesus’ awareness of Satan’s intentions. His proactive intercession emphasizes His divine knowledge and the power of prayer. It reassures believers that Jesus is actively involved in their spiritual battles.
• Hope and Restoration: Despite foreseeing Peter’s failure, Jesus’ words are filled with hope for his restoration. This conveys the message that failure is not the end. There is always a path back to faith through repentance.
• Community Support: The instruction for Peter to strengthen his brothers highlights the importance of mutual support within the Christian community. Those who have experienced trials and restoration are called to help others in their faith journey.

Practical Application

• Awareness of Spiritual Testing: Believers should be mindful of the reality of spiritual challenges. They need to recognize the adversary’s desire to test their faith.
• Confidence in Jesus’ Intercession: The passage offers reassurance. Jesus is interceding for His followers. He is praying that their faith will endure even in difficult times.
• Encouraging Repentance and Support: It encourages those who have stumbled to repent and return to Jesus. Once restored, they take on the role of supporting and building up the faith of others. This fosters a strong and supportive faith community.

Additional Insights

Verse 31:

• Repetition of Simon’s Name: The repetition of “Simon, Simon” not only underscores the seriousness. It also highlights the personal connection Jesus has with Peter. It is a call to attention and a sign of deep affection.
• Satan’s Request: This request by Satan is reminiscent of the story of Job. In that story, Satan sought permission to test Job’s faith. It reflects a broader biblical theme where faith is often tested through trials.

Verse 32:

• Jesus’ Prayer: The fact that Jesus prays specifically for Peter highlights the power and importance of intercessory prayer. Jesus’ intercession serves as a model for believers to pray for one another, especially in times of testing.
• Expectation of Failure and Restoration: Jesus’ words indicate that He is not surprised by Peter’s upcoming failure. This foreknowledge is coupled with assurance. It includes a plan for Peter’s restoration. This can be comforting for believers who fear their own failings.
• Role of Restored Believers: Peter’s future role to strengthen his brothers is significant. It implies that those who have experienced failure and restoration can offer unique support and encouragement to others. Their experiences make them compassionate and effective in ministry.

Theological and Practical Implications

Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: The passage shows a balance between divine sovereignty. Jesus knows and prays about Peter’s future failure. Additionally, there is human responsibility. Peter needs to repent and strengthen others.

Encouragement in Trials: Believers can take comfort in knowing that their faith is under Jesus’ watchful eye. His intercession is ongoing, providing support and strength through the trials they face.

Community Dynamics: This passage underscores the importance of community in the Christian faith. Restoration and support within the community are vital for spiritual growth and perseverance.

Practical Application

Personal Reflection: Encourage believers to reflect on their own experiences of failure and restoration. How can these experiences be used to support others in their faith journey?

Prayer Practices: Emphasize the importance of praying for others, particularly those who may be struggling or facing significant trials. Consider creating prayer groups focused on intercessory prayer within the church community.

Mentorship and Discipleship: Encourage those who have gone through significant spiritual trials to take on mentorship roles. Their journeys can provide hope and guidance to others navigating their own faith challenges.