Unfailing Faith and Prayer – Luke 22:31-38

Sifting wheat.  We’re not too familiar with what that involves.  Careertrend.com describes it this way:  “The first step in the process of sifting wheat is to loosen the chaff from the edible grain, which is called threshing. The old-fashioned way to do this is to spread the wheat onto a floor made from stone, concrete or tamped earth and to beat it with a flail.”  That’s what Satan wanted to do to Peter, to pummel him into losing his faith.  Can he do that?  What hope would we have of surviving that?

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”  (Luke 22:31-38 ESV)

After an argument in which the disciples thought themselves “great,” Jesus informs Peter that unless he had prayed for Peter’s faith not to fail Satan would have devoured him.  Then he brings him down another peg by telling him he will deny knowing him.  Jesus is trying to prepare his disciples for his arrest and death.

And this explains his somewhat cryptic remarks about no longer going from town to town depending on the provision of those who believe as they preach, but rather buying a sword.  Jesus is not advocating that they suddenly stop trusting in God to provide for them but is highlighting the persecution sure to come after he himself is killed.  Two swords are not enough, really, to do anything but get them all killed as will be evident later.  And Jesus does not want them to use their swords to prevent his arrest.  But two swords are enough in that it is not swords that are going to win the day, but prayer, as his next remarks will show.