Dangers of Overconfidence
Pastor Chang Kim
Luke 22:31-38
Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial
31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus[c] said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”
Scripture Must Be Fulfilled in Jesus
35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 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. 37 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.” 38 And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”
Luke 22:31-38
Introduction:
He assured Peter that in spite of Satan’s desire to put them through difficult times, Peter’s tested faith would not fail. Though he would waver, he would be restored, and would be the leader of the disciples.
Peter’s Denial Foretold vv31-34
31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”
Sifting is a part of life and an expected reality for all followers of Christ.
Here the thought is that Satan wants to prove that at least some of the disciples will fail under severe testing.
In verse 32, Jesus foretells Peter the blessed outcome of the sifting and the reason for it
32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Trials are to be expected in the Christian life.
Whenever we experience a test, Jesus is with us to strengthen us.
Peter learned that failure is possible because the flesh is weak.
When Peter came face to face with his own weaknesses and denial, he became Peter the Rock.
Peter’s overconfident reply is found in verse 33 33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.”
Jesus foretells Simon’s denial in verse 34 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”
2. Advice for the Future vv35-38
35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 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. 37 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.” 38 And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”
The dialogue between Jesus and His disciples ends with Jesus warning His disciples that everything is about to change.
The world is about to turn on them in hatred because of Jesus. They are not to go out ready for anything.
37 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.”
This verse is one of several clear quotations of Isaiah 53. Jesus quotes Isaiah 53:12 as a reference to His imminent crucifixion alongside two criminals.
Sword of the Spirit which all followers of Christ must have and effectively use.
Conclusion: We can be encouraged to know that Christ also prays for us as He did for Peter. He knows what we experience and He makes intercession for us.