The last chapter of the Apostle John’s gospel contains an interesting conversation the resurrected Jesus had with the Apostle Peter. But before we consider that passage I want to call your attention to Luke 22. It is one of the great chapters in Luke’s gospel. We will not do justice to it in this article. But we will center in on Jesus and Peter. Remember, Peter had boldly said to Jesus: “…LORD, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death” (Lk. 22:33). Jesus responds: “…I tell you Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me” (v. 34). Read the rest of the chapter to see that is exactly what happened. A lesson I learn from these two verses is that it is one thing to say what you are going to do and another thing to actually do it. Just about anybody can talk the talk but it is another thing to walk the walk.
But prior to that brief conversation Jesus had made a prediction concerning Peter:
“…Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.
But I have prayed for you that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren”(vs.31, 32).
In addition to the lesson mentioned above, let’s note another lesson or two in Jesus’ prediction:
1. Satan is our adversary. Note I Peter 5:8 – Peter identifies him as our “adversary” and says “…the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
2. Sin brings adversity. The prophet Isaiah says, “…your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear” (Isa. 59:1, 2). Someone said it like this: “Sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.”
3. Jesus is our advocate. Jesus said to Peter, “…I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail.” (v. 32). The Apostle John also said, “…if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (I John 2:1).
4. We serve God by serving others. Jesus said to Peter, “…when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren” (v. 32). Read John 13 and especially note the account of Jesus washing the aposs feet.
Next week’s article will bring Peter and John together as we consider “What About John?” Until then, may “God’s blessings be upon you!”
