Luke 22:31-32
[31] And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
[32] But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Jesus always tested Peter in unique ways. However, Peter was not the last person to be tested with the pressures of knowing Jesus. What was Jesus preparing him for by doing this?
John 21:14-17
[14] This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.
[15] So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
[16] He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
[17] He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Lambs are young sheep. If you love him you will be obedient. You will sing, you will shout, you will feed the sheep! He accepted Christ 3 times here, and was tested in denying him 3 times in another reference. Peter was definitely being prepared, as we all are each and every day!
2 Peter 1:5-15
[5] And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
[6] And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
[7] And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
[8] For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[9] But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
[10] Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
[11] For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
[12] Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.
[13] Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;
[14] Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
[15] Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
One of my favorite passages to read!
Some key terms to bear in mind:
- Diligence – attention or care expected of a person
- Faith – substance of things hoped for and evidence of things not seen
- Virtue – courage or strength
- Knowledge – gained understanding from learning or experience
- Temperance – self-control, moderation in action
- Patience – endurance and steadfast continuity in faithful service
- Godliness – the quality of honoring ones duties to God
- Brotherly kindness – the kind of love we share to one another
- Charity – the highest kind of love, more inclusive than brotherly kindness, it is the kind of love God has for us
As long as we are here, put into remembrance that when we are gone that we leave behind something for people to keep that will save them! We do not need to live near-sighted in God, not being able to see the greater vision. We also need to learn to get out of being barren and unfruitful.
Matthew 14:24-33
[24] But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
[25] And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
[26] And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
[27] But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
[28] And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
[29] And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
[30] But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
[31] And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
[32] And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
[33] Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
How many of us today are saying what Peter did? Lord if it be you, bid me to come! They did not recognize him on the waters in the storm, and that is how it is sometimes in our lives. What can we do to save ourselves? Come!