Luke 22:31-34
“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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus repeats Peter's name to emphasize that this isn't just a casual observation, but a sober warning; the word for "desired" suggests Satan didn't just want to tempt Peter, but actively sought permission to have him. This was a specific request to the Father, like in the story of Job, aiming to agitate and test Peter, not to destroy him, but to see if his faith, like good wheat, would remain after the shaking.
Just moments before His arrest, as the disciples argued about who was the greatest, Jesus directly addresses Peter, repeating his name for emphasis. He reveals that Satan has specifically requested permission to test all of them, like grain being shaken violently in a sieve, with the intent to weed out the faithful. However, Jesus immediately reassures Peter that His own prayer will prevent his faith from failing completely, even though he will stumble.
Ever wondered what's happening behind the scenes when you face intense spiritual battles? Jesus reveals that Satan doesn't just attack randomly; he actively seeks permission.
In this pivotal moment, Jesus directly addresses Peter, using his name twice for emphasis: 'Simon, Simon.' This isn't just a gentle correction; it’s a solemn warning.
A Cosmic Negotiation
Jesus reveals a dramatic truth: Satan had specifically 'demanded to have you.' This wasn't a casual request but a deliberate petition, like someone asking for permission to sift grain. The original Greek word suggests Satan was actively seeking to obtain or secure permission to test the disciples.
Christ's Counter-Move
But the story doesn't end there. Immediately following this revelation, Jesus states, 'but I have prayed for you.' This shows us that while Satan actively seeks access to test us, Christ actively intercedes for us. It's a cosmic battle, and Jesus is our ultimate defense attorney.
The Purpose of the 'Sifting'
Jesus uses the powerful imagery of sifting wheat. When wheat is sifted, it’s agitated and shaken to separate the grain from the chaff. While Satan's intention is to destroy and discard, Jesus’ prayer is that Peter's won't be discarded. It highlights that even in severe trials, the goal of Christ’s intercession is purification, not annihilation.
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What does it really mean to be 'sifted like wheat'? It’s more than just a metaphor for a tough time; it reveals the enemy’s destructive intent and Christ’s purifying purpose.
Jesus’ choice of the word 'sift' is incredibly vivid. Imagine wheat being tossed and shaken vigorously in a sieve. The goal in farming is to separate the valuable grain from the useless chaff.
Satan’s Destructive Aim
When Satan desires to 'sift' believers, his intention is purely destructive. He wants to agitate, disturb, and shake them so violently that their faith is completely lost, leaving only worthless 'chaff.' He aims to find any weakness, any doubt, and exploit it to its fullest extent, hoping to cause a total collapse.
Christ’s Purifying Purpose
However, Jesus’ prayer is precisely targeted: 'that your faith may not fail.' This reveals the crucial difference. While Satan’s sifting is meant for destruction, Christ’s intercession ensures that the core of faith – the true grain – remains. The trials might shake us, causing distress and exposing our weaknesses (the chaff), but through Christ’s prayer, the essential faith is preserved and even purified.
The Outcome: Stronger Faith
The sifting process, ordained or permitted by God and countered by Christ's prayer, ultimately serves to refine believers. Like wheat that is thoroughly separated, the disciple emerges stronger, with impurities removed, ready for use. This doesn't mean the process is painless, but it guarantees that the true believer will endure.
Understand the original words
Simōn · Greek Proper Noun
A personal name, meaning 'hearing' or 'hearkening,' used here by Jesus to address the apostle Peter, emphasizing his identity before his fall.
Satanas · Greek Proper Noun
The supreme adversary of God and humanity, acting as the accuser and tempter who seeks to destroy the faith of God's people.
exētēsato · Greek Verb
To demand, claim, or ask for something, often with the implication of asserting a legal or moral right over someone.
siniasai · Greek Verb
A metaphorical process of testing or refining through trial and tribulation, separating the true substance of faith from the chaff of superficiality.
pistis · Greek Noun
Firm trust, reliance, and commitment to God, which is the foundational response of a believer to His revelation and promise.
epistrepsas · Greek Verb
The act of returning to God in repentance or re-establishing one's position of discipleship after a lapse or failure.
stērison · Greek Verb
To provide spiritual support, encouragement, or stability to fellow believers, especially after undergoing personal testing.
Kyrie · Greek Noun
A title of authority and divinity, recognizing Jesus as the Master, King, and Sovereign over the believer's life.
arnēsē · Greek Verb
The act of disowning, disavowing, or refusing to acknowledge one's association with a person, specifically in the context of confessing Christ.
This verse occurs in the immediate lead-up to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, a period of intense spiritual warfare and testing for all the disciples, particularly Peter.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Institutes the Lord's Supper
In the upper room in Jerusalem, Jesus shares a final meal with his disciples, instituting the Eucharist and engaging in profound teachings before his arrest.
c. AD 30
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
Following the Last Supper, Jesus withdraws to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, wrestling with his impending suffering and death.
c. AD 30
Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus to the authorities, leading to his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.
c. AD 30
Peter Denies Jesus
While Jesus is on trial, Peter, facing intense pressure and fear, denies knowing Jesus three times.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified at Golgotha and dies, fulfilling prophecies and atoning for the sins of humanity.
c. AD 30
Resurrection of Jesus
Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus is resurrected from the dead, demonstrating his divine power and the promise of eternal life.
This passage directly parallels the idea of Satan requesting permission to test a faithful servant, similar to how he asked to test Peter and the other disciples.
Zechariah 3:1-2This text also presents a scene in the heavenly court where Satan stands as an accuser against Joshua the high priest, mirroring the accusation against the disciples and Christ's role as intercessor.
1 Peter 5:8Peter himself, later in his epistle, warns believers about the devil prowling like a lion seeking to devour, echoing the danger Jesus forewarned him about.
Matthew 26:31This verse shows Jesus directly quoting Zechariah in relation to the disciples' impending scattering, highlighting the prophetic significance of the 'sifting' and the disciples' failure.
Romans 8:34This passage emphasizes Christ's ongoing intercessory work at God's right hand, which is precisely what Jesus promised Peter he would do to ensure his faith wouldn't fail.
pooleLuke 22:31: "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:"
Ver. 31,32. Our Lord directeth his speech to Peter, as one who (as it will by and by appear) had a greater confidence of himself than the rest expressed, and as one who he foresaw would fall more foully than the rest; though it appears, that in his speech he had a respect to them all, for the word you is in the plural number. The devil had a mind to disturb them all by his tempt…
vincentLuke 22:31: "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:"
Hath desired (ἐξῃτήσατο)Only here in New Testament. It sometimes means to obtain by asking, or to beg off. So Xenophon, "Anabasis," i., 1, 3. The mother of Cyrus, who is charged with an attempt to kill his brother, begged him off (ἐξαιτησαμένη). Rev., in margin, obtained you by asking. The result proved that Satan had obtained him for the time.Sift (σινιάσαι)Only here in N…
Jesus repeats Peter's name to emphasize that this isn't just a casual observation, but a sober warning; the word for "desired" suggests Satan didn't just want to tempt Peter, but actively sought permission to have him. This was a specific request to the Father, like in the story of Job, aiming to agitate and test Peter, not to destroy him, but to see if his faith, like good wheat, would remain after the shaking.
Just moments before His arrest, as the disciples argued about who was the greatest, Jesus directly addresses Peter, repeating his name for emphasis. He reveals that Satan has specifically requested permission to test all of them, like grain being shaken violently in a sieve, with the intent to weed out the faithful. However, Jesus immediately reassures Peter that His own prayer will prevent his faith from failing completely, even though he will stumble.
Just moments before His arrest, as the disciples argued about who was the greatest, Jesus directly addresses Peter, repeating his name for emphasis. He reveals that Satan has specifically requested permission to test all of them, like grain being shaken violently in a sieve, with the intent to weed out the faithful. However, Jesus immediately reassures Peter that His own prayer will prevent his faith from failing completely, even though he will stumble.
"“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 t…" — Jesus repeats Peter's name to emphasize that this isn't just a casual observation, but a sober warning; the word for "desired" suggests Satan didn't just want to tempt Peter, but actively sought perm…
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