A warning of a test helps you to prepare so you are not caught off guard. How we respond to the warning is often influenced by our blind spots. We can over or underestimate our abilities for the upcoming test. Jesus had celebrated Passover with His disciples. Afterward, they began to argue about who was the greatest. Although Jesus spent three years with the disciples, they still failed to understand the basics of faith in the Kingdom of God.
The disciples are like us in many ways, with good points and shortcomings. Then Jesus told them something counter-cultural. What makes a person important in the Kingdom of God is not what the world says. Luke 22:26 But among you, it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.[1] As we grow in faith and the Lord transforms us, we look at life differently, realizing that Jesus’ words of wisdom are as valid today.
We are in a Spiritual Battle
After being with Jesus for three years, the disciples observed people delivered from evil spirits. This should have given them insight into the spiritual battle for people’s lives. In addition, the disciples were personally involved in deliverance when Jesus sent them out to minister. The day before the crucifixion, Jesus warned Peter of the upcoming spiritual battle he would face. Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. [2]
His followers were a target of our enemy, satan, because they were disciples of Jesus. Satan hates Jesus and, thus, His followers. Because satan’s powers are limited, he had to ask permission to attack Peter just as he asked for approval before he attacked Job in the Old Testament.
Although the warning from Jesus was plain, Peter shrugged it off. Are we much different? We often don’t always grasp the depth of the battle we are engaged in. Paul tells us that our spiritual battle is not in the physical realm but the spiritual one. Ephesians 6:12For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.[3]
Jesus Intercedes For Us
Jesus interceded for and gave a warning of a test to Peter. Luke 22:32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers. [4]
The more I grow in faith, the more I realize the spiritual battle I am in and how much I need the Lord’s help. Ephesians 6:11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.[5] The Lord may not take us out of the battle but walks through our trials with us. Also, if we fail in our trial, the Lord can use this humbling experience to lead us to repentance. In this test, Peter would fail, but God would use satan’s temptation to humble Peter and lead him to greater faith.
To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/counted-among-rebels
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.