Let’s look at the set of verses inserting the singular and pleural wording with a
southern vernacular so we can get a better appreciation of what is going on here!
LUKE 22:28-32 (modified) 28 You are those who have continued with me in my trials; 29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 31 Simon, Simon, behold Satan demanded to have
you-all, that he might sift
you-all like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for
you Simon that
your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren.
Now at this point you might say, Well Peter is going to turn away.
He’s going to deny Jesus three times by a charcoal fire.
That’s right! Simon-Peter IS going to turn away!
In a certain sense he is going to be an adversary of Jesus again and Jesus not only knows it, but also points it out to Simon.
But Peter is going to “turn
again” or turn back to Jesus after this fall.
As a matter of fact when Jesus tells Peter that
Peter will “turn again,” Jesus implied that Peter would turn away!
LUKE 22:32 32 but I have prayed for you Simon that your faith may not fail; and
when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren.
When Jesus starts this sentence out, notice He calls Peter by the name of Peter (Rock)? No!
Jesus calls him “
Simon.” Peter is probably thinking at that point “Hey why is Jesus referring to me as “Simon”? Aren’t I “Rock” or Peter?”
LUKE 22:31 31
Simon, Simon, behold Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat,
And Peter knows Jesus’ statement of Jesus implies that Peter would turn away (but then “turn again”).
So Peter impetuously or hastily makes a promise that he can’t keep.
Peter promises he won’t turn away! Let’s look at the promise.
LUKE 22:32-33 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren. 33 And he said to him, Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.
But now Jesus explicitly states what He earlier only implied telling them that Peter will betray Him. Jesus is now calling him “Peter” again too.
LUKE 22:32-34 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren. 33 And he said to him, Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death. 34 He said, I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you three times deny that you know me.
Note:
- “Simon” used by Jesus when referring to Simon Peter’s fall
- “Peter” used by Jesus when referring to Simon Peter in the context of repenting after this fall (or “when you have turned again”)
So we see Jesus, battling Satan’s attacks on the brethren, by . . . . praying for St. Peter!
Even though Jesus knows Peter would betray Him in advance! Even though Jesus refers to him as “Simon” when referring to his fall and “Peter” when referring to Peter’s “turn(ing) again”.
Jesus uses His own 100% pure, efficacious perfect prayer for Peter to fight Satan to not merely protect Peter, but to protect the remaining Apostles.
Recall that ALL the Apostles eventually forsook (forsaken or left) Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, not just Peter!
MATTHEW 26:56 56 But all this has taken place, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then
all the disciples forsook him and fled.
Does the fact that the Apostles were ALL acting as adversaries to Jesus in union with Satan here negate their authority too? No!
ALL the Apostles eventually forsook Jesus, but all eventually came back except Judas. Judas didn’t remain with Peter.
**If Peter weren’t up to the task eventually (with God’s grace) we would see Jesus prayer failing! **
Did Jesus prayer for Peter NOT protect the Apostles? Did Peter NOT “strengthen the brethren?” Did Jesus prayer fail? Was Jesus prophecy wrong? No!
This illustrates the visible tangible aspect of the Church and contrast to the Protestant concept of everyone being their own popes.
If you have a “Catholic pedigree” you are greatly blessed. I think Jesus may be beckoning you back to Him Jeanne1184. Jeanne1184 the world hates this type of stuff and the world will hate you for coming back if you decide and are called to do so. But be of good cheer.
“WHY in the world should I be of ‘good cheer’ if the world hates me as a Catholic?” You will understand WHY in due time.
Consider spending some time in front of Jesus at the local Catholic Adoration Chapel closest to you (
find it here) to study, pray, and figure out what
Jesus wants specifically
for you.