Final Preparation

And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’ But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

“You are those who have stood by Me in My trials; and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” But he said to Him, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!” And He said, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.”

And He said to them, “When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?” They said, “No, nothing.” And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one. For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, ‘AND HE WAS NUMBERED WITH TRANSGRESSORS’; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.” They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough.” Luke 22:25-38

Another lecture on humility. In God's Kingdom, servitude is the rewardable virtue. Really, this chiding from Jesus seems more like a gentle reminder of Whose they were. He, their Lord, modelled the life of service. This squabbling was beneath them, and completely unnecessary. He told them that they were those "who have stood by me in my trials," and could expect to dine with Him and reign with Him in His coming Kingdom. Stay focused, guys. We're almost there, and it is about to get rough.

Then these frightening words to Peter (v. 31): "Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat" ! Satan demands? From the Father? From the Son? And apparently, he was given this permission. Remember Job? Satan also had permission to put him through the wringer. It is a test of faith. Actually, it is a demonstration to Satan and to the believer that his faith can withstand the evil pressures designed to make him denounce God. God had confidence in Job's faithfulness under extreme pressure. It is also a demonstration of the total forgiveness of the Savior for His weakling believers who do sometimes succumb to fear. Jesus had confidence that Peter's faith would survive the coming ordeal and that he would become a source of strength to his brethren. This is a momentary glimpse into the innerworkings of the angelic conflict. Satan is an archangel. The most evil one, to be sure, but still an angel in communication with the Godhead. There is much more to our lives than what we can see, hear or touch. There are forces watching, scheming and manipulating our circumstances to confuse us and embarrass us and to belittle our relationship with our Lord. Peter is about to undergo a gruelling test, and he will fail that test. But Jesus knows the end from the beginning, and He knows Peter will come through it chastened, humiliated, but stronger than ever. Jesus' statement about having prayed for Peter illustrates the doctrine in Hebrews 7:24-25. He is our high priest Who makes intercession for us.

Over Peter's declaration of absolute loyalty, Jesus simply told him "you will deny three times that you know me." And this would happen within the next few hours.

On their earlier mission, He had sent them out with no supplies, weapons or equipment. This time, He says, equip and arm yourselves and take some money. Jesus was about to be arrested and prosecuted as a criminal, and executed. He knew His men would be frightened and scattered, and thoroughly confused by the events about to take place. At least they could fend for themselves until the smoke cleared. How He must have grieved for them as the time drew near.