Peter’s Sifting

Luke 22:31-32

INTRODUCTION: Peter’s sifting is an event that needs prayerful consideration on a number of fronts. However, before we delve into the details, consider the three main parts of the enlightenment of the sifting: 1.) It was Satan’s desire, 2.) Jesus prayed for Peter’s faith, and 3.) Jesus had a job for Peter after the sifting.

I. PETER’S STAND

A. His Bold Faith – Walking on Water (Matthew 14:25-29)

1. The fear of the disciples (Matthew 14:25-26)
2. The comfort of Christ (Matthew 14:27)
3. The desire of Peter (Matthew 14:28)
4. The faith of Peter (Matthew 14:29)

B. His Bold Proclamations – Thou Art the Christ

1. His understanding of Christ’s identity (Matthew 16:13-17)
a. Christ’s question of perception (Matthew 16:13; Mark 8:27; Luke 9:18)
b. The opinions presented (Matthew 16:14; Mark 8:28; Luke 9:19)
c. Christ’s question for the disciples (Matthew 16:15; Mark 8:29a; Luke 9:20a)
d. Peter’s powerful answer (Matthew 16:16-17; Mark 8:29b; Luke 9:20b)
2. His understanding of Christ’s superiority (John 6:66-69)
a. Many disciples were offended and departed (John 6:66)
b. Christ’s question of the disciples’ stedfastness (John 6:67)
c. Peter’s powerful and truth-filled answer (John 6:68-69)

C. His Bold Service

1. His presence at the raising of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:37; Luke 8:51)
2. His presence at Christ’s transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36)

II. PETER’S SIN (Matthew 26:69-74)

A. His Lies (Matthew 26:69-70)

B. His Denial of Christ (Matthew 26:71-72)

C. His Vile Behaviour (Matthew 26:73-74)

III. PETER’S SIFTING (Matthew 26:31-74)

A. Pride (Matthew 26:31-33)

1. The quotation of scripture (Matthew 26:31)
2. The promise of reunion (Matthew 26:32)
3. Peter’s exclusion of self (Matthew 26:33)

B. Disagreement (Luke 22:33; John 13:36-37)

1. First scenario (Luke 22:33; John 13:36-37)
a. Peter’s plans (Luke 22:33; John 13:36)
b. Christ’s plans (John 13:36)
c. Peter’s problem (John 13:37)
2. Second scenario (Mark 14:30-31)

C. Disinterest (Matthew 26:36-46)

1. Jesus asked Peter, among others, to watch and pray with Him (Matthew 26:38).
2. Jesus returned to find them asleep (Matthew 26:40-41).
3. Again Christ prayed and again He returned to find sleeping disciples (Matthew 26:43)
4. Again Christ prayed and again He returned to find sleeping disciples (Matthew 26:45)

D. Fleshly Obedience (Matthew 26:50-54)

1. Judas and his helpers laid their hands on Jesus (Matthew 26:50).
2. Peter drew the sword and cut off a man’s ear (Matthew 26:51-54).

E. Outright Rebellion (Matthew 26:69-74)

1. Peter’s unwillingness to be identified with Jesus (Matthew 26:69-70)
2. Peter’s unwillingness to acknowledge Jesus (Matthew 26:71-72)
3. Peter’s unwillingness to behave like a follower of Jesus (Matthew 26:73-74)

IV. PETER’S STRENGTH (Matthew 26:75)

A. His Humility

1. From prideful arrogance
2. To bitter weeping

B. His Agreement with God

1. From doubtful disputings
2. To woeful acceptance

C. His Interest

1. From sleeping and refusing to watch
2. To alert concern

D. His Spiritual Repentance

1. From fighting in the flesh
2. To weeping in his spirit

E. His Selfless Obedience

1. Christ told Peter to strengthen the brethren (Luke 22:32).
2. Peter recovered and joined the brethren (Mark 16:7; Luke 24:12, 34).

CONCLUSION: Was Peter stronger or weaker after the sifting? Consider the meeting on the shore in John 21. Jesus first called Peter to follow Him on the Galilean shore, also known as the shore of the Tiberias (Matthew 4:18). Nearly four years later, Jesus met Peter on this same shore only this time it was about more than “following” Jesus, it was also about loving Jesus.