"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31,32
Footnote: Satan wanted to crush Simon Peter and the other disciples like grains of wheat. He hoped to find only chaff and blow it away. But Jesus assured Peter that his faith, although it would falter, would not be destroyed. It would be renewed and Peter would become a powerful leader.
"And he went outside and wept bitterly." Luke 22:62
Footnote: Peter wept bitterly, not only because he realized that he had denied his Lord the Messiah, but also because he had turned away from a very dear friend, a person who had loved and taught him for three years. Peter had said that he would never disown Christ, despite Jesus' prediction. But when frightened, he went against all he had boldly promised. Unable to stand up for his Lord for even 12 hours, he had failed as a disciple and as a friend. We need to be aware of our own breaking points and not become overconfident or self-sufficient. If we fail him, we must remember that Christ can see those who recognize their failure. From this humiliating experience Peter learned much that would help him later when he assumed leadership of the young church.
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All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV
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