People like to talk especially about other people. The Bible warns us about spreading false statements about others. We call that slander. It also warns us against making false allegations about others even including this commandment in the top 10, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). In addition, the Scriptures warns us against gossip. Websters defines a gossip as “a person who reveals personal or sensational facts about another.” The operative word is facts. Gossip involves communicating true situations or facts while slander involves communicating false information. They normally go hand in hand in private discourse.
Interestingly, Satan loves to talk about people as well. You could say that he is the ultimate gossip and slanderer. In fact, the Greek word for devil (diabolos) can mean a false accuser. Satan had some interesting conversations about Job with God in Job 1 and 2. It seems that he also had some interesting conversations about Peter with Jesus concerning Peter’s fidelity to Christ.
Jesus had just discussed leadership within His Kingdom when He makes an interesting statement to Peter. He said, “Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But, I have prayed for you that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to me, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32). Look whose talking! Satan wants to examine you Peter to see what your made of. Christ is going to allow Satan to inspect Peter. Satan is interested in the ones who are close to Christ. He wants to make them fall so as to ruin their witness. Peter was close to Christ, so Satan went after him. One other thing, we don’t know if Satan had a desire to sift the others as well. Jesus only let us in on the desire to go after Peter.
What I find amazing is that Christ anticipated the failures of Peter and didn’t reject him. He said, “But, I have prayed for you and you will return to me!” How wonderful to know that Peter wasn’t disqualified because of his lack of faith and courage. I’m convinced that we all have a little of Peter in us. This gives me tremendous hope and encouragement. I know that Christ is praying for me and you (Hebrews 7:25). From time to time, we will fail, but when we return to Christ in repentance, we can strengthen our brothers and sisters in Christ.
How does that old saying go? “Talk is cheap!” Ignore the serpent whose talking saying, “Did God really say?” (Genesis 3:1) Let’s forget those things behind and press on to the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus! Your thoughts?
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I ran across a couple of things as you mentioned this text during Wednesday’s sermon. The ESV renders verse 31 as “Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat”. According to the footnote both Greek words for you are plural which would suggest it was the whole lot of them who were being targeted. The word “demanded” also stood out. Its reminiscent of the dialog between God and Satan regarding Job.
I continually am encouraged by the life of Peter. He comes across so ordinary and even a bit of a hot-headed wise guy. He denies Christ and yet Christ is wholly committed to restoring Peter and using him for the propagation of the Gospel.
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