Luke gives us an insight into Peter’s denial that John does not address. Just before Jesus told Peter that he would deny the Lord, he said to him, “…indeed, Satan has asked for you that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, hat your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to me, strengthen your brethren” (Luke 22:31-32).
In other words Jesus not only knew Peter would deny him, but that he would also return to his faith. Yet again we see that God uses our failures to sift us. Sifting is a process of getting rid of the empty husks of wheat. When we fail the things that are empty in our life become obvious. We then cry out to God to remove them and he takes us another step toward being like him.
Notice also that Jesus said he was praying for Peter. God answers every request that Jesus makes to his Father. Did you know that scripture says Jesus is praying for you? (Romans 8:34).
