Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat.32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
This passage in Luke is specifically regarding the twelve Apostles. We know this because verse thirty-one states, “Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat.” The ‘all’ is a direct reference to the Apostles. In the Greek language, the ‘you’ in verse thirty-one is plural and therefore translated as “all of you.”
The backstory for this passage is that it is taking place immediately before the beginning of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion. The very reason that Jesus came into the world. He was preparing to take the sin of humankind upon Himself to make a way of escape from eternal punishment for all that choose to place their faith in Him.
The incarnation (i.e God taking on a human body and human nature), childhood, and three years of public ministry were all coming to a head yet Jesus still took the time to care for His own. Jesus was mindful of providing for the twelve and specifically, the Apostle Simon [Peter].
God is always in control, never pressed for time, never worried, and always seeking ways to keep His children and seeking to save the lost. It is also noteworthy what the Reformation Study Bible states about this passage. It says, “Notice that Satan has no power to act outside the area God allows him.”
Jesus loves us. He constrains Satan so we can rest in Christ no matter what comes our way. Moreover, we can see from this passage of Scripture that He is never too busy to care for His own.
How to become a follower of Jesus: There is no better example of Jesus taking care of us as that of Salvation. If you aren’t already “His own” you can be by committing in your heart to believe that God did raise Jesus from death and in your heart committing to abandoning all else and asking Jesus to be the Lord of your life. Then tell someone about your decision.
It says in Romans 10:9-10 (ESV), “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
Do this and you will belong to Jesus and be in His care. There are three other things you need to do to be obedient to your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. These are:
- Become a member of a local church. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the place God desires you to join. Tell the pastor or an elder of the church about your recent acceptance of Jesus as the Lord of your life.
- Be baptized. This is an ordinance (i.e. an authoritative order; a decree.) of the Church.
- Take communion (aka Lord’s Supper, Eucharist) because this too is an ordinance of
The Church belongs to Jesus. Local churches are members of the Church when they gather together in the Name of Jesus and are obedient to the commands of Jesus – Jesus said, “If you love me you will keep my commands”. (John 14:15)
What else?
- Study the Bible voraciously.
- Be an active Christian; do the things that Jesus guides you to.
- Tell the story of your salvation to other people.
- Learn how to pray effectively.
- Give money and time to your local church and to people in need. The tithe is 10% of your income but don’t let that limit. Give joyfully.
- Love everyone, even people that are rude or mean to you.
I’ll see you in heaven. It will be great!