The Sufficiency of Jesus
I’ve often ruminated upon, and even identified with, the Biblical character of Simon Peter. Perhaps it is that he, by his own brazenness and yet tenderness of heart, reflects his absolute dependence upon Christ’s sufficiency. This is all that Simon Peter apparently needs to survive the onslaught of spiritual hatred that befalls him post the “passion” of Jesus.
Simon Peter is “bullish,” to say the least, in defense of his beloved Messiah; yet misguided and naïve in his acting out of the true principles of God’s Kingdom, as presented through the life and teachings of Christ on earth.
At the time of The Last Supper, we engage the continuing story of Simon Peter whose name Jesus later changes to “Peter,” meaning “Petra” or “rock” (Luke 22:7). Peter’s incessant and militaristic defense of his Master is once again evident while promising retribution against anyone who would challenge the veracity of the faith.
We’re all no doubt familiar with Jesus’ admonishment toward Peter in the form of an eerie prediction of denials in sync with a “crowing rooster.” But hidden in the following Luke passage (22:31-34) is a revelation of faith that I suspect has often gone relatively unnoticed, particularly in modern-day Biblical exposition.
“...the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, 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 brethren.’ But he said to Him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.’ Then He said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me’(NKJV)”
It’s interesting to note that Satan must ask Jesus for permission to “sift” Peter in much the same way that I suspect Job was allowed to be tested in the Old Testament book bearing his name. This is clearly a means by which Satan acknowledges the supremacy of Christ, while Jesus reminds Peter of the unimaginable dimensions of the playing fields on which this beloved disciple draws upon and expresses his own faith.
So is it possible through the above Scriptural account that Jesus, in fact, exercises His own authority and “faith” in this example of heavenly power? And would not His prayer for Peter to receive faith sufficient to overpower Satan also prove to be latent and accessible to the disciple when later required, following a period of withdrawal in the faith by his Christian “brothers”?
Jesus’ power and promises in these regards thereby become timeless sufficiencies that augment with humankind’s God-honoring faith in and through His provision of salvation on our behalf for all of eternity.
- Doug
