Bible Study

Have a child read Luke 22:31–32, then lead a discussion using the questions below.

³¹ “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. ³² But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to Me again, strengthen your brothers.”

Verse 31

• Jesus told Peter that Satan asked permission to sift YOU like wheat. “You” in the original Greek language is plural; some English translations of this verse say “each of you” or “all of you.” So who do you think Jesus meant by “YOU”? All the disciples. 
• What do you think it means to “sift as wheat”? Sifting is a vigorous action that shakes the wheat stock to separate the chaff, which is worthless, from the wheat grain, which is valuable and good. So in this case, Satan wanted to separate the disciples from their faith in Jesus. Satan would try to do this by testing them through trials and temptation. Satan wanted them to leave their faith in Jesus and fall away forever.
• What do you think is significant about Satan’s request in Verse 31? God is in control and more powerful than Satan. Satan cannot do anything without God’s knowledge and permission. God is completely aware of the test we are going through.
• How do you think this verse applies to us today? Satan still wants to separate us from our faith in Jesus. He tests us through temptations and trials.
• How do you think we can prepare ourselves against what Satan tries to do today? Be on guard; listen to the Holy Spirit’s warnings; read the Bible; pray; ask God for His help; strengthen your faith, knowing Jesus prays for us, too.

Verse 32

• How did Jesus help Peter, even before the test? Warned him to be on the lookout; prayed for him that his faith wouldn’t fail. 
• Why do you think God would allow us to be tested or tried at all? So we can grow stronger in our faith and rely on God; so we can help others who go through the same thing.
• In verse 32, it is interesting to note that the word “you” this time is singular—Jesus prayed specifically for Peter to be strengthened. How could he strengthen the other disciples? Peter would come through the test and then be able to help and encourage the others! That is one of the main reasons God allows our faith to be tested.
• What is the significance of Jesus saying, “When you have repented and turned to Me again”? He knows that Peter will pass the test and turn back to Him to receive His forgiveness and strength. Even though Peter denied Him, Jesus will forgive and restore him so he can help others. God prepared the way back for Peter. Jesus came to Peter to restore and forgive him, then send him out to care for the lambs and sheep—representing other followers of Jesus.

Satan’s desire is to harm us through sifting, and to separate us from God. But sifting has a very good purpose! All wheat must be sifted to remove the chaff, the useless part. You then must grind the wheat to make flour, which you can use to make bread to feed hungry people. The sifting process refines and forms useful, stronger disciples whom God uses to feed and care for His people. Jesus told Peter to feed and care for His sheep and lambs! Peter could not do that properly until he was sifted and his pride and reliance on his natural strength and ability was removed. Peter was refined, restored and filled with the Holy Spirit. After this experience, Peter’s faith was so strong that sick people were healed as his shadow touched them! That is truly miraculous. God is in control and allows us to be sifted to refine and to strengthen us for His use!