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We have been ‘lingering’ around these verses 31 to 33 in Luke Chapter 22, where Jesus Christ tells Peter that he is going to be sifted. Why have I ‘lingered’? We all go through the most awful experiences at times, but Jesus prays that our faith may not fail, and Jesus sees and soothes.

Peter's self-confidence is dealt with drastically. Peter's physical failings and failures are known publicly, as well as the powerful ministry he later was to exercise following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the Temple. We read of that in Acts Chapter 2.

And Jesus speaks about something of what Peter is going to go through - verse 35. Three times you will deny me, before the cock crows. We have been on that site, and in that dungeon, in Jerusalem, where Jesus was taken after being arrested.

The Temple Mount is over to the left. Silwan or Siloam, is to the right. The Mount of Olives is straight in front, and you will not be there for ten minutes during the day without hearing a cock crow. I have told our people with me on the various Tours and Pilgrimages that I have led, that twelve days in Israel can have the value of a whole term at Bible College, and when considering the incidents connected with the arrest and trial and crucifixion of Jesus, this is so true. These are real places and many of them have not changed all that much over the past two thousand years. I remember going into the Courtyard twenty years ago when it was just being excavated and when you look towards the dungeon window where Jesus was held that night, Jesus and Peter could eyeball each other as around that charcoal fire Peter denied knowing Jesus.

But onto verse 35. Some things have to change depending upon the circumstances. Jesus speaks to His men. "Did you lack anything when I sent you out? Nothing." The disciples were NOT going to be popular with all the people all the time. Many would be against them. Jesus is about to die as a criminal. They were about to face a hostile world, and Jesus changes the tactics, because the circumstances are about to change.

It is the opposite of Luke Chapter 10.

Jesus speaks about how He is going to fulfil certain prophecies.

Verse 38. The disciples get it so wrong again. Here are two swords. We are raring to go. We are prepared for a fight.

All this takes place between the Table and the Garden, between the bread and wine and prayer. Jesus doesn't mind that they get it all wrong. He can sort it out. In this case it took about two months to sort out, and in that two months, they were forgiven and converted, born again, and anointed with the Holy Spirit, now ready for ministry at last.

Jesus makes His way to that place, to which He resorted when He wanted to pray.

Being the Feast of the Passover there would be a full moon, and a full moon in Jerusalem gives you sufficient light to see where you are going. Those who had come to Jerusalem would be indoors for the Feast. The way down from the Upper Room to the Garden would be bright, but quiet.

Jesus tells His disciples to pray, so that they would not fall into temptation. Jesus knew that the enemy was around.

Judas had gone to get the gang. Jesus wants the disciples to keep open the lines of communication with the Father, and Jesus enters this time of prayer, which is so intense.

The disciples are at the edge of the wood. Even Peter James and John were asked to stay a little distance away. Jesus wished space and privacy to agonise in prayer.

This burden was now too heavy to be shared even with those who knew Him best, as He sought a moment's solitude with His Father.

The agony which followed, no-one can comprehend. None of us can ever understand it, and it would be irreverent to probe for an explanation.

"If there is any other way, Father - yet not My Will but Yours be done."

An angel appears. "Go to My Son in His hour of need. Strengthen Him."

It was not the fear of death that made Jesus shrink. Many have faced their final hour unflinching with a song on their lips, and Jesus was braver than them all.

Jesus was to deal with sin, the devil and the powers of hell. The battle is on.

There have been various conflicts over this past week, but now the battle is on.

And, the disciples fall asleep.

Pray. Pray. Keep the lines of communication open. Wherever you are reading this week’s study, pray. Give yourself to prayer. I do not know what will be happening when this week’s piece is published, but I know there will be a battle going on somewhere, so wherever you are, pray.

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

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