When farmers sift grain they separate the grain from the chaff. The grain is precious, but it needs to be separated from the chaff before it can be used.
The last passover night after Judas had gone out into the darkness, Jesus said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”
Peter did not think he needed to be sifted, so he answered, “Lord, I am ready to go with Thee, both into prison, and into death.”
Jesus said, “I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest Me.”
But Peter could not believe this, and he spoke more emphatically still: “If I should die with Thee, I will not deny Thee in any wise.” The other disciples said the same.
And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane, and He saith to His disciples, “Sit ye here, while I shall pray.” And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; and said unto them, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here and watch.” And He went forward a little, and fell on the ground and prayed.
When He came back, He found them sleeping and said to Peter, “Simon, sleepest thou? Couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.”
But though temptation was so near at hand, they slept again while Jesus prayed. They slept from grief, but they missed the unspeakable privilege of watching with their Lord in the hour of His soul’s deep agony.
Then Judas came and with him a great crowd with swords and sticks to take Jesus.
When Peter saw Jesus in the hands of His enemies, he forgot the Lord’s words: “I say unto you, that ye resist not evil.” And he drew a sword and smote one of those standing by, a servant of the high priest’s, whose name was Malchus, and cut off his right ear.
Then Jesus said to Peter, “Put up thy sword into the sheath; the cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?” And He touched the man’s ear and healed him.
When Peter and the other disciples saw Jesus taken and bound, they all forsook Him and fled. But as He was led away to the high priest, Peter followed afar off. Then they took Jesus into the high priest’s palace. John went in, too, but Peter remained at the door outside until John went and brought him in.
The servants and officers had made a fire, for it was cold, and poor Peter stood with the enemies of His blessed Master around the fire and warmed himself. Three times he was asked if he was one of Jesus’ disciples, and three times Peter denied Him. The last time, while he was yet speaking, the cock crew.
And the Lord turned and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said unto him, “Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice.”
And Peter went out and wept bitterly.
ML-11/07/1976