Sifted ∙∙

Sifted ∙∙

[Be alert and on guard] so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes. – 2 Corinthians 2:11

Luke 22:31-32

 31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat;

 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

From Wheat to Bread

Turning wheat into bread is a fascinating process that plays a vital role in feeding millions around the world. First, the wheat seeds are planted. When the wheat ripens, it is harvested. It is then sifted, also called threshing. This process removes the inedible chaff from the edible grain. This step is often called “separating the wheat from the chaff.” It involves passing the material through a sieve or mesh to filter out unwanted larger particles.

After the wheat has been sifted, all remaining chaff must be removed entirely. This is done through a process called winnowing, which leaves only the valuable grain behind. It involves tossing the mixture into the air so that the wind blows away the lighter particles, leaving the heavier ones behind.

The grain is then ground into flour, the main ingredient needed for making bread. Next, the dough is kneaded, which provides it with structure and elasticity. After kneading, the dough is allowed to rest and rise.

The risen dough is shaped into loaves and undergoes a second rise, known as proofing. This step further enhances its texture and flavor.

Finally, the proofed dough is baked in an oven at high temperatures. The heat causes the dough to rise further, solidify, and develop a crust.

The Metaphor of Sifting: A Test of Faith

Sifting is more than just a physical act; it also has a strong metaphorical meaning. It symbolizes a careful examination or test that distinguishes valuable things from those that are not.

The Greek word translated as “sift” is siniazo. Siniazo literally means to “sift and shake in a sieve.” It came to mean to “agitate and press someone to the verge of collapse.”

Sifting is the physical process of “shaking something violently.” Wheat is sifted to separate the valuable kernels from the chaff (which is useless). Figuratively, it refers to “inward agitation, putting to the test, trying faith to the point of failure, and beyond.” Our English idiom of “picking someone to pieces” or “taking someone apart” has a similar emotive force (Bock). This reflects the emotional and spiritual force of being sifted.

Peter’s Collapse Under Pressure

When Peter was sifted, he broke down under the emotional overload. He denied Jesus three times, succumbing to fear and pressure. But his story doesn’t end in failure. His crushing humiliation became the foundation for his transformation into a shepherd and apostle.

Peter’s experience reflects the journey of every child of the King. We often start with the best intentions but fall short. Failure can leave us overwhelmed with guilt and shame. Yet, like Peter, failure can also mark the beginning of restoration and a deeper service to God.

The Enemy’s Demand to Sift

The Lord Jesus addresses Simon Peter by name. There is something significant hidden in English that is readily seen in Greek. In English, the term “you” can refer to one person (singular) or many individuals (plural). In Greek, however, there are two different forms for “you.” One is singular, while the other is plural.

In Greek, the word “you” in Luke 22:31 is plural, indicating that the Lord Jesus Christ was addressing all of the apostles as he spoke to Peter, the leader.

In Luke 22:31, Jesus said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you [all] like wheat.

However, in Luke 22:32, the “you” is singular, signifying that the Lord Jesus Christ was focused particularly on Peter. Jesus was well aware of his upcoming failure and restoration.

Jesus promised in Luke 22:32, “But I have prayed for you [singular], that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you [singular] have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

The singular “you” in Greek shows that Jesus was speaking directly to Peter, knowing both his upcoming failure and eventual restoration. The plural is not apparent in English, only in Greek. Thus, it is easily overlooked by the casual English reader.

A Warning for All Children of the King

By application, Jesus’ warning applies to all His followers. Satan aims to shake us fiercely, just as wheat is sifted, to cause us to fail.

1 Peter 5:8 reminds us: “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

Stanley notes, “When Peter denied Jesus three times, Satan was invisibly working behind the scenes to encourage his spiritual failure.” This is a reminder to stay vigilant and aware of the enemy’s strategies.

REFLECT & PRAY

When difficult things happen, as self-centered as we are, it’s easy to think it’s all about us. But in fact, it’s not. Often, there’s usually a bigger picture. Trials and failures are not the end; they offer chances for growth, understanding, and serving the Father better. Instead of asking, “Why?” we should ask, “What would You have me learn from this experience?”

Father, I have blown it so many times and felt unworthy and dirty. But each time, I experience Your forgiveness and cleansing. Strengthen me to keep going and help me see that every failure can be an opportunity for deeper understanding and greater service to You.

INSIGHT

Perfection Remains Out of Reach

In this life, perfection is impossible to achieve. However, the Father is always working, drawing us closer to Him and transforming us into the image of Jesus Christ. Our love for Him is a response to His love for us, as beautifully stated in 1 John 4:19, “We love Him because He first loved us.”

Even when we love God deeply, we can still stumble and fail. However, failure doesn’t mean we will be abandoned or rejected. It is part of our growth. No matter how far we fall, God’s grace is enough to bring us back to service.

A Passionate Love Despite Imperfection

H.G. Wells once said, “A man may be a bad musician, and yet be passionately in love with music.”

Similarly, no matter how severe Peter’s failure was, he remained passionately committed to the Lord Jesus Christ. His mistakes didn’t diminish his love for the Lord, and ours doesn’t either.

Temporary Setbacks Are Not Permanent Disqualifications

Failure is not the end of the story. God’s grace ensures that even when we stumble, He holds us steady. As Psalms 37:24 reminds us, “Even if he trips, he will not fall headlong, for the LORD holds his hand.”

But there’s more.

Jesus’ Encouragement of Peter

Jesus shared a beautiful thought with Peter after predicting his denial: “When you have turned, strengthen your brothers.”

This statement indicates that the Lord Jesus Christ knew Peter would be restored. It seems as if He is saying, “You will deny me, and you will weep bitter tears, but through this experience, you will be better prepared to help others who are struggling.”

The Furnace of Affliction: A Path to Empathy

Could it be that we cannot truly help others until we have walked through similar trials?

Indeed, experiencing failure, shame, or suffering is not without purpose. These moments of brokenness help us develop greater empathy and understanding for others. As Barclay wisely notes, “To experience the shame of failure and disloyalty is not all loss, because it gives us a sympathy and an understanding that otherwise we would never have won.”

Barclay astutely adds, “We cannot really help others until we have been in the same furnace of affliction or the same abyss of shame as they have been. It was said of Jesus, ‘He can help others who are going through it because he has been through it himself’ (Hebrews 2:18).”

During Sifting, Jesus is Praying

Reflect for a moment, during this ordeal, Peter was not going through it alone. The Lord Jesus Christ had his back and was interceding for him. In Luke 22:32, Jesus said, “But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

This assurance reminds us that all challenges are temporary and limited in scope. As each child of the King faces these difficulties, we are being prayed for. The Father uses these moments to refine us to fulfill His perfect purpose in our lives.

Extracting the Precious from the Worthless

As we are sifted, we are also called to learn “The skill of sifting.” We develop the ability to discern what is valuable and distinguish it from what is not. Through this process, we become more qualified to speak for the Father.

Jeremiah 15:19 captures this beautifully, “If you extract the precious from the worthless, you will become My spokesman.”

Sifting isn’t just about enduring trials; it’s about developing the wisdom and skill to recognize God’s truth and share it with others.

God’s Dream for Our Lives

The Father is always working, even amidst our failures and struggles, preparing us to fulfill His dream for our lives. Every trial, setback, and test is intricately woven into His divine plan, designed to refine us and bring us closer to Him.

Remember, failure is not the end; it’s just a stepping stone for growth, not a permanent disqualification. Each challenge we face gives us more understanding and compassion, helping us to better serve others. Though Satan may attempt to shake our faith, we have the assurance that Jesus intercedes for us, just as He did for Peter, reminding us that we are never alone in our journey.

The process of spiritual sifting is difficult. When we are sifted, it is not to destroy us but to refine us, separating what is valuable from what is not, and preparing us for greater service in the Father’s kingdom.

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© Dr. H 2025