Only Three Times

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31-32

"Peter replied, 'Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!' Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: 'Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.' And he went outside and wept bitterly." Luke 22:60-62

Jesus, before getting arrested, told Simon Peter what was to come. Jesus predicted that Peter would deny him three times before the rooster crowed. Before that, however, Jesus said to Peter that he prayed for him. The demand of Satan was to be carried on. 

For the longest time, the words of Jesus was criticism to me. It seemed like Jesus was already chiding Peter for his lack of faith.

But the words of Jesus were never filled with scolding. It was a loving encouragement. Despite the demands of Satan, Peter would only deny him three times. Though it could have been more, though it could have been a falling out, though it could have cost his lifetime of faith, Jesus prayed for Simon Peter so that he could turn back.