Jesus prays for you
2022-06-26Luke 22:32 NKJV
Jesus said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren’ (v.31-32 NKJV). We all go through times of failure because of our own weaknesses or particular temptations. We might end up doing things we always said we’d never do, and never thought we’d be capable of. But temptation and fear are powerful things, and both can lead us along a path we never intended to take.
But we’re not alone. Even the people who were closest to Jesus made mistakes. Peter swore that he would never deny Jesus, but he did. And not just once but three times. There’s no doubt that Peter loved Jesus, but because his weakness took over, he turned his back on Him. It was a massive load of guilt to carry, and he ‘went out and wept bitterly’ (v.62 NKJV). But Jesus knew in advance it would happen and told Peter that He would be praying for him.
Here’s an amazing thought: when you sin, Jesus prays for you! ‘Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them’ (Hebrews 7:25 NKJV). Picture this: you’re struggling with a sinful habit, but at the same time, Jesus presents His cleansing blood to the Father and begs Him for help and mercy on your behalf. And because we know Jesus’ prayers are totally in line with His Father’s will, His prayer for you will succeed. And however long it takes, He’ll work with you until you’re restored.