In the midst of one of Christianity’s greatest events, the Lord’s final Passover with his disciple’s, we find not only a beautiful pattern for celebrating our Savior’s sacrificial death, but also the harsh reality of human relationships. We often forget that the tragic existence of a traitor was revealed, the disciple’s fought over who would be the greatest, and Jesus foreshadowed Peter’s trifold denial.  This is certainly not the nice and neat package that we celebrate in our padded pews.

Jesus explains to Peter, the soon to be leader of the universal church of Jesus Christ, that he was going to be sifted by satan.  The word “sifted” implies a real beating, the necessary process of getting rid of all that would hinder wheat from becoming wonderful and nutritious bread.  God,  “What is there in my heart that must be beaten away in order to be useful in your plan for the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.”

Something dangerous has crept into our developed-world understanding of following Jesus.  We have somehow bought into the “health and wealth” subtleties of comfort and entitlement.  No problems or discomfort need to creep into our daily lives. Everything is going to work out just fine.  As a result, we are incredulous when difficulties come and Santa Claus God doesn’t give us everything that we have placed on our Amazon wish-lists.