These verses are part of a conversation that Jesus had with Simon Peter before the Last Supper. Jesus is warning Peter that Satan has demanded to have him, with the intention of sifting him like wheat. In other words, Satan wants to test Peter's faith and cause him to fall away from God.
However, Jesus is telling Peter that He has prayed for him, so that his faith may not fail. The Greek word used here for "fail" could also be translated as "give out." In other words, Jesus is saying that He has prayed that Peter's faith will not give out or be destroyed, even when Satan tries to test it.
After Peter has faced the test and overcome it, Jesus is telling him to turn back to God and strengthen his brothers. This is a reminder that even when we fail, we can turn back to God and be restored to a right relationship with Him.
It's also worth noting that the context of this passage is the night before Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. Jesus was preparing His disciples for what was to come and He knew that they would be facing many challenges and difficulties in the days ahead. This warning to Peter was not just for him, but for all of the disciples.
In this passage, Jesus is not only warning Peter about the test that he will face, but also encouraging him to remain strong in his faith. The fact that Jesus prayed for Peter shows the deep love and concern that He has for each of His disciples, and for all of us.
Furthermore, the fact that Jesus instructs Peter to strengthen his brothers after he has turned back to God is significant. This is a reminder that we are not meant to go through life's challenges and difficulties alone, but rather we are to help and encourage one another. When we have overcome our own tests, we should use our experiences to help others who are facing similar challenges.
This is a reminder that Satan will try to test our faith, but Jesus has prayed for us so that our faith will not fail. We can turn back to God and be restored, and then use our experiences to help and encourage others. Through these difficulties, we can grow in our faith and draw closer to God.
Luke 22:31-32. The Lord said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat, but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers.”