What does Luke 22:33 mean?

Jesus is trying to explain to Peter what will happen so Peter will know how to respond. He calls him "Simon" which means "hearing." He wants Peter to hear and understand. Satan is going to try the faith of the disciples. Their faith will waver. But Peter, in the most dramatic example, will return. Then he will help the others renew their own faith (Luke 22:31–32). "Simon" the "hearer" will not listen. "Peter" the "rock" insists that his faith is immoveable. He claims he will never betray Jesus. He would rather go to prison, or even die.

Of course, the "rock" proves to be as steady as sinking sand. It's tempting to look down on his fearful response to being tied to Christ. But that ignores the circumstances which lead Peter to deny Jesus. He starts strong, if foolishly. When Judas leads the temple guards to the Mount of Olives, Peter tries to defend Jesus by drawing his sword. He manages to slice off the ear of one of the high priest's servants. Jesus tells Peter to put his sword away and heals the servant's ear. Then He allows the group to arrest Him (Luke 22:47–54; John 18:10–11).

Even with this setback, Peter follows. John helps him enter the courtyard of the high priest where Jesus is being interrogated (John 18:15–16). That's when Peter likely realizes where he is. He is not merely in the home of a powerful religious leader who seems to have control over Jesus' fate. He's also in an enclosed area surrounded by the company that recently arrested Jesus. Peter is near to a relative of the man he had attacked (John 18:26).

Peter proves he is willing to join an army and follow Jesus into war. He doesn't expect that Jesus will tell him to stop fighting or that Jesus will meekly submit to arrest and beatings. The "rock" tries to be steadfast but finds himself alone in enemy territory wanting to save someone who doesn't want to be rescued.

Years later, Peter goes to prison (Acts 12:1–17), but he does so with a great amount of courage and faithfulness. At one point, he falls asleep the night of his execution; an angel hits him to wake him up (Acts 12:6–7). And, in a twist to Jesus' prophecy (John 21:18–19), church tradition says Peter was crucified upside-down.