Why didn't Jesus just tell Satan no?

Now isn't this interesting.  One of the questions that is often asked is why does God let bad stuff happen to good people?  I think these verses give us a clue.

Luke 22:31-32(NKJV)

31£And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 

32But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

First of all look at the first part where Jesus says Simon, Simon.  Jesus says Satan asked specifically for Simon.  And what does Jesus say He did?  He prayed for Simon.

Now I don't know about you but if I were Simon I would probably be thinking something like "You prayed for me?  Way to go out on a limb to help.  Why didn't you just tell him no?!"  :)

Think about that.  Jesus himself certainly had the authority to tell Satan no if Jesus had chosen to.  And it is not as if Jesus didn't care.  Simon was one of the chosen 12.  He and Jesus were really close.  So why would Jesus let someone that He really cares about and loves be tested by Satan?

As I've written before, I believe it is because there are certain lessons that can only be truly learned through adversity.  We are made stronger by the hard times, not the easy times.  Notice the end of the verse.  Jesus seems to know that going though it will strengthen Simon's faith and help give him the tools to step into the leadership role that awaits him.

I'm sure that if there was any other way to have accomplished the same thing, Jesus would have spared Simon the anguish.  In addition let's tie in my favorite verse from Romans.

Romans 5:2-5(NKJV)

2through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

3And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 

4and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

5Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Notice the system that God has in place.  Tribulation, perseverance, character, and hope.  It starts with our tribulations and builds from there. 

God has a great plan for our lives.  Is it going to be easy?  Nope, but it sure is exciting.  Why not join in on the fun?  It starts by asking Jesus to lead your life.  Have you done that yet?  No?  Then lets get started now.  Just have a conversation with Jesus and ask Him to lead you.  "Dear Jesus…."