Luke 22:61 (ESV)
And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter
remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster
crows today, you will deny me three times.”
Peter was one of Jesus’ closest followers. A natural
leader, Peter was a doer who often spoke up and motivated others when it was
time to get things done. But sometimes Peter spoke when he should have kept
quiet. Brave Peter promised loyalty and then didn’t follow through. Earlier he
said, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death” (Luke 22:33).
But in the priest’s courtyard he denied even knowing Jesus. Still, I think
Peter deserves some credit for coming around and being there that night.
While this account tells of Peter’s denial, it also shows
the Savior’s love. In all that Jesus did here—allowing himself to be arrested
and mocked, healing a soldier’s ear, and even looking Peter in the eye—we can
see the heart of Jesus, who shows us his Father’s heart.
When we get to know Jesus, we learn—often slowly—that his
way of doing things is different from ours. It is not with swords or in trying
to get even with people who have hurt us. Instead, it’s the way of compassion
and forgiveness.
The look and love of Jesus are a marvelous message! It was
not a look of condemnation that melted Peter’s heart. It was the loving look of
a Father caring for his wayward child. It was an inviting look of grace, a look
that brought remorse and repentance. It was the look of the redeeming,
restoring love of God.
He’s looking at us with that same redeeming love today!
Dear Lord, thank You for Your look of love, fill us today
with the love you have shown. Help us to love those You put into our life with
Your love. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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