Jesus’ look

Read > Luke 22:54-65

At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter (v. 61).

The apostle John revealed that it was Peter who tried to protect Jesus by slashing off the ear of the high priest’s slave (John 18:10). But Jesus healed the man and then allowed Himself to be led away as a captive.

Peter then watched the proceedings at the high priest’s house, still hoping to save his Master. Little did he expect that he would end up needing to be bailed out! But Jesus knew that would happen. When He told Peter that he would deny Him three times, He also said, “But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail” (Luke 22:32). Vine’s Dictionary of New Testament Words describes the word looked, used in Luke 22:61, as a “close, penetrating look.” Despite being on trial for His life, Jesus still had Peter in His thoughts.

That “look” melted Peter’s heart. He had failed miserably while trying to use his own strength to achieve his objectives. Jesus went to the cross to die for people such as Peter – people like you and me. After His resurrection, He renewed His invitation to have this helplessly human disciple follow Him (John 21:19).

Then, on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1), a different Peter emerged. Boldly he proclaimed the gospel as the spokesman for the disciples (vv. 14-36). He even blazed the trail to bring the gospel to Cornelius, a leader of the hated ruling Romans (Acts 10).

You don’t need to commit murder to deny Jesus. It’s the little things that you fail to say or do that brings about that result. But with that same close, penetrating look that He gave Peter, Jesus is ready to restore you to fellowship. He told Peter, “So when you have repented and turned to Me again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32). Turn to Jesus for forgiveness, and you’ll also be able to encourage others who have fallen. – C. P. Hia

More >

·         Matthew 5:4

·         1 Corinthians 10:12

·         1 Peter 3:18

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When do you find it hard to stand up for Jesus? How does His willingness to give Peter a second chance inspire you to persist with people who fail you?