If you are new here, welcome! I’m currently reading through the gospels before Resurrection or Easter Sunday (whichever one you call it). Recently I read about when Peter denied Jesus three times.
Before I dive into this story, here’s a fun fact, Luke is my favorite gospel writer about the life of Jesus because he’s so detailed.
Okay, let’s jump in. I’ve read or heard of this story of Peter denying Jesus three times before the rooster crows, but I never saw this detail:
The scripture says:
“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. “And he went out and wept bitterly.” Luke 22:61-62 ESV
Please read Luke 22:54-62 for a full context. To give a quick summary, Jesus was with some of his disciples up until he was betrayed by Judas and taken away by Roman soldiers. Jesus even foretold Peter of his betrayal earlier that day.
The scripture says:
““Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”” Luke 22:31-34 ESV
In verse Luke 22:61, it says the Lord turned and looked at Peter. While God wasn’t actually physically there in human form, we can glean from wherever Peter was standing, Jesus looked at Him after he denied Him three times. And if you see Jesus, you see the Lord – you can’t encounter Jesus without encountering his Father, the Lord.
Can you imagine the weight of what Peter felt in that moment when the Lord turned to look at him? Peter grieved and wept. But to have a loving Jesus look at you with love and compassion, I would be just like Peter weeping. It was encouraging to know when Peter was at his lowest after three denials, the Lord saw him.
On my worst day, the Lord sees me – not with judgment with love and compassion.
If the Lord turned to look at you, what is your response?