READING: 1 Kings 16-18, Luke 22:47-71
“The Lord turned and looked at Peter.”
Luke 22:61
It’s one of the more gripping texts I’ve read in the Bible. In fact, it causes me to stop and repent every time I read it.
Simon Peter had said it would never happen. The others might flee when Jesus was arrested, but not Simon. He was convinced of his faithfulness. Yet, within hours of his bold proclamation that he would die for Jesus, he denied even knowing Him. Not just once, either. Three times he argued something like, “I do not know Him” and “I do not know what you are talking about” (Luke 22:57, 60). Three times he had opportunities to stand up for Jesus, and he failed every time.
Jesus had told him this would happen, too: “Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me” (Luke 22: 34). The Son of God knew what was coming. He understood that spiritual calamity was just around the corner for Simon Peter—so He warned him. The fisherman, however, did not listen to his Lord. Under the pressure of Jesus’ arrest, and knowing that his own life could have been in jeopardy, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times.
And then the rooster crowed.
In a picture that almost arrests one’s heart, Luke alone records these next words: “The Lord turned and looked at Peter” (Luke 22:61). Can you imagine being in Peter’s sandals? So much had changed in hours. Now, he had done what he said he would never do. The Lord was on His way to a cross to die for people like Peter, but still He kept His eyes on His denying disciple.
Their eyes connected, and all Peter could do was weep bitterly. That’s what happens when Jesus looks us in the eye in our sin.
I am reminded today that I’m not hiding anything from Jesus. He knows exactly where I am. He is aware of everything I do. He sees me at all times. The thought that our eyes might connect as I choose to sin is enough to give me great pause under temptation. I want Him to be pleased when He looks at me.
ACTION STEPS:
- Meditate on Luke 22:61 today. Let it sink in that Jesus knows exactly where you are and what you’re doing.
- Turn from temptation today, instead desiring for Jesus to be pleased with you.
PRAYER: “Lord, convict me over my sin. Let me see You looking at me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Kings 19-20, Luke 23:1-25