A LOOK OF LOVE

A LOOK OF LOVE by Jerry Hoytema

"The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter…And he went outside and wept bitterly." Luke 22:61-62

In today’s reading, Jesus warned Peter that before the rooster would crow he would deny Jesus three times. As unimaginable as this was to Peter, we know that he did exactly what Jesus warned. First one denial, then another, and finally a third.

Isn’t this often the case with people? One sin leads to another, and then another, until the situation snowballs out of control.

Can you imagine the moment when Jesus turns and looks at Peter? It’s after the third denial. Perhaps Jesus is being led from the house of the high priest Annas to the house of the high priest Caiaphas, and he walks past Peter. A rooster crows in the distance, and Jesus locks eyes with him. Remembering the Lord’s warning, Peter stumbles out of the courtyard with bitter tears filling his eyes.

Often times, in tears we find a glimmer of hope. I see a mother who looks into the eyes of a child who has done wrong. The child turns away, but the mother says, “Look at me!” The child sees the hurt and the love in the mother’s eyes and begins to cry. It’s the look of love that breaks the heart of that child. And it was the look of Jesus’ love that broke Peter’s heart.

But Jesus’ love did not leave Peter broken and wallowing in shame. Through the cross, Jesus’ love brought Peter unimaginable forgiveness, healing and hope.

Have you ever wept bitterly when you faced the bitter consequences of your sin? Maybe these words today are like the crowing of a rooster reminding you that Jesus has his eyes fixed on you, and he loves you deeply.

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, I know that I often fail. I am so grateful for your redeeming love which covers all my sins. Forgive me today, and bless me. Amen.