Luke Chapter 22: Verses 60-62 (NIV-UK)
Peter replied, ‘Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!’ Just as he was speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: ‘Before the cock crows today, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.
John Chapter 17: Verses 20-23 (NIV-UK)
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
I’ve read these verses so many times. But today I wondered about the look that passed from Jesus to Peter. We don’t always need to speak a word for people to know what we are feeling, or to communicate. Some people joke about being unable to hide their feelings because their face betrays how they are really feeling. When I was younger, I know I could be guilty of giving an obvious look of displeasure. My sister-in-law jokes that my niece is good at that too! And when someone is upset it is often easy to tell without them having to say a word. But what about that look?
Peter had just done the very thing he had sworn never to do. He had betrayed his friend, as Jesus had told him that he would. So, was it a look of disappointment? No, I don’t think so. Jesus knew this was going to happen so it didn’t take Him by surprise, and I don’t think it was a look of anger for the same reason. Surely then a look that said, “I told You so!” Many people would think that would be perfectly justified, I’m sure. But that was not in Jesus’ nature. I think it was a look of reassurance to Peter to make him recall the rest of that conversation recorded earlier in the chapter; “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke Chapter 22: Verse 32) I think Jesus was saying, it will be all right, Peter. Remember I have prayed for you. Remember to pick yourself up and strengthen the others. I think that’s why Peter wept. He didn’t see recrimination; he saw compassion, and that’s what broke his heart. How often have we come across examples of people being treated in a way that they felt was better than they deserved. Often, they are overcome to be treated in this way. I think that’s what Peter felt. He deserved a rebuke yet there was none. However awful he would feel in the hours to come, I think that look would sustain him, reminding him that Jesus had prayed for him.
Giving someone a look of encouragement when we don’t necessarily know what to say, can make all the difference. A gentle nod, or even a smile is enough to convey our support for them. But the thing that I take away today from these verses is that even when I feel that I’ve completely messed things up, Jesus does not hold it against me. There’s a popular modern worship chorus called, “Everyone needs compassion.” The first verse reads,
“Everyone needs compassion,
Love that’s never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.
Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of the Saviour;
The Hope of nations.”
I’m reminded that the bible tells us that Jesus has also prayed for us. That means we too can pick ourselves up and get back on the right road with His support. Just as Peter did. Surely there can be no greater encouragement.
Dear Lord,
Jesus said that there was no greater love than laying His life down. But I’m also grateful for the love and compassion that never gives up on me, and still intercedes on my behalf. Help me to apply that to others when the situation arises. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.