The Look

The Look

Luke 22:60-62, NLT

But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 62And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.

Setting the Scene

As Peter spoke these words of his third denial, “the rooster crowed,” signaling the early morning hour. The time between midnight and 3:00 a.m. was known as “cockcrowing.” A rooster would crow first at about 12:30 a.m. and then, again, at about 1:30 a.m.

Immediately after this third denial, Jesus turned and looked at Peter; their eyes met. Either Jesus was on the upper story of the building or he was being led through the courtyard between visits with Annas and Caiaphas. In either case, Jesus knew where Peter was and what he had done.

This was not a chance meeting or a coincidence. Jesus seems to have been intentionally looking at Peter. Imagine the look in his eyes.

Peter had spent three years with Jesus—traveling, eating, conversing face-to-face, watching, and learning. He was arguably closer than anyone else to the Lord. So when he saw Jesus turn and look at him, he must have seen sadness in the eyes of his friend and leader, the pain of desertion and betrayal. But he also saw love. Peter’s mind may have flashed back to when he walked on the water until he looked away from Jesus (Matthew 14:22-33) or when Jesus reprimanded him (Matthew 16:23) or when Jesus’ face “shone like the sun” (Matthew 17:2, NLT) or when Jesus washed his feet in the upper room (John 13:6-9). Peter knew that face and that look of love.

Getting Personal

When by your actions or words have you denied knowing Jesus? What motivated you to act that way?

What else causes distance between you and Jesus?

Imagine Jesus looking at you across that courtyard. What do you see in his eyes? How do you respond?

Jesus never leaves us, as he told his disciples (see John 14:16 and Matthew 28:20); but often we pull away from him. Through our actions, attitudes, and even outright denials we distance ourselves from Jesus, but he hasn’t left. He’s still there, looking with his eyes of compassion, waiting for us to return.

Talking to God

Express your gratitude to God that he doesn’t look away from your sin or your denials. Thank him for the blessing of being fully known—and fully loved and forgiven.