The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." Luke 22:61
As presented on *The Lutheran Hour® by Dr. Oswald Hoffmann, March 7, 1965.
Simon Peter had pledged his whole life to Jesus, promising, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death” (Luke 22:33). Peter knew very well that Jesus was a controversial figure, particularly in Jerusalem. He was well aware that the leaders of the people, both political and religious, were actively plotting to get rid of Christ. Nevertheless, he did not hesitate to follow. His loyalty was unshaken and, he thought, unshakable.
When the fateful hour came that Christ had predicted, everything went wrong. He betrayed his earnest pledge of loyalty. Simon Peter’s ordeal is a classic illustration of what temptation can do under pressure. It is also a dramatic illustration of the fact that no amount of pressure, however strong, can destroy a man who is personally attached to Jesus Christ. While Peter sat there beside the fire, Jesus looked at him. Wherever He was at that moment, Jesus turned and looked Peter right in the eye—and in one flashing moment everything became clear to this great-hearted fisherman. He had betrayed a friend. Peter stumbled out of there, down the dark street, weeping bitterly.
Whoever you are and wherever you may be, the Son of God looks upon you. He knows you for what you are, and still He looks. No matter where you have been or what you have done, He is there for you. For you He went to His cross that you might be forgiven. For you He was raised from the grave that you might put your trust in Him.
Jesus, remember us. Stay close by to help when the pressure gets too much for us. Amen.
Taken from A Message of Hope: Proclaiming the Cross (selections from messages broadcast on *The Lutheran Hour, celebrating 75 years of proclaiming the promise).
Copyright © 2006 by Lutheran Hour Ministries
*The Lutheran Hour is the longest-running Christian radio broadcast in the world. It is a production of Lutheran Hour Ministries. For more information, visit www.lutheranhour.org.
Today's Bible Readings: Numbers 31-33 Luke 1:39-56
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