And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. ... (Luke 22:60b-61a).
Read Luke 22:60b-62.
While Peter is still uttering his third denial, the rooster crows. And immediately the Lord Jesus turns and looks at Peter.
How does Jesus happen to be here right at this very moment? He was first tried before the high priest and Jewish high court in the middle of the night (see Matthew 26:57-68). It is likely He has been held in a place of confinement and now is being brought back before the court so it can render a legal verdict.
Despite all He has suffered and all the agony that still awaits Him, Jesus' greatest concern is for Peter. He has already prayed for him, and now He looks upon him. Not with anger, judgment and retribution, but with loving concern for His disciple's salvation. With a look He brings Peter back to repentance and faith.
Peter sees the haunting face of Jesus, and hears the rooster's crow. Suddenly, the Lord's words come flooding into his mind: "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times" (Matthew 26:75b).
Peter is cut to the heart and dissolves into tears. Not just tears, Luke's word describes loud, audible sobbing. It may seem strange that the guards don't move in, but they are busy moving Jesus. Once again, Jesus offers Himself to protect His disciple, providing Peter the opportunity to escape to safety. But He didn't just save Peter from the soldiers-He saved him from Satan's trap, and through His suffering and death He will save Peter and all of us from God's wrath.
If Jesus can forgive Peter's denial, be assured He can forgive your worst sins.
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, with Your glance You brought about Peter's repentance. Look upon me, that I may turn from my sins with repentant tears-and follow You. Amen.
Today's Bible Readings: Leviticus 26-27 Mark 11:19-33
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