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The Look

Lately I've been wondering.

Before Jesus was arrested and tried, Peter said to Jesus that he would never deny Him. Jesus then told him that before the rooster crowed, Peter would deny Him three times.

After Jesus was arrested and they led Him away, a rooster started to crow and Jesus turned to look at Peter.

I wonder what that look conveyed. What was the message?

Was it: "It's OK, Peter. I understand."

Or was it: "I told you so!"

Or maybe: "Peter, what have you done?"

But I don't wonder any more.

Because when I denied Jesus, He looked at me with nothing less than love, forgiveness, mercy and grace.

Because that’s His nature. His character.

And I believe that's how He looked at Peter. And I believe the reason Peter went away and wept after Jesus looked at him is because, in Jesus' look, he saw love, forgiveness, grace and mercy.

You see, on this earth there is no greater power to transform someone than love, forgiveness, grace and mercy.

Unqualified. Given generously.

Peter certainly didn't deserve it. But he received it, and you and I don't deserve it either.

But it is there for us to receive.

We just have to reach out and take it.

 

Mark Deavall