This week’s devotions are based on Week 4 of Cross Examined: Were you with him? (LISTEN HERE)
Anyone who is married knows “the look.”
Without saying a word, a person says everything.
In fact, a look can say more than words, even when someone says something. A look is an expression of the heart, even if the words are saying something different.
Body language experts analyze “the look” that people have as they are saying things to determine if what they are saying is accurate or not.
So what did “the look” communicate to Peter?
Just as Peter finished denying Jesus for the third time, Luke records this:
Luke 22:61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.
Just as Peter said, “I don’t know what you are talking about,” his eyes must have moved from the person who accused him of being with Jesus to Jesus himself.
The glance was intentional.
Jesus wanted Peter to see he knew.
Jesus wanted Peter to see he cared.
Jesus wanted Peter to see he noticed.
The rooster crowed.
Peter went out and wept bitterly.
The look was piercing to the soul of Peter.
The look pierced a heart that regretted denying Jesus.
The look reminded him of what Jesus predicted would happen.
The look triggered a shame of a confidence that turned to cowardice.
The look caused the tears to flow.
But yet Jesus looked.
He didn’t look away.
He looked “straight at Peter.”
He didn’t look at the servant girl or the soldier.
He didn’t look at his accusers or the high priest.
He looked at Peter. He wanted his eyes to lock with Peter’s.
The look shook Peter to the core, but the look loved Peter even more.
The look told Peter Jesus cared.
The look told Peter Jesus wouldn’t deny him.
The look told Peter Jesus was doing this for him.
The look told Peter Jesus still loved him.
Jesus didn’t say anything.
Peter didn’t say anything.
The look communicated everything.
Let Jesus’ eyes lock with yours today.
Let his eyes communicate to your heart.
His look cares enough to point out sin.
His look communicates his love to forgive it.
Apply: What do you imagine Jesus’ look to be? What does it communicate to your heart?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for caring so personally for me that you would meet your eyes with mine to call me to repentance and show me your great love. AMEN.