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Peter's Cry Luke 22:60-62
The Apostle Peter had just denied his Lord for the third time, and the rooster crowed. “Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: 'Before the rooster crows today, you will disown Me three times.'”
The rooster's crow still lingered when “the Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.” Have you ever wondered about that look? Was it anger Peter saw in those eyes? Was it disappointment? Was it hurt? I don't think so. I believe it was a look of infinite compassion. Jesus was not surprised by Peter's denial. He knew what was in Peter. He had told him ahead of time not only what he would do, but exactly when he would do it “Before the rooster crows today.” And Peter was now coming face to face with his own wretchedness for the first time. He had not believed Jesus. He couldn't possibly deny his Lord. Three times at that! Not him. And now ... “he went outside and wept bitterly.” But even as Peter wept, Jesus' heart went out to him. How do I know? Because, “a broken and contrite heart... you will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18).
We want to believe differently, but the hard truth is that we are no different than Peter. And just as Jesus knew him, He knows us, too. He knows we think we'd never deny Him; and yet we do ... every time we sin. If you know Peter's cry from experience, you can take comfort in the fact that Jesus' compassionate look is on you, too. He tenderly urges you, “Remain in me ... No branch can bear fruit by itself... apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:45).
Draw from His strength; He will enable you to stand firm. And then you will discover the joy of His promise: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6).
-Maria Lund