Conviction and Compassion

What kind of look did Jesus give Peter?

“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.’

And he went outside and wept bitterly.”   Luke 22:61 (NIV)

What sort of look did Jesus give Peter after the third denial?

The first answer that comes to mind tells us a lot about our view of Jesus. Was Jesus’ brow knit above hard eyes? Was his intention punishment?

Was his mouth downturned? Was he shaking his head? Was Jesus letting Peter know how disappointed he was?

I doubt he was either angry or sad. I think his eyes were soft, his face relaxed.

Jesus had previously told Peter the truth about himself:  “You will deny me.” Now, I think Jesus was both calling Peter to account and pouring forth compassion.

Peter didn’t know his own weakness. Jesus knew.

Peter’s denials were no surprise to Jesus. But it seems they were a surprise to Peter, himself. The text gives the impression that Peter hadn’t quite realized what he’d done until Jesus looked at him.

Only when we get face to face with Jesus do we see clearly.

We can tear through our day, acting and reacting, not thinking about eternal realities. And then God breaks in and we suddenly see what Jesus sees.

Photo by Gerardo Marrufo on Unsplash

We see the snippy clerk through Jesus’ compassionate eyes.

We see our toddler’s tears as a cry for attention rather than an intentional disruption.

We realize the sharp tone of voice we used with our spouse that morning.

And we can receive his conviction and compassion and by the power of his Spirit, feel the sorrow that leads to repentance and do better.