After the resurrection and having had breakfast at the beach, Jesus invited Peter for a walk. The Lord asked him, “Do you love me?” And Peter answered, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus asked the same question a second and a third time, to which Peter gave the same response. Only, on this third occasion, Peter became very sad. I wonder if Peter still had the image of Jesus’ look in his mind.
Let’s read it:
But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, “Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly [deeply grieved and distressed]. Luke 22:60-62
Every detail is significant in this verse, but the sentence The Lord turned and looked at Peter, caught my attention. I can imagine Jesus’ look, direct but also full of love. It was at this moment that Peter realized what he has done. He never wanted to fail Jesus. That’s why he wept bitterly afterward.
Jesus knew this was going to happen. In Luke 22:31-32 we read, ‘ “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” ‘
There was also hope in Jesus’ words because Peter would come back (repent).
Peter had allowed fear to control him, fear from those who arrested Jesus. In fact, all the disciples, except John, had fled for the same reason. After this incident in the courtyard, Peter didn’t have a chance to talk to Jesus, to tell Him how sorry he was.
Now, this morning at the beach, Jesus had other plans, good plans. Each question that Jesus asked Peter served to reverse and wash away the guilt of every single denial. How amazing is our Lord!
Peter repented, and Jesus forgave him, restored him, and recommissioned him. Peter became a new man. He took advantage of the second chance the Lord offered him, and this time he was committed to love and serve the Lord.
Are you in need of a second chance? Just come in prayer and ask the Lord to forgive you. Jesus is willing to do so and restore you. Like Peter, there is also an assignment for you because God has good plans for your life. Would you come?
Prayer: Dear God, I come to you because I need you. I have acted wrong, denying what my lips confess. I repent of my sins and ask you to forgive me and restore me. Please Lord, cleanse me and make me new. I love you and I want to serve you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Sandy Berrios 