“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.” (Luke 22:61-62)

After Peter denied Jesus three times, He gave him the look.

What kind of look was it?

A)     Was it a reproachful look that said “How could you…?”

B)      Was it a proud “See, I told you so…”?

This may come as a surprise, but the answer, is absolutely none of the above.

Because Jesus Christ was neither proud nor reproachful. The look that He gave was a sad but compassionate gaze that said, “I love you, despite your denial of me.”

This is Jesus Christ, our personal Lord and savior. He is not judgmental; never condemning. Instead, He is always filled with an immeasurable amount of forgiveness and an abundant and unfailing love. His mercy and grace are beyond our human understanding. His love is unconditional.

It is quite comforting to know what kind of look Jesus has for all of us. I can only imagine how gentle and loving His face was towards Peter, despite the pain of the flogging he was subjected to while his disciple comfortably denied him. Yet, he looked at Peter straight in the eye and said “I love you.”

I am humbled and it breaks my heart to know that I am undeserving of this look. But, by His grace, He has given me the chance to know Him and by my faith become His child.

It isn’t what we Have done that makes us His; it’s His will and free gift that we are saved. He chose us; and He wants us to be His and His alone.

Indeed, no one can love us greater than our God does.

*Sharing last Sunday’s message with Pastor Thomas at DCC.

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