The Look of Love
All four gospels record Peter’s denial of Christ in varying versions, found in the following references:
- Matthew 26: 69-75
- Mark 14:66-72
- Luke 22: 54
- John 18:25-27
Matthew and Mark say that Peter remembered and cried bitterly, while John does not emphasise Peter’s remorse; he plainly states the incident, reiterating the fact that Jesus had already predicted the incident. But I like the way Luke records the incident – The words in verse 61 – “Just then, the Master turned and looked at Peter” is something I find interesting. “The Look of Jesus“.
For a long time, I thought that the look of Jesus had emotions such as disappointment, denial, and even condemnation, saying, “You too, Peter.” And therefore, when Peter looked upon Jesus, in a flash, he must have been reminded of his tall claims, Jesus’ prediction of his denial during the last supper, and the thought that he had led Jesus down just like Judas, and he was consumed. He was overcome with remorse, and he cried bitterly.
But now during Lent, as I meditate more on Jesus and his passion, I’m convinced beyond doubt that the Look of Jesus was a look of Love. Perhaps, it meant – “I still love you, Peter, even though you have denied me, or I can never give up on you.” So, when Peter focused his gaze on Jesus, he could sense the Lord’s love – “The Unconditional Love” and guess that Love pierced his heart and therefore he cried bitterly. A few years later, Paul, with his profound intellectual and spiritual insight, beautifully captures the essence of Jesus’ love in 1 Corinthians chapter 15.
If the love of Jesus could touch a leper, weep at the loss of a friend, feed thousands, save a dying thief, and refrain from condemning a sinner, then surely that same love could restore Peter. It was this very love of Jesus that transformed him—from a brash fisherman, to a fearful disciple, to a bold apostle, and ultimately to a martyr, now known to the world as Saint Peter.
May God grant us the strength to reflect and imitate such love – Unconditional and Transformational!
Painting by Herbert Beecroft’s – And the Lord turned and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the Lord’s words; “Tonight before the cock crows you will disown me three times (Luke 22:61).
