Advent Devotional 2021
|
|
But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
Luke 22:34 (NLT)
Luke 22:34 (NLT)
I love to give gifts at Christmas. I love to find that “perfect” gift and then watch as the gift is opened. Because of that I often spend months shopping, seeking a gift that has what I call “that wow factor.” More than anything else, I like to watch the person’s eyes as they open the gift. There is just something about people’s eyes. Those eyes can communicate so very much.
Luke 22 tells us something about eyes that the other gospels do not. Luke 22 tells us that after Peter denied Jesus the third time, Jesus’ and Peter’s met (Luke 22:61).
I have often wondered what Peter saw in Jesus’ eyes that night. Jesus had predicted that Peter would deny him three times (Luke 22:31-34). And knowing that Peter was going to be tempted that very night to deny Jesus, Jesus told Peter that he was praying for him (Luke 22:31-34). This means Peter’s actions did not come as a surprise to Jesus so . . . what did Peter see when he looked into Jesus’ eyes following that third denial?
We know that Peter left that courtyard weeping bitterly (Luke 22:62) but what did he see in Jesus’ eyes?
I have no proof but looking at Peter’s response to this failure on his part this is what I imagine. I think Peter saw understanding and love. Peter returned to the disciples and, just as Jesus had instructed him, he strengthened the others. How did he strengthen them? He taught them that failure is not final. With Jesus we always face one who understands and loves us. And that love and understanding, that is the gift with a real “wow” factor.
Luke 22 tells us something about eyes that the other gospels do not. Luke 22 tells us that after Peter denied Jesus the third time, Jesus’ and Peter’s met (Luke 22:61).
I have often wondered what Peter saw in Jesus’ eyes that night. Jesus had predicted that Peter would deny him three times (Luke 22:31-34). And knowing that Peter was going to be tempted that very night to deny Jesus, Jesus told Peter that he was praying for him (Luke 22:31-34). This means Peter’s actions did not come as a surprise to Jesus so . . . what did Peter see when he looked into Jesus’ eyes following that third denial?
We know that Peter left that courtyard weeping bitterly (Luke 22:62) but what did he see in Jesus’ eyes?
I have no proof but looking at Peter’s response to this failure on his part this is what I imagine. I think Peter saw understanding and love. Peter returned to the disciples and, just as Jesus had instructed him, he strengthened the others. How did he strengthen them? He taught them that failure is not final. With Jesus we always face one who understands and loves us. And that love and understanding, that is the gift with a real “wow” factor.
Prayer focus: What wrong action do I need to confess to Jesus today?
Community prayer focus: Our healthcare workers, including those in the hospital, prayer for continued encouragement in this season
Community prayer focus: Our healthcare workers, including those in the hospital, prayer for continued encouragement in this season
Favorite Christmas Song
"My favorite Christmas song is 'Today is the Saviour's Day' by Rend Collective. It makes me feel happy."
"Go tell it on the mountain: Hope is Alive! Go shout it in the valley: Love has arrived!"
Hannah S., 8 y.o.
"My favorite Christmas song is 'Today is the Saviour's Day' by Rend Collective. It makes me feel happy."
"Go tell it on the mountain: Hope is Alive! Go shout it in the valley: Love has arrived!"
Hannah S., 8 y.o.
