As iron sharpens iron,
one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
“Peter’s story is relatable to everyone who seeks to follow Christ in faith. And this new book beautifully shows how the grace of God transforms and sanctifies His people on this lifelong journey.” - Ligonier
“Jesus’s enemies mocked him, slandered him, insulted him, maligned him, reviled him — as verbal thrusts of contempt conspired with nails and spear. How Jesus handled it left an indelible stamp on Peter.” - Desiring God
Read Part 1.
Let me offer two reasons why I believe mercy was the primary message communicated through Jesus’ gaze:
Jesus has been brought before the High Priest and the Sanhedrin. These Jewish leaders have secured false witnesses and charged Jesus with blasphemy. They proceed to beat him and spit on His face. During this time, Jesus is fully aware that His beloved disciple Peter has “followed at a distance” (Luke 22:54). He knows that Peter is among a group of spectators sitting in the courtyard (Luke 22:55). And when Jesus hears the rooster crow, He knows exactly what Peter has just done (Luke 22:59). Jesus turns completely around and, the text tells us, “The Lord looked at Peter” (Luke 22:61).
In seminary we were encouraged—well, required—to read outside our own theological perspective. A few students recoiled a bit. They had been living in a bubble, and those outside it had been mostly ignored, sometimes caricatured, but never directly listened to with the goal of accurate understanding.
Most students relished the wider reading. They’d already learned that curiosity, personal connection, and questioning assumptions can result in life-changing bursts of discovery and personal growth.
Robert Gundry believes that “Matthew’s gospel depicts Peter, after his denials — not as a forgiven apostle — but as an apostatizing false prophet.” A NT Professor with The Master’s Seminary responds.
Discussion