Uh-Oh

UH-OH
Luke 22:54-62
Luke 22:33: “But he [Simon] replied, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with You to prison and to death.’”

Just because a person may not have any regrets, doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s nothing that needs to be repented. (See No Regrets devotion). Simon Peter, usually referred to as Peter, was the impetuous (im-PET-u-us, meaning hasty, hotheaded, reckless) disciple. He was always over eager and spontaneous.

When you read today’s Scripture passage, you understand Peter’s, “Uh-oh”. Right after he told Jesus that he’d follow Him to prison, and to death, he told three people that he wasn’t Jesus’ disciple. We all make mistakes. Most of us can empathize (EM-pa-thize, meaning to understand) with Peter’s horror after the rooster crowed. Jesus looked straight at him (Luke 22:61).

Gulp.

Did you ever want to run away and hide?

It’s too bad that life doesn’t have a delete key, so we could erase time and return to a point before a mistake was made. When wishing to backtrack, after realizing an error, we actually DO have a reset button. Restoration happens after repentance. “If we confess our sin”, God will ‘forgive us’ and ‘cleanse us from all unrighteousness’” (1John 1:9).

Peter wept bitterly after Jesus looked at him (Luke 22:62). Shame and remorse isn’t always prompted by a simple “look”. A look can be read many ways. A person’s conscience interprets another’s look as being innocent, wondering, or accusing. Most children understand a parent’s “look” that means, “stop right now”.

What do you suppose Jesus’ look meant to Peter?

How about, “Remember our conversation?”

For sure, Jesus was saddened by Peter’s denying their relationship. Sometimes a parent says, “This hurts me more than you” when applying discipline to a child. Jesus knew that His simple look shattered Peter—to his very core.

I presume that every one of us can identify with Peter’s heartache. But even this sorrow has a reset button. It works for us today, just as it had for Peter. Repentance totally restores us, repairing all the damage caused by sin. Afterwards, the peace that washes over one's heart affirms that all is well.

Peter became the rock, upon which Jesus built His church (Matthew 16:18).

Take Home Nugget

Peter wasn’t left in his misery. Often, we wonder if a person forgives our offence. Jesus made sure that Peter had a chance to reaffirm his love after His resurrection (John 21:15-17).

When we fall, we’re thankful that we can begin anew.
Dear Jesus, broken hearts are repaired when following You.

J.D. Griffith

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Written for Bible Study for Kids.