As we lead up to Resurrection Sunday tomorrow, there is one line that I always love to read in the gospel of Luke. It happens right when the rooster crows and Peter realizes he has denied Jesus three times.

But first, the lead up…

Just before Jesus was arrested He told Peter (Simon):

“Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.” Luke 22:21-32

Jesus encourages Peter that He has prayed for him, and Peter will come through the time of testing. Peter wouldn’t have understood what this meant at the time but after he denied Jesus he must have thought back to this.

Jesus gave Peter a prophetic word of hope that he would need in his darkest hour.

Then Jesus is betrayed by Judas arrested and taken to the courtyard of the Chief Priest’s house. As Peter is trying to see what will happen to Jesus, several different people speak to Peter and he denies that he even knows Jesus.

Peter must be petrified with fear and confusion…and in the midst, three denials.

After the third denial…

“At that very moment, the last word hardly off his lips, a rooster crowed. Just then, Jesus turned and looked at Peter. Peter remembered what Jesus had said to him: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter went out and cried and cried and cried.” Luke 22:60-62

I love that line, “Just then, Jesus turned and looked at Peter.” I can only imagine how utterly heartbroken, shocked and devastated Peter was by his own actions. Jesus knew he would be.

Even in the midst of Jesus’ own ordeal, He was so concerned for Peter that He was paying attention to the rooster’s crow and He looked for Peter.

Some could interpret the look as a look of anger or as an “I told you so”, but with the full wisdom of scripture we know that God’s character is grace and mercy, not revenge. He never delights in revenge or destruction (Ezekiel 18: 30-32).

I believe that Jesus looked at Peter in that moment with such love and concern just as we might look at a loved one with empathy when we know their heart is breaking.

We know that after Jesus paid for our sins by death on the cross, He was raised to new life and interacted with His disciples many times. One of those sweetest interactions comes when Jesus finds Peter, cooks him breakfast on the sea shore, and reinstates him. (See John 21)

Jesus’ actions show the kindness, mercy and forgiveness of God; and the care and deep love Jesus has for his friends.

“It stands to reason, doesn’t it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, He’ll do the same thing in you that He did in Jesus, bringing you alive to Himself? When God lives and breathes in you (and He does, as surely as he did in Jesus), you are delivered from that dead life. With His Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ’s!” Romans 8:11

This Easter, no matter how much you think you’ve blown it, I pray that you experience the resurrection, restoration and grace-filled power that only comes through Jesus. He forgives you and He’s waiting to cook you breakfast.

Happy Resurrection Day!