People could communicate with a look. A stern look from a parent will make a child behave well. However, the Lord looked at Peter and it transformed his life. “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter…and he went out and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22: 61-62) Was Lord looking for sympathy from Peter? No. Lord made a special effort to turn and look at Peter.
Not angry look: Lord was not angry with Peter, though Peter deserved an angry rebuke. Peter was forewarned that he would be tempted by Satan, he should be careful. But Peter was self-confident, rather overconfident about himself. (Luke 22:31-34)
Not a mocking look: Lord did not mock Peter: “Did I not say you will fail?” Yes, Peter failed to heed the warning and take precautions.
Not condemning look: Lord did not turn to Peter to condemn him to hell. Those who deny His name before men, the Lord will deny their name in the presence of the Holy Father. Yet, the Lord wanted to give Peter the occasion to repent. (Matthew 10:33)
Look of Love: Lord showed his love that was eager to forgive and embrace Peter. Yes, it was evident Lord prepared breakfast for Peter and his fellow backsliders on the shores of Galilee. (John 21: 12-19)
Look of concern: Lord was concerned about Peter. Certainly, he would feel guilty. Peter should not take any rash or foolish action, like committing suicide. Peter must understand that the Lord is willing to forgive, give one more chance and restore him to the call and purpose.
Look of mercy: Lord looked with sympathy, mercy, and grace. He knew the pressure Peter went through at that moment. In the hostile atmosphere, among people filled with hatred and where he could have been lynched, Peter denied. It was a relentless and ruthless attack of Satan. His look indicated: “Have you fallen? Rise up.”
Look of restoration: The righteous people may slip, slide, stumble, and fall even seven times. Nevertheless, they rise. (Proverbs 24:16) They are righteous not because they fall, because they rise up.
Do I rise when I fall?
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Humiliations of Christ (2 April 2023)
(Igniting Insights by Rev. Dr. J. N. Manokaran)
Dorothy Sayers, a theologian, writes about God’s three greatest humiliations to redeem humanity. The first humiliation was the Incarnation when God took on the confines of a physical body. The second was the Cross when he suffered the ignominy of death by public execution. The third humiliation is the church.
Cradle: As God created Adam as a full-grown adult, could the Son of God have been dropped as an adult in Israel, specifically at the venue of the Temple at Jerusalem? Yes. But God in His wisdom chose to go through the process of identifying with humans, right from the womb to the (empty) tomb. The Sovereign Son of God being confined to the womb of Mary, was dependent on Mary as He grew, faced poverty, and did hard work as a carpenter until he attained the age of 30. Toddler troubles, adolescent growth pains, teenage turmoil, and young adult temptations in an unfriendly environment were itself the cross he bore.
Cross: The shameful and cursed death is being hung on a tree in the open according to the Law of Moses. Murderers were given such punishment. (Deuteronomy 21:21-23; Galatians 3:13) Paul writes that cross obedience to Father, bearing the wrath of God on behalf of humans, resulted in a shameful death. (Philippians 2:8) Through the fruit of a tree entered Sin into the world, and through a tree (cross) redemption is brought to humanity.
Church: While the first two were historical happenings. The Church is called to be The Bride without blemish. However, throughout history, the church is tainted bringing disrepute to Lord Jesus Christ. First, there is no unity as the church is divided into numerous denominations, many fighting against one another. Second, sin among God’s people as in the Corinthian church, and failing leadership. Instead of demonstrating and modeling holiness, there are several flaws in the church. Third, instead of being a bright shining light to the world, the church is like a flickering candle. Instead of being salt of the earth, saltiness is being lost. Four, sadly many non-Christians choose to love the Lord but hate the church.
Am I a reason for Christ’s humiliation today?