Peter’s Tears
I know not what thou sayest…. —Matthew 26:70
Read Matthew 26:57-59 and 69-75
Jesus stood before the Jewish council. Peter also managed to be nearby, in the outer court of Herod’s palace. Together with John, he had been able to gain entrance into the palace, by which he showed his fervent love for his Master. But Satan was ready to sift him as wheat. And so Peter was confronted with a severe test: “Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee,” resounds the accusation of a young woman.
Peter was extremely anxious when he heard this accusation, and was afraid of being arrested. But hadn’t he said he was ready to die with the Lord Jesus? Now he said he did not know the Man. A little while later he claimed that the Lord was a stranger to him for a second and a third time. And then the cock crowed, shocking Peter and bringing him to himself.
Peter was frightened, for we read that the Lord Jesus “looked upon Peter” (Luke 22:61). How wonderful, that while the Saviour was being condemned, He still made a point of looking upon His backslidden disciple. This look of love and compassion was too much for Peter; he went outside and wept bitterly.
What is your condition at this very moment? Are you insensible of your need? Let this look of the Lord Jesus sink into your heart. Have you perhaps also denied the Lord? Christ Jesus also sets His eye upon you. Doesn’t this break your heart?
Why did Peter weep bitterly?
This devotional was taken from “The Time of Your Life” a daily devotional published by the Youth & Educational Committee of the FRC. To order a printed copy of this book, contact: bookorders@frcna.org.