What Was On Jesus’ Face?

 

This week’s post has a direct connection to last week where we looked at how Jesus motivates Peter relative to his immanent denial and abandonment of Jesus before the Romans and the Pharisees. We found that even though Jesus knows how Peter will fail, Jesus builds Peter up by doing 2 things for Peter (Luke 22:31):

1. Jesus prays for Peter, “…I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail”
2. Jesus tells Peter, “You are going to make it. When you do, help your brothers” (Paraphrase)

How did Jesus love the disciples? (John 15:12 & 13:34)

Jesus loves Peter by motivating him with love, “I have prayed for you Peter!”

Jesus loves Peter by casting a vision for his success after his failure… and his ability to help his brothers.

This answers a HUGE question that comes up just hours later. What question? Follow along in Luke 22. In verse 39 Jesus reveals His great anguish and struggle to Peter, James and John as He prays and sweats drops of blood as He faces the torture and crucifixion that will soon occur. Even greater than this, Jesus has to cope with bearing the sins of the human race in His body and all that this entails. The Roman soldiers appear, led by Judas, to capture Jesus. Peter courageously hacks off the ear of the High Priest’s servant. Jesus stops the violence and surrenders to the Romans. They lead Jesus to the house of the High Priest. Peter follows at a distance and sits down in the courtyard. Here Jesus’ prophesy comes true and Peter denies that he knows Jesus. Matt 26:72 & 74 reveals the intensity of Peter’s fear and denial. Those verses say Peter denied Jesus with an ‘…Oath, “I don’t know the man.”’ Verse 74 says, ‘Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man.” Oaths and curses reveal the desperation of Peter in this moment. Now, flip back to Luke 22:61 for a shocking verse:

“The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.”

The question of the hour for all of us is, “What was on Jesus’ face when He looked at Peter?”

Take a moment and really answer that question. Be bold and honest and write down your answer on a piece of paper on an email. Write down what you really feel… not what you are supposed to think.

Why is this critical to do before you read further? We really need to understand our image of God. How do we really see Jesus? What you imagine on His face tells you how perceive Him.

You have to “know where you are” to “know why you need to go.” We need to understand our image of God to know where it needs to be healed or where it needs to grow to accurately and Biblically equate to Jesus, rather than a human father, mother, boss or authority figure.

So what was on Jesus’ face?

If Jesus was like Satan it would be the typical fault finding (accusation), shame and rejection.

(Satan) Fault Finding: “I told you so Peter! You’re a failure!”
(Satan) Shame: “I always had my doubts about you Peter! I am so disappointed in you! You are never going to measure up and lead my church!”
(Satan) Rejection: “You are not fit to lead my church. Step aside and I’ll get James or John.”

But what is really on Jesus’ face?

We figured it out last week. It was Luke 22:31 that we quoted above: “I’ve prayed for you Peter! Your faith isn’t going to fail! I am for you! Turn back to me and strengthen your brothers!” (Paraphrase)

There is none of the typical worldly motivation on Jesus face. Jesus loves Peter and works relentlessly to build him up, overcome his pride and strengthen him to care for others (leading the church). The look on Jesus’ face doesn’t accuse Peter. Jesus’ face communicates that He knows Peter and imparts life and strength to Peter. Peter is shocked by his failure and sin, but Jesus isn’t.

Later, in John 21 we see Jesus by Lake Galilee tenderly working with Peter to draw him out of shame and feeling like a failure … back into strong love. And Jesus succeeds and Peter leads the church victoriously! Amazingly Jesus uses a 2^nd “catch of fish” to restore Peter just as He used a 1^st “catch of fish” to call Peter in Luke 5. Jesus is saying, “Peter, I called you then and I am calling you now to lead My church! My calling is greater than your sin any day of the week! Follow Me!” (Paraphrase of John 21)

So let’s “love as Jesus loved the disciples.” When someone fails us, let’s not employ Satan’s tactics of accusation, shame and rejection. Ask the Holy Spirit for help  and choose Jesus’ methods of praying for them and loving them with strong love.