When Jesus turns and sees us: the powerful gaze that changes everything (9th lesson from Luke)

Can we disappoint God? Stephanie takes us on a journey through Luke 22, focusing on the theme: If Only We Knew—the truth of who God is, and how that knowledge radically shapes our lives. Peter’s failure prepared him to carry the burden of leadership in the early Church. Our own failures, too, can become the soil where God’s grace and purpose grow. We are called to trust that God sees, turns towards us, and forgives lavishly.

"If you only knew...", Jesus tells His disciples. What would you change in your life, if you only knew?, He asks us today. "If you only knew what I have in store for you; if you only knew how much the Father loves you; if you only knew who you are in His sight; if you only knew how truly breathtaking in glory and splendor and meekness I am..." Jesus has much to teach us about how to see ourselves, and God, in His light. We begin by examining the contrast between the unity of Jesus’ enemies and the disunity among His disciples. Rather than standing together, the disciples argue about who is the greatest (Luke 22:24). Jesus responds by redefining greatness—not as domination, but as humble service. “Whoever is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and whoever leads like the one serving.” Here, we’re invited to imagine what would change in our lives if we truly understood God’s perspective and promises for our future.

Next, we explore two betrayals: Judas’ overt act with a kiss, and Peter’s denial. Jesus knows both are coming, and addresses Peter: “Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you…” This moment demonstrates Jesus’ deep knowledge, compassion, and assurance that Peter’s failure is not the end.

Peter’s denial unfolds just as Jesus predicted. He denies knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crows, and then—one of the most haunting moments in Scripture—Jesus turns and looks at Peter. Instead of imagining disappointment or judgment in Jesus’ gaze, we’re encouraged to see compassion, forgiveness, and love. God is never disappointed in us, because disappointment requires surprise—and God knows all things. We can grieve God, but we can never surprise Him or cause Him regret in creating us, since He knew all our choices before we ever existed. Human relationships are full of disappointment, but our relationship with God rests on His omniscience and unconditional choice.

Peter’s story doesn’t end in tears. After his bitter weeping, he’s the first disciple to run to the tomb on Resurrection morning. In John 21, Peter is restored around a charcoal fire—the same setting where he denied Jesus—reminding us of the power of sensory memory and redemption. Peter’s pride and rivalry with John is acknowledged, showing that restoration is a process, not a moment. Even after being restored, Peter still compares himself to John, but Jesus gently redirects him: “What is it to you?... You follow Me.” This encouragement is for us, too: resist comparison, embrace your unique calling.

Key Takeaways:

·         True greatness is found in service, not status.

·         God cannot be disappointed in us, but He desires that we grieve our sin and turn afresh to Him.

·         Restoration after failure is a journey, and comparison holds us back from following Jesus fully.

·         Our deepest failures can become the very places where God equips us for His calling.

May we embrace both the bitter and sweet “spices” of the Gospel, trusting in Christ’s unwavering compassion and restoration.

In this episode, Stephanie takes us behind the scenes of the two betrayals by the very disciples of Christ. Judas, of course; but also Peter. What can we learn from him? Beyond the betrayal, we will take a long look at Jesus' restoration of Peter, and extrapolate our own position as restored in, through, and by Christ. What for? Take a listen to find out!
 

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