The Look That Restores: Peter’s Fall and Jesus’ Faith
Luke 22:22-23
"For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!" And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.
Jesus knows his betrayal is part of the plan. It’s a striking blend of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. The disciples’ immediate reaction, questioning who among them could do such a thing, reveals their shock and self-doubt, yet it also foreshadows the frailty of even those closest to Jesus. A sobering reminder for us that even those who walked with Jesus weren’t immune to failure.
And almost as if to illustrate this, Jesus later says to Simon Peter (notice not using the name Peter that he gave him.)
Luke 22:31-32
"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."
The image of Satan sifting Peter "like wheat" is intense, implying a shaking and scattering meant to break him. In Luke 22:31-32, we see Jesus’ intimate care for Peter. This isn’t just a call by name, it’s tender, urgent, and personal. Satan’s desire to "sift you like wheat" paints a vivid picture of trial and testing, but Jesus counters it with his intercession, even knowing Peter’s coming denial, Jesus sees beyond it to restoration. He predicts Peter's future redemption and already has a mission in mind for him. I wonder if Peter even picked up on that or maybe after the fact was warmed with a personal joy remembering those words and Jesus' exhortation to strengthen his brothers. Imagine Peter, post-resurrection, replaying those words after his tears in the courtyard, realizing Jesus never gave up on him and even had a purpose waiting for him. I think that's all Peter ever wanted; he wanted to be of use to the Lord. And he tended to boldly take on whatever task he was assigned.
Maybe Peter finally catches on, maybe after Jesus restores him by the Sea of Galilee in John 21 with that "Feed my sheep" echo. Picture Peter sitting quietly one day, replaying in his mind "I have prayed for you" and "strengthen your brothers," and it dawns on him: Jesus knew I’d mess up, but he never stopped believing in me. That had to spark a deep, and personal joy in him, like a weight lifting and a fire igniting all at once.
Jesus had absolute faith in prophecy. And he had absolute faith in his disciples. I think it's a truly remarkable thing to imagine just how much faith our Lord has in the people he chooses to bare his gospel.
He says, in Luke 22:37
"For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment."
It’s a powerful testament to grace and purpose amid human weakness. The same Jesus who trusted the Father’s plan so completely also trusted these flawed, fumbling men to carry his gospel into the world. It’s a testament to his vision, his grace, and frankly, his audacity to see potential where others might only see weakness. It’s like he’s locking eyes with destiny. He’s not just reciting prophecy, he’s owning it. His resolve is astonishing to me.
We see that resolve in his prayer at Gethsemane. We get a glimpse into that raw, human moment in the garden.
Luke 22:41-42
And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done."
He’s not pretending it’s going to be easy. But "nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" flips it entirely. It’s not resignation; it’s surrender with a purpose. Jesus is saying in this moment that if there was another way other than the cross, then he asks the father for that substitute way. He’s not a passive victim but the willing fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, embracing his role with full awareness. This certainty anchors his actions, even as he faces agony. When no substitute comes, he still chooses the Father’s will. Contrast that will to continue with the actions of the disciples.
What’s remarkable, tying this back to his faith in the disciples, is how he pairs this trust in prophecy with trust in them. Think about it; he’s about to go to the cross, knowing Peter will deny him, the others will scatter, and yet he’s already prayed for Peter’s restoration and commissioned them all to spread the good news. He sees their failures coming and still bets everything on them. That’s faith on a level that’s hard to fathom. He's choosing to believe in people who don’t even believe in themselves yet.
Does his example of trusting flawed people inspire you in your own life; like with friends, family, or even yourself?
Luke 22:61-62
And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.
Jesus' faith in humanity is a kind of trust that sees past the mess, past the doubt, and straight into what could be. And when you bring in Luke 22:61-62, it hits even harder. That moment when "the Lord turned and looked at Peter" after the third denial, it’s not just a glance. It’s piercing, it's personal, and loaded with everything Jesus knew and still believed about him. He "went out and wept bitterly" because the weight of his failure crashes down on him. But here’s the wild part: Jesus’ faith in him doesn’t waver even then.
That look from Jesus; I imagine it wasn’t a look of anger or "I told you so." It was something deeper, maybe a mix of sorrow and unshaken love, like he’s saying without words, "I see you falling, but I still see you rising up for my sake. I still love you Simon, my Peter."
Almost reckless by human standards, yet perfectly calculated by divine grace, Jesus is banking on him. Post-resurrection, Peter’s going to be the one preaching at Pentecost, bold and unbroken, strengthening his brothers just like Jesus said. That timid guy who denied Jesus by a charcoal fire is now igniting the church with the Holy Spirit’s power. It’s like Jesus placed a bet on Peter’s future self, and it paid off in ways Peter couldn’t have dreamed of in that dark courtyard of denial moment.
How does that kind of faith in someone’s dramatic turnaround resonate with you? Does it make you see anyone in your own life, or even yourself, differently, knowing Jesus plays the long game like that?
Think on that and I'll see you next time as we examine Jesus' trial.
Go in peace today and may you be blessed knowing that Jesus has already got your back in those times when you're not so sure you're in him.