It was dark and cold outside. From a distance, Peter followed the crowd that have captured his Leader, all the way to the house of the high priest.
A fire cast a warm glow on the figures gathering in the grey area of the courtyard. He found himself a spot next to the fire from where he could keep his eyes on his Master.
A girl, who carefully observed Peter, suddenly said, “This man was also with Him”.
With a stunned expression he replied, “Woman, I don’t know Him.”
Someone else confirmed, “You are one of them.”
“Man, I am not!” He almost bellowed.
An hour later another person likewise affirmed, “Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean.”
“Man, I do not know what you are saying!” Then suddenly – a rooster crowed……
At that moment, Jesus turned His head and His eyes met those of Peter! Silence…….
The expression of those eyes was not; “Ah, I told you so.” Neither, “How could you deny Me, Peter?” nor, “This hurts, Peter!”
The only message those two eyes conveyed was, “It’s all right. I love you and as I have told you, this is not going to be easy. I’ve prayed for you, don’t worry about Me, I’ll be fine.”
Peter went out and wept.
The most astonishing fact about this part of history, is that Jesus knew exactly, in minute detail what would happen that night and all about the succeeding events. He knew exactly when the rooster would crow.
He knew about every blow He would receive, accompanied by every word of slander, the crown of thorns, the spitting and slapping through the face. He knew not only what would happen but also exactly when it would occur. Yet, He willingly surrendered Himself to be tortured and crucified, while anticipating every action in advance.
Jesus even knew then, that today, now at this very minute, you would be reading this. Jesus knows everything about you, but you don’t. You don’t know what would happen to you next, or where you would end up, but you can still choose to entrust everything in your life to Jesus, everything to the smallest detail.
If you could look into the eyes of Jesus today, you would notice a message similar to the one Peter got, and even more; “I love you very much. I had you in mind before I died. I know every little detail about your life since you were born. It’s OK, I’ll always love you. If you are willing, it’s never too late to change the things you want to change. I am alive! Come into My arms and let us dance this life to its end.” (Luke 22:31-34, 54-62)