Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
MONDAY, June 27
Luke 22:52-62. The Lord turned and looked at Peter.
The word translated turned in this passage is the root of our word catastrophe. In geology the term catastrophism notes significant changes in the earth’s structure caused by a cataclysm rather than a gradual change.
This passage tells of a catastrophic event in Peter’s life. Jesus has been seized and is being taken away. People ask Peter if he has been with Jesus. After Peter denies this three times, a cock crows. Jesus looks at Peter. This event significantly changes Peter, changes the landscape of his life. From the moment he went out and wept over his sin of betrayal, he was a faithful follower of Jesus.
Yet he never lost sight of that catastrophic moment. Legend tells us that even as he faithfully suffered crucifixion he asked to be crucified upside down, since he did not consider himself worthy to be crucified in the same manner as his Lord.
Catastrophes, moments when everything seems to fall apart, when we seem to have failed miserably, can be transformative, even redeeming. The difference between whether they are debilitating or rehabilitating is in our response to the grace of God. Jesus turned and looked at Peter. Peter withered with grief. But that was not the end of his response, just the beginning.
PRAY for the Diocese of Ondo (Province of Ondo, Nigeria)
Ps 106:1-18 * 106:19-48; 1 Samuel 10:17-27; Acts 7:44—8:1a
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It is interesting the translation liberty the author used.
The Greek word for turn relating to that used in Luke 22:61 is strepho, which is likely translated into English as to turn around: Jesus turned around to look at Peter. Catastrophe is from the Greek word katastophe which means down turning.
Luke is not using this word, so the author of Forward is actually substituting his own word into the passage. It does give the reader a new perspective which isn't a bad one and in fact may even be a supportive one.
Jesus turned to look at Peter after the cock crowed three times. To me this was a glance similar to what a parent or teacher might do as a gesture of remembrance. "See, I told you this would happen."
This look of Jesus to Peter probably reminded Peter of what Jesus prophesized would happen which cinched Peter's belief in Jesus as the true Messiah and Christ. Throughout the Gospels we are continually faced with the doubts of even those closest to Jesus with the ending of their stories as one's of complete 100% faith.