Focus: Remembering And Repenting

Text: Mk.14:72

"And when he thought thereon, he wept."

Peter thought of his denial of his Lord and the fact that the Lord had told him about it before now, and he was remorseful and repentant about his disloyalty. Mark says that "Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him… And when he thought thereon, he wept." Matthew says that "Peter REMEMBERED the word of Jesus, which said unto him… And he went out, and wept bitterly" (Mt.26:75). Peter reminded himself of the word that Master Jesus had told him, and he wept bitterly. He did not just weep; he wept bitterly.

He called back to mind what the Lord Jesus Christ said previously to him. The thought of his silly denial hit him with great intensity and hurt him so badly, and by remembering the words that Jesus Christ said to him, he was deeply sorrowful and utterly repentant. Luke makes an additional statement, "And the Lord turned, and LOOKED upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord… And Peter went out, and wept bitterly" (Lk.22:61,62). The eye contact between Christ and Peter at that moment of his denial was utterly devastating and painfully shattering to him. 

The word 'looked' implies intentionality. Jesus Christ intentionally directed His gaze at Peter in that very moment of his denial and disloyalty. Peter demonstrated human frailty and fallibility. The eyes of Jesus Christ said it all. As He deliberately sighted Peter, He conveyed a great message, and Peter caught it. By looking at Peter, and by Peter remembering the words of Christ, the sorrow that leads to repentance was generated in Peter's heart. The psalmist says, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will GUIDE thee with MINE EYE" (Ps.32:8). Peter saw divine guidance in the eyes of his Master. His look said a lot. There was fire in the eyes of Jesus Christ that burned in the heart of Peter that night.

Those who think on the words of Christ and reflect on their actions will see the error of their ways, and will change from their bad behavior.

Paul demands of us, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…" (Col.3:16). Let your memory be saturated with the words of Christ! Meditate on Scripture, and let me tell you, meditation is surely a medication of a spiritual kind. 

Remember to repent! Remember to resolve! Remember to renew and refresh your memory! Remember to reflect on the Lord's words! Rethink and return to Christ! Remember to regret your actions and mistakes! Use your head well! 

Ask yourself, 'This action of mine, does it speak well of my God? Does it bring glory to my God? Does it speak well of someone who is called by the name of the Lord Jesus Christ? Are my attitude and behavior glorifying to God? Does it worth it to privately or publicly deny my Christ with my lips and by my life?' Let's all remember His words, and repent of our errors and evil ways!

by Bishop Moses E. Peter