Two profound-to-the core moments in the Bible that encapsulate our relationship with Jesus.
They are simple.
They are powerful.
They are moments. Just moments.
After Peter denied Jesus a third time, just as He predicted and Peter vehemently swore he would never do, Jesus turned and looked at him.
And Peter wept. (Luke 22:60-62)
That’s all it took – a look. But it wasn’t just any look from just anybody. It was a knowing, soul-piercing, spirit-crushing look from His Savior, soon to die on the cross for his sins and the sins of the world.
It was a look. Then Peter knew. He understood. His soul grieved and his spirit cried out in agony.
And he was forgiven.
Just as Peter was devastated by his transgression and healed, so are we. We are no better than Peter. We deny our Savior a million ways in our lifetimes and when the the realization hits us that the eyes of Jesus are upon us, we cry out in guilt and shame.
And we are forgiven.
The other took place three days later. Mary Magdalene was grieving and panicked at Jesus’ tomb. His body was gone. Someone whom she thought to be a gardener gently asked her what was troubling her.
“Sir, if you’ve removed Him tell me where you’ve put Him.”
Jesus said, “Mary.”
“Teacher!” She cried out as she realized who stood before her was no gardener, but her Savior. (John 20:11-16)
That’s all it took. No exclamation point was necessary to convey the power of that moment. One word – Her name quietly spoken tore down the heavy veil of grief, death, and darkness. Her world became bathed in the light of Life – of forgiveness and the ultimate love. The only love that matters.
The love of Christ.
Jesus speaks our names – gently and simply. When He calls us to Him, it is done in His time and fashion.
And He does it – no pastor, preacher, or another believer can do it. Only Christ.
He says our name and we are no longer lost sheep. He is our shepherd, our risen Savior preparing a place at the Father’s table.
With just a look.
With just a word.
In just a moment.