TEXT:
‘And the Lord turned and looked’ (Luke 22:61).
Sometimes words aren’t necessary, as one look can convey what’s needed to be said, or get things done. Mark’s gospel mentions several times, “He looked” and these two words caught my attention and formed the basis for this teaching.
1. Jesus looked in anger
- At those with hardened hearts – ‘And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other’ (Mark 3:5).
One would have thought the religious leaders would have welcomed with open arms anyone who could heal members of their congregation, but they would rather a hurting person stayed that way in keeping with their religious rules, than be set free by Jesus. It was a constant battle wherever Jesus went but He made sure everyone knew who was trying to stop the miracles.
There are churches today where miracles of healing, gifts of the Holy Spirit and speaking with other tongues are not welcome. If ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever’ (Hebrews 13:8), then what He said and did then, should be re-enacted today by the church through the authority of the name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.
- At unhelpful comments – ‘But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”’ (Mark 8:33).
Peter’s attempt to rebuke Jesus was met by a rebuke that must have shaken him to the core. ‘Get behind Me Satan!’. How could a revelation from God about Jesus, and a lie from the devil come out of the same mouth? All too easily! ‘And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!’ (James 3:10 NLT).
How many times have we spoken and the effect on others has been negative, not positive? Real prophecy will cheer up, stir up and build up people, and it’s a challenge to do just that!
- At those who ignore scripture – ‘Then He looked at them and said, what then is this that is written: the stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone?’ (Luke 20:17).
Jesus aimed much of His anger against the religious leaders: scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees. They claimed to know the scriptures but couldn’t see them being fulfilled by Jesus. If they didn’t like certain scriptures, they simply invented rules to get around them. One example was “Corban”, which allowed a man to dedicate himself and his resources to God and ignore his responsibilities to his parents, but the Bible says, ‘Honour your father and mother’ (See Mark 11:7-13).
2. Jesus looked as a reminder – ‘And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”’ (Luke 22:61).
Peter had openly stated he would rather die than deny or betray Jesus. To be fair, so did all the other disciples, but Peter, being the outspoken one, asserted his loyalty more emphatically. In response Jesus prophesied that Peter would deny ever knowing Him before the cock crowed three times the next day.
After Jesus was arrested and interrogated by the chief priests and council members, Peter came to see what the outcome would be. As he warmed himself by a fire, three times he was challenged about being a disciple of Jesus. Each time he denied it, the last denial accompanied by cursing and swearing. Then the cock crowed, and Jesus turned and looked at Peter. Tears welled up as their eyes met and Peter rushed off weeping bitterly.
It always comes as a shock to discover we’re not temptation-resistant, wise, capable or as loving as we thought we were. Our bold assertions when no pressure is on, look rather weak when we speak or act in a way that’s wrong. Instead of, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”, the opposite happens, and the so-called “toughies” are on the run and nowhere to be seen!
If Peter’s experience is a picture of your life too, don’t despair and over-condemn yourself. Jesus didn’t write off Peter and He won’t write off you either!
3. Jesus looked in love – ‘Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”’ (Mark 10:21).
There are very lovely rich people in our world. I had to attend an interview with the National Home Missions Council. I wanted to pioneer a church and needed their support. The interview was held in the house of a very rich lady who was an heir to the Beecham Pharmaceutical Company, a very large manufacturing conglomerate. When refreshments were served, in came this lady pushing the tea trolley and started serving the teas and cakes. Yes, she had staff who could have done it, but she wanted to serve.
There are many who have kept the commandments the rich young ruler claimed he had. Not perfectly or proudly, but with love, integrity and honour. Thank God for moral-living, parent-honouring, God-fearing, hard-working people. They help make this selfish world a better place.
Jesus loved this young man because although he had everything, he still felt something was missing. Why is it, when we should be contented, we’re not? There’s more to life than money and fame. Ask those who have both, because many share the loneliness and emptiness of being at the top. But, if you are willing to run to Jesus and humble yourself, you’ll receive that same look of love. You may not like His answer to your questions, for the young ruler went away sad, but at least you will know Jesus has told you the truth about what you need to do to have eternal life.
Peace with God is something money can never buy, but it’s something everyone can have!
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