Peter’s reproach and rejection of Christ was a rejection of God as his Father. Joh 8:19. This reproach and rejection of the Father was being atoned for, and rectified, in Peter, as Christ functioned as great High Priest on the Father’s account. Heb 4:14. Christ’s heart was broken as His sufferings for Peter’s iniquity were finished. However, Peter’s heart was also broken, and the other law was circumcised from him, as Christ looked upon him and revealed to him the loss of his sonship because of his breach with the Father.

In this regard, the fruit of Christ’s offering overflowed to Peter through the ministry of priesthood. In compassion, which could not fail because it was sustained by the love of God, Jesus looked at Peter. King Solomon noted that ‘the eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, but He overthrows the words of the faithless’. Pro 22:12. As Christ communicated this knowledge to Peter, when they met eye to eye, Peter received the faith of God that does not fail. He was recovered to the Father as His son, and to Christ as His disciple-friend and apostle.

Christ’s eyes gave to Peter access to the word of God. From that point on, this word would direct Peter’s life in the way of obedience. Summarising this point, the Gospel of Luke recorded, ‘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.” So Peter went out and wept bitterly.’ Luk 22:61-62.

Having been illuminated to remember the words of Jesus, Peter began to weep bitterly in repentance. In this regard, the godly sorrow that he had begun to experience under the effect of grace and supplication, was leading to repentance and to life. 2Co 7:10.