This quote from Matthew Henry puts that look into a whole new light. I had always thought of it as a harsh look with judgment in it. But Matthew Henry explains it just the way I think Jesus would really have done it!
"Christ looked upon Peter, not doubting but that Peter would soon be aware of it; for he knew that, though he had denied him with his lips, yet his eye would still be towards him. Though Peter had now been guilty of a very great offence, Christ would not call to him, lest he should shame him or expose him; he only gave him a look which none but Peter would understand the meaning of, and it had a great deal in it. It was a significant look: it signified the conveying of grace to Peter's heart, to enable him to repent; the crowing of the cock would not have brought him to repentance without this look, nor will the external means without special efficacious grace. Power went along with this look, to change the heart of Peter, and to bring him to himself, to his right mind."The next time we slip, let us remember that look and receive it ouselves as enabling grace to get us back on track. There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus - we are accepted in the beloved.
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