Peter lived with the belief and hope of heaven because of Jesus’ power over death (1 Peter 1:3).

But even Peter had his moments of weakness and doubt. When Jesus was on trial the night of His arrest, on three separate occasions, Peter denied even knowing Jesus.

As Peter spoke the words, “I don’t know Him,” the third time, the Bible tells us that Jesus made eye contact with him, looking straight at him. Oh, how awful they both must have felt!

But because of Jesus’ great love and mercy, after He was resurrected from the dead, He openly and deliberately forgave Peter. He asked Peter three times, “Peter, do you love me?”

Peter was once again able to embrace the hope he had in Jesus. He was once again full of confidence to preach the message of the Gospel — the message that gives you and me the hope we need to live in Jesus here on earth and in heaven for all eternity.