Peter helps us see how sorrow turns to repentance. When Jesus is on trial, Peter keeps denying he knows Jesus.
And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord… . And he went out and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:61-62).
Peter realizes his lies are as bad as Judas’ betrayal. His heart is broken. He must choose where his sorrow will lead. Will it drive him deeper into sin? (Like Judas he may even hang himself.) Or will it lead to a change for the better? Jesus foretold the testing of Peter. Jesus also said,
“I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32).
Yes, Peter can turn around!
Jesus has a story about a lost son. The boy chooses a selfish life that nearly destroys him. Then he comes to his senses. He says, “I will go back to my father!” He returns and his father welcomes him home – a wonderful picture of God’s love! This parable in Luke 15 helps us understand choice. God freely chooses to welcome sinners. Yet He does not force sinners to come back. Instead, He opens the way home, and then gives us power to choose. Even in the depths of moral filth and misery the sinful son can – and does – make the decision to return home. Likewise, Peter can – and does – return to the Father for forgiveness. Some act as if they can never change. To such people God says there is no need to rush headlong into ruin. Your heart and life can change!
I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel? (Ezekiel 33:11).