"Heart-To-Heart"

 "Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?" (John 21:20 KJV)

  "That same day two of Jesus' followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him. He asked them, "What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?" They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, "You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn't heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days." "What things?" Jesus asked. "The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth," they said. "He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people."" (Luke 24:13-19 NLT)

 If you have ever felt this, a heart-to-heart without conversation, then you might get where this is coming from, and maybe understand why John makes this point relevant. For starters, Peter was pretty much aware that John was Jesus' favorite, so it is the reason John points this out. The reason John mentions the night at the last supper, was because it was Peter who asked John to ask Jesus who it was, because Peter knew that he was the one closest to Jesus, both literally and personally.

 To point out the larger meaning of what had taken place, it would be easiest to suggest that they saw, eye-to-eye, but there was more to it, as they settled the score of competing; at least John was trying to make it a thing of the past. I hope that shines a little light on what we are looking at, because it is something that takes place in the heart, which can be misconstrued. 

 The example given in the passage for Luke, sort of makes the point of two hearts connecting, looking at the same issue, and being on two totally different pages. Jesus knew full well what they were talking about, but what they were saying was not what they truly were. Yes, those things did happen, and they were right in feeling upset, due to their lack of knowing; but these were all the plans of God! 

 As to the previous statement I made about Peter, the Stone: everything which Peter went through, even the three times he denied Jesus, were all the plans of God. Yes, Satan wanted to sift Peter, but it would be the discouragement of his denial that would be his sifting, not the actual act of doing it. Jesus knew exactly what Peter would do, and He knew that the devil would use it against him. Jesus also knew that Peter be able to strengthen others by what he went through. 

 It might seem confusing to understand how God works, His thoughts and His ways are too far above our paygrade! That said, Jesus prayed for Peter to overcome his discouragement, even though he would still deal with it. But it was his denial and his recovery that actually made it God's way to show others His abundant mercy and grace! 

 You really can't offend someone that knows you will do something to offend them, but still loves you anyway...

"Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago." (Micah 7:18-20 NLT)