First impressions are important and tend to persist. That's what the research says. Those involved in sport, music, business and more must master it or get bypassed.

Let's tackle the topic of making good impressions. One verse will do. Jesus and Peter's first encounter is the setting.

From the first moment on, Jesus had Peter's respect and devotion. It continued for nearly a lifetime without wavering. How did this happen? Here's a closer look:

HE SAW: Jesus looked directly, intently at Simon. His look was not casual or glancing. Christ always focuses when He aims to see. He loves to size people up and bring confidence into His every approach.

His eyes established contact before His voice was heard. Jesus notices. Jesus sees. You gotta love a Man who LOOKS at us like this!

HE KNEW: Jesus knew Peter’s name and his dad's name. Getting context is big, especially family. It was evident “He did His homework.”

Jesus knows who we are and to whom we belong. He always knows us way better than we think He does. This sure endears Him to us. You gotta love a Man who CARES about us like this!

HE PICTURED: Jesus nicknamed Simon on the spot. He became “Peter” (literally, “The Rock”). That pictured a special future for Peter, far beyond the impulsive, unlearned and unstable man that he was at the time.

God is great at picturing special futures for people. He sees us for more than we are. O, how this builds our confidence and hope and gets us to where we were meant to be! You gotta love a Man who BELIEVES in us like this!

From the first moment on, Jesus had Peter's respect and devotion almost unwaveringly for a lifetime.

Reflect: How are you experiencing Jesus? How are others experiencing you? What kind of first and persisting impressions are you bringing to others? Are you sizing up others well, as Jesus would?

Are you becoming an expert in knowing others’ stories, or just wanna tell your own? Is your mindfulness and awareness of others evident? Do you sense Christ's good gaze on you?

A prayer to consider: LORD Jesus, I tremble with honor at Your first impressions of me. Thank You for seeing more in me than I could see in myself. What forgiveness! What mercy! What grace! You're the absolute best, unrivaled to me! I love You, Lord!