Reading: Mark 16: 1-8
Jesus is risen! The women come to the tomb to find that Jesus is not there. They are told, by a young man clothed in a long white robe, to go tell the disciples and Peter, that Jesus will be going before them to Galilee. The women heed the words spoken to them and quickly flee from the tomb. They do not ask any questions and were afraid at what has happening. As I was reading this all I could think is what would I do? In awe and fear I may not be able to move. Maybe I would ask a ton of questions. Maybe I would do as they do and rush off to do as I was told.
Another thing I noticed is that he tells them to tell the disciples and Peter. Why was Peter mentioned singularly? Was Peter so ashamed of his rejection of Jesus that he was no longer with the others? Maybe he was with them but because of his rejection of Jesus, on the day Jesus was crucified, he would think he was no longer be wanted by Jesus. Maybe he was trying to figure out what happened and why he couldn’t do what he told Jesus he would. Peter may still be questioning; how had Jesus been killed? Peter had been with Jesus when He was transfigured and seen Elijah and Moses. He had heard the voice of God saying this is my Son. He had seen Him walk on water, he had been there when Jesus spoke to the storm, and it stopped. I’m sure Peter had a ton of questions, as I’m sure many of them did.
Jesus had told the disciples what would happen to him. “And He (Jesus) began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” (Mark 8:31) Yet even after hearing this, they did not understand His words. I’m glad to live now, post cross, when I know what had happened and can understand the things that Jesus had spoken to His disciples. We have an understanding that they did not have. But why was Peter called individually? Peter had spoken that, “Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.” (Mark 14:29) Yet Jesus knew what would happen and told Peter, “Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” (Mark 14:30) Peter was angry that Jesus would say this and continued to proclaim, “If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” (Mark 14:31) For those of you that know this story, Peter did deny Jesus three times before the rooster crowed and Peter realizing what he has done is and weeps. You can read the account in Mark 14:66-72.
Subsequently, Peter had a lot to think about. He had denied Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God, not once but three times. Peter was probably full of shame for what he had done. However, Jesus had known what Peter would do and had plans to restore him. That is who He is. Jesus is our redeemer and restorer. He will not leave us in our pain, shame or condemnation. Jesus loves us and wants us to be redeemed from our past failures. He will not leave you nor forsake you. That is good news.
This is so significant for today as well because there are people that have once denied Jesus and yet He still wants to bring them into His family. He has already forgiven you and loves you. He too can redeem you and there will be no more condemnation. Jesus loved you, even when or if you have rejected Him. He has come to set you free from any condemnation and free you from the sins of the past if you will just come to Him. Romans 8:1 states, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” He is ready and willing to receive you. He is calling you by name as He did with Peter.
He is risen! Jesus Christ the Son of God is risen after being dead for three days. He is now sitting at the right hand of the Father, your Father in heaven who loves you and sent His Son to die for you. If you believe this to be true and have not already asked Jesus to come into your heart, I encourage you to do that right now. The word says all you have to do is confess Jesus is who says He is; He died, rose again on the third day and is now seated in heaven, and ask Him to come into your heart. It’s that simple. If you have prayed this simple prayer, I want to welcome you to the family. You are now a child of God and He is well pleased with you. Share with someone what has happened to you and I would love to hear from you as well. In addition to receiving salvation, there is also the baptism of the Holy Spirit. If you contact me I can tell you more about receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I’m so excited for you. Today is a new day for you.