“And Peter”

David Eldridge

As Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome came to the tomb of Jesus to anoint his body with spices, they encountered a “young man clothed in a long white robe” seated inside the tomb. They were told by this “young man” — an angel — that Jesus had risen and to, “go, tell His disciples — and Peter — that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you” (Mark 16:7). I find it interesting and noteworthy that the angel made specific mention of Peter in Jesus’ invitation to His disciples. Let’s examine this special mention of Peter.

Peter had sinned. You’ll remember that Jesus had told Peter that, “…even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times” (Mark 14:30). Peter responded by vehemently saying, “If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” (vs. 31). However, we know that Peter did go on to deny Jesus three times during that night even while cursing (Mark 14:66-71). Peter had committed sin in denying his friend and his Lord (cf. Matthew 10:33).

Peter was sorrowful for his sin. After having denied Jesus those three times, when the rooster crowed, Peter “wept bitterly” (Matthew 26:75). Peter knew he had sinned and felt great shame and sorrow for that sin. When we sin we should feel great shame and sorrow because we sin against our friend Jesus, just as Peter did. “Godly sorrow” brings about a repentance (turning) from our sins unto God (II Corinthians 7:9,10). Too many in our society “do not even know how to blush” (Jeremiah 6:15 NIV) when they commit sins against our Lord and Savior. Sin must bring shame, shame should bring sorrow, and sorrow should bring repentance.

Peter was forgiven by the Lord. Can you imagine how Peter must have felt to deny his Lord, master, and friend of three years? You can almost imagine Peter thinking that Jesus would want nothing to do with him after what he had done. However, the angel brings the invitation for the disciples to meet the Master and mentions only Peter specifically by name. Jesus, when we fail, wants and desires to bring us back to Him (II Peter 3:9). He desires our repentance and upon that, welcomes us back with His loving, open arms. Jesus teaches us through Peter, that no matter what sins we have committed or how many times we have committed them, when we repent, He invites us back into His fellowship.