...and Peter

Mark 16:7, Go tell His disciples and Peter…

The women at the tomb stood trembling before the messenger of God who had brought them special word from Christ Himself. Yes, He was risen! Yes, He would meet with His people soon! "Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored!" (From the hymn "Be Still My Soul.")

But this wasn't all. The angel made a reference especially to Peter, the poor and no doubt very troubled saint. What thoughts of self-accusation were coursing through this anguished disciple's mind? While all the other disciples may well have greeted the news of Jesus' resurrection with great joy, Peter had plenty of reason to doubt Christ would have much to say to him other than words of condemnation and damnation. He, like Judas, had betrayed his dear Master in His darkest hour. Peter's eyes probably burned every time he thought back to his loud oaths disowning Jesus and the cock crowing just as his dear bloodied, battered Friend looked across the fire-lit courtyard straight through to Peter's shriveled, frightened soul (Luke 22:61).

Perhaps that look reminded Peter of the time he, ever the blustering fisherman, had attempted to walk on water. He had been terror-stricken, flailing his limbs uncontrollably and screaming for Jesus as the hungry waves drew him close to Sheol, perhaps the same feeling of panicked helplessness Peter felt on that dark night of Jesus' arrest. But Christ had been there, His strong arm lifting Peter above the seething waters. Perhaps Peter had looked into those eyes as he blinked back the sea-water from his own, and perhaps it was that same look Peter later saw when he stood before the fire pit screaming Jesus' name again but this time in oath and disavowal.

How the "little rock" had crumbled! Peter's bitter tears must have flowed ceaselessly for not only had he lost his best Friend to death's dark hand, he had lost Him while He still lived by turning his back on Jesus though Christ had never yet shunned Peter in spite of all Peter's blundering errors and his foot-hungry mouth.

Jesus must have known what agony His beloved disciple suffered, which is why, when He sent a messenger to His disciples, He made sure Peter was mentioned specifically. What a comforting thing to be assured by God’s own herald that Christ had not cast Peter out but wanted him to meet the Master along with the rest of the disciples! The same arm that had restored his life from the Galilean waves lifted him once more from the dark billows of doubt devouring his soul! Peter had failed his Master so many times, yet the Savior had never failed Peter. Just like every time before, Jesus stood ready to save...and forgive. "The waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below!" (From "Be Still My Soul.")

Simon Peter never forgot Jesus' message that singled him out for encouragement, his message of salvation. Years later, when Mark wrote his gospel under Peter's influence, Mark would include this little phrase not found in any of the other resurrection accounts: "Go tell His disciples and Peter..."