Easter. So much to so many. And yet, so very different this year. Let us worship in our homes as we would if we were all together in a building. We are stilled blessed, friends. So blessed if we know this King of Glory! Your children will remember this time for the rest of their lives; make it special.

 You can read the rest of this week’s Holy Week posts here: Hosanna, Hanging on His Every Word, Because He Lives, No need for the Sword, Did Jesus really sweat blood in the Garden? , The Friday that was Good.  and Seal the stone... You have blessed me with your response and added thoughts!

It is hard to find a more impetuous man in the Bible than the apostle, Peter. As a  matter of fact, the synonyms for the word “impetuous”, describe him even better:

• Impulsive, yet brave.  “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee,he saw two brothers, Simon called Peterand his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.^” Matthew 4:18-20 NIV.
• Hasty, yet protective. “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must…be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” Matthew 16:21-23.
• Bold, but unthinking. “And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.” Luke 22:33, 34.
• Courageous and spontaneous. “And Peter answered him and said, ‘Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.’ And he said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, ‘Lord, save me.'” Matthew 14:28-30.

There are more. So many more, but to compile all of his antics, heroics and corrections would take up too much space.

Peter is first mentioned when the disciples are listed in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 10.

Yet he failed. Many times, he failed the Lord. Even up to the most critical hours before the crucifixion, Peter failed.

So it is with great significance that we read this passage in the Bible AFTER the crucifixion.

After the death of Jesus.

After “It is finished.”

“And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.

But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But 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 16:5-7 NKJV.

Did you see it? Go tell His disciples, the man says, that Jesus is alive and going before you into Galilee.

Oh, and tell Peter.

I am overwhelmed by the love shown by the Lord here!

Jesus knew the guilt that Peter was struggling with after his denial of Christ. Jesus knew that he would feel unworthy to come face to face with Him again.

He knew the enemy’s tactics.

You failed.

You’re finished.

You can’t find forgiveness again.

He doesn’t want you.

He doesn’t need you.

You. Are. Worthless.

But no, friend, that’s not where our Jesus leaves Peter. Jesus has been pretty busy the last few hours. Let’s recount: He hung on a cruel cross for what seemed like “forever”. He died an agonizing death that no one should ever suffer. Then, while Pilate and his cohorts were plotting how to KEEP the King of the Jews in the tomb, Jesus was out getting the keys to death, hell and the grave!

But even with His schedule, and His mission, He takes time to remember one heartbroken soul.

He takes the time to make sure Peter knows He is forgiven.

He is loved.

He is remembered.

He is wanted.

He is even needed.

It doesn’t matter what you have done, Peter. It doesn’t matter how many times you failed me. I am not remembering your mistakes. I have come back to give you hope.

And a mission. Jesus had given Peter a mission. “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 

Peter spends the rest of his life preaching the Good News, the Gospel, that Jesus is alive! He has overcome the grave and we can too…through His blood that He shed on Calvary!

Peter preaches the first message of The Church in Acts 1 and 2 and 3,000 souls are filled with the Holy Spirit. He continues to share, and share, and share, until his words that one time cost him to weep bitterly, come back to him one more time.

“Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!”

You see, Peter died a martyr’s death. Whether he intended it or not, or remembered it, (although I would like to think he did when his time came) he received his chance to give his life for his Lord and Savior.

So friend, what is hindering you today? Have you failed at some point in your life?

So did Peter.

Have you stumbled, been broken, confused, hurt, betrayed, lied about, lied, and made so many mistakes you cannot remember them all?

So did Peter.

And the Lord took the time to single him out and say, “Hey, and be sure and tell Peter too. He would want to know I forgive him.” (my paraphrase)

Jesus remembers you today too.

He paid it all so you would not have to. Accept that forgiveness today. Let Him in!

That message wasn’t just for Peter that day. It was for you too.

“Hey, be sure and tell __________ I’m alive. Forevermore.”