" ... and Peter" ... Mark 16:7

by Patsy Norwood ~ © 2004 - 2016

We have all read many times the story of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. We have read how He was deserted; how in His last hours here on earth even Peter, one of His beloved disciples, denied knowing Him. Oh, the emotional anguish that our Saviour must have suffered on the night of His betrayal! 

But what about Peter, the impetuous disciple that denied Him not once, not twice, but three times? Jesus warned him that he would do this in Mark 14: 27-31 and Peter vehemently denied that he would do such a thing. How do you think Peter felt after he realized he had done the very thing he said he would not do? Mark 14:72 says he wept. Peter surely felt remorse and sorrow for what he had done otherwise he would not have wept. Peter was also probably feeling pretty hopeless realizing that he had really messed up. Oh, for the opportunity to undo what he had done!

I'm sure all of us at one time or another has shared Peter's feelings of sorrow, remorse, and hopelessness over something that we've done. Oh, for the opportunity to undo damage our actions caused! If only ... but wait, there is good news! Mark 16:7 says "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". 

" .... and Peter", wait a minute, Peter was the one who denied Him ... 3 times ... at a time when Jesus needed someone to stand by Him. Do you mean that He wanted to include Peter, that He still counted him as one of His own ... after what he had done? 

According to Mark 16:7 that is exactly what He meant. Jesus specifically said "... go tell His disciples – and Peter –." Do you think it was because He knew that Peter was truly sorry for what he had done? Do you think that Jesus wanted Peter to know that he was forgiven? Do you think He feels the same way when we acknowledge our sins, are repentant, and ask forgiveness?

" ... and Peter" assures us that He does!

I wrote this writing back in 2004 and have used it as a reminder to myself several times since.  If you are caring a heavy load of regret over something you've done and wondering whether or not God will forgive you, don't listen to Satan who wants us to believe that we are unforgivable, instead go to God's Word and claim His sweet promises.  God forgave Peter and He'll forgive us too! ~ patsy

she hath done what she could